Bacteria In Tattoo Ink

Before you get a tattoo, you may want to check the ink. According to the associated press the food and drug administration is warning tattoo parlors, their customers and those that buy at home tattoo kits that not all tattoo ink is safe just last month, white and Blue Lion Inc, a California company, recalled inks inside home tattoo kits after tests confirmed bacteria contamination in unopened bottles. At least one skin infection has been linked to the company's products. FDA officials say they are aware of other infections linked to inks with similar packaging, that is missing some manufacturer information on the bottles. In even the cleanest conditions, infections can happen to people getting tattoos. Usually dirty needles or unclean conditions are to blame. Ink tainted with bacteria spreads through the bloodstream-causing sepsis a serious condition that could result in organ failure. Less severe infections can cause bumps on the skin, redness, discharge, swelling and pain at the tattoo site. The fda says those looking to get a tattoo should make sure the ink has a brand name and location of the business that manufactured it.