Tattoo artist (Getty Images)
(News Nation) — New Research A report from the Food and Drug Administration found that many Tattoo Ink Permanent makeup inks, even those labeled as sterile, were contaminated with potentially dangerous bacteria.
The agency tested 75 different inks from 14 different manufacturers whose names were not released. Researchers found that 35 percent of the inks tested were contaminated with bacteria. Of the inks tested, permanent cosmetic inks were High probability of contamination More than tattoo ink.
Half of the inks tested were labeled as sterile, but that designation was meaningless when it came to finding contamination.
the study They tested for aerobic bacteria, which require oxygen to grow, and anaerobic bacteria, which can thrive in an oxygen-free environment. Among the bacteria found were Staphylococcus purpuratus, a leading cause of urinary tract infections, Staphylococcus epidermidis, which is linked to healthcare-associated infections, Propionibacterium acnes, which causes acne, Pseudomonas putida, which infects immunocompromised people, and the drug-resistant bacteria Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.
The presence of bacteria is About 32 percent of Americans People with at least one tattoo. Tattoo ink is injected deep into the skin, making it easier for infection to spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body.
This means that rather than just causing a localized infection, the bacteria can trigger a systemic response, leading to life-threatening complications such as sepsis and endocarditis, which can progress rapidly and lead to organ failure and death.
The FDA: Tattoo infection In 2023, new data suggests that contaminated ink may be part of the problem, and infections may also be caused by artists using unhygienic techniques or improper aftercare.
Tattoo and permanent makeup inks are not regulated by the FDA, but the agency Draft Guidelines It provided manufacturers with guidelines to avoid contamination in 2023.
People with multiple tattoos or large designs are at higher risk of infection because they come into contact with more ink.
Experts recommend that people thinking about getting a tattoo or having ink inked on their body ask the studio how they handle the ink, and some are taking extra precautions beyond the usual ones like using a new needle for each tattoo and making sure the same gloves don’t touch ink bottles or tattoos.
That includes independently testing the ink for contamination and resterilizing the ink in an autoclave after purchase.
In addition to discussing safety measures with your studio, it’s also important to: Other aftercare This includes using antibacterial soaps and appropriate healing ointments, and avoiding swimming in bodies of water like pools, lakes, or hot tubs until the tattoo is completely healed.
