Possible Problems with a Tattoo

The American Association of Blood Banks requires a year’s wait between getting a tattoo and donating blood because of the possibility of infection, some of which don’t show up for months or even years.  

Potential Medical Problems

Medical problems associated with tattoos include: allergic reactions to methods or dyes; excessive scar tissue; contact dermatitis or minor skin reactions; infection at the skin site; or the spread of infectious diseases like TB, staph infections, tetanus, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or HIV.

With any skin puncture, there is risk of infection. To stave off the threat of tetanus, it is recommended that you get a booster if your last shot was 10 years ago or longer before you get that tattoo. Skin infections include impetigo, cellulitis, contact dermatitis, granulomas and the worst – a staph infection.

Impetigo is a small cluster of itchy or mildly painful blisters with a honey-colored crust. Cellulitis begins with a small, swollen, infected area that may be reddened. It often starts with a scrape or bruise, but sometimes, there doesn’t seem to be a break in the skin. Warm skin and areas painful to the touch, with fever, chills and sweating could indicate staph cellulitis. Contact dermatitis is a minor skin reaction. Granulomas are bumps that form around tattoo ink that can lead to keloids -- an overgrowth of scar tissue that causes raised areas.

Staph is short for staphylococcus and refers to infections that can affect skin or blood, and even endocarditis, which threatens the lining of the heart. The staph bacteria naturally occurs on the skin, and those with compromised immune systems are vulnerable to staph infections. But anyone can be struck down.