Health officials are needling tattoo artists and their customers to avoid six specific tattoo inks due to risk of bacterial infection.
The Food and Drug Administration recalled inks from three manufacturers this week saying they were “contaminated with microorganisms” and carry “the potential for serious injury.”
The inks to avoid are Scalpaink SC, Scalpaink PA and Scalpaink AL basic black inks from Scalp Aesthetics; lots 12024090 and 12026090 of black ink from Dynamic Color Inc.; and an October 2018 lot of Solid Ink-Diablo red ink from Color Art Inc., sold under the names Solid Ink and Antone’s Ink, officials said.
“Commonly reported symptoms of tattoo-ink-associated infections include the appearance of rashes or lesions consisting of red papules in areas where the contaminated ink has been applied,” the FDA said in a statement. “Some tattoo infections can result in permanent scarring.”
Officials said the inks tested positive for contamination during routine inspections.
“Tattoo inks contaminated with microorganisms can cause infections and lead to serious health injuries when injected into the skin during a tattooing procedure, since there is an increased risk of infection any time the skin barrier is broken,” the FDA said.
Officials said consumers experiencing symptoms of infection or an injury from a tattoo should consult their doctor, inform their tattoo artist and consider reporting their injury to the FDA’s safety program.
