Many tattoo inks contaminated with bacteria: FDA

(NewsNation) – New search of the Food and Drug Administration showed many tattoo inks and permanent makeup inks have been contaminated with potentially dangerous bacteria, including some marked as sterile.

The agency tested 75 paints from 14 different manufacturers, which were not publicly disclosed. The researchers found that 35% of the paints tested were contaminated by bacteria. Of the inks tested, permanent makeup inks were more likely to be contaminated than tattoo inks.

Half of the inks tested were labeled as sterile, but this designation made no difference when it came to finding contamination.

The study tested for aerobic bacteria, which require oxygen to grow, and anaerobic bacteria, which can flourish even in an oxygen-free environment. Bacteria found included Staphylococcus saprophyticus, which is a leading cause of urinary tract infections; staphylococcus epidermis, which is often linked to healthcare-acquired infections; cutibacterium acnes, which can cause acne; pseudomonas putida, which usually infects immunocompromised people; and stenotrophomonas maltophilia, which is a drug-resistant bacteria.

The presence of bacteria can pose potential dangers to the approximately 32 percent of Americans who have at least one tattoo. Because tattoo inks are injected deep into the skin, it is easy for an infection to spread through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other parts of the body.

This means that in addition to causing local infections, the bacteria have the potential to cause systemic reactions that can lead to potentially fatal complications, such as sepsis and endocarditis. Sepsis can progress rapidly, leading to organ failure and death.

The FDA reported an increase in tattoo infections in 2023, and new data indicates that contaminated paint may be part of the problem, along with infections caused by artists using non-sterile techniques or inadequate aftercare.

Tattoo inks and permanent makeup are not regulated by the FDA, although the agency has issued draft guidelines in 2023 that guided manufacturers on how to avoid contamination.

Those who have multiple tattoos or large designs are at greater risk of infection due to the amount of ink they are exposed to.

For those looking to get a tattoo or add more ink to their body, experts suggest asking studios how they handle ink. In addition to the usual precautions, like using new needles for each tattoo and making sure the same gloves don’t touch ink bottles and tattoos, some places are taking extra precautions.

This includes performing independent ink testing to look for contamination or using an autoclave to re-sterilize the ink after it is purchased.

In addition to talking to a studio about safety practices, it is also important to follow other aftercare practices including using antibacterial soap, appropriate healing ointments and avoiding swimming in pools, lakes, hot tubs or other bodies of water until the tattoo is fully healed.

This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story