Individuals with a desire to get a tattoo may want to think twice before deciding to go through with the process, recent findings from the Food and Drug Administration suggest. The FDA recently confirmed bacterial contamination in unopened bottles of tattoo ink in home use tattoo kits marketed by White and Blue Lion, Inc.

Using such inks could result in infection, suggests Linda Katz, MD, MPH, director of the FDA’s Office of Cosmetics and Colors. Katz said in a statement, “FDA has confirmed one case of skin infection involving a consumer that used this company’s tattoo products.” She continued, “…and we are aware of other reports linked to tattoo products with similar packaging.”

Katz notes that injecting ink that is contaminated into the skin, or using needles that are contaminated, could result in infections at the site of the tattoo. She explains, “Tattooing poses a risk of infection to anyone, but the risk is particularly high for those with pre-existing heart or circulatory disease, diabetes or compromised immune systems.”

Symptoms of localized infection may include redness, weeping wounds, swelling, blemishes, and excessive pain at the site. Individuals experiencing such symptoms should get medical care promptly.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, consumers who wish to get a tattoo should look for establishments with an autoclave, fresh equipment, and gloves to help minimize the risk of infection.