A large number of people who decide to take the plunge and get a tattoo regret the decision later — not because of that expression of eternal love to what is now their ex, but because of itchy, scaly allergies that crop up soon after.

Interviews of 300 people at Central Park in New York City found that 4 percent of those who had gotten inked up experienced a rash, while another 6 percent had skin problems that lasted longer than four months, according to the study, which was published in the journal Contact Dermatitis as reported by NBC News.

The reactions can be pretty nasty, too. The colored portion of the tattoo can rise up as much as a centimeter above the skin and result in a scaly texture of the skin.

Allergies are likely at the root of these rashes, with two-thirds of people reporting having allergies, compared to just one-third in those who did not report any problems with their tattoos.

The research team went to two spots in Central Park for the study, asking passersby if they would be interested in participating. Those who are over 18 and had tattoos done in the U.S. were allowed to participate. A total of 149 men and 151 women were examined.

People who had reactions to the tattoos typically reported that they saw skin irritations that were itchy, scaly, raised, and oftentimes filled with edema. Red ink tend to be most associated with rashes.