As the trend toward getting tattoos grows in popularity throughout the country, consumers have to be aware that not all tattoo inks are created equal.

Specifically, the United States Food and Drug Administration has announced unopened bottles of inks in home use tattoo kits marketed by White and Blue Lion, Inc. have tested positive for bacterial contamination.

According to Linda Katz, M.D., director of FDA's Office of Cosmetics and Colors, using the tainted inks for tattoos could cause infection.

The FDA, said Katz in an agency news release, "has confirmed one case of skin infection involving a consumer that used this company's tattoo products and we are aware of other reports linked to tattoo products with similar packaging."

Tattooing, Katz continued, "poses a risk of infection to anyone, but the risk is particularly high for those with preexisting heart or circulatory disease, diabetes or compromised immune systems."

She noted that injecting contaminated ink into the skin or using contaminated needles may result in infections at the site of the tattoo, the signs of which could include redness, swelling, weeping wounds, blemishes, and excessive pain at the site.

As well, an infection that is left untreated or inadequately treated could spread through the bloodstream -- an extremely dangerous condition known as sepsis, which is associated with fever, shaking chills and sweats.

If any of the aforementioned symptoms arise, medical treatment could require antibiotics, hospitalization or even surgery.

Then, even after a localized infection has healed, the area could end up permanently scarred, Katz warned.

While White and Blue Lion, Inc. recalled its contaminated products in early July, FDA officials suspect consumers and professional tattoo artists may be continuing to purchase and use contaminated home tattoo kits and inks from other distributors.

"If you're buying tattoo inks or getting a tattoo from a professional tattoo artist, you should first examine the products to determine whether the inks or kits meet the above descriptions," cautioned Katz.

As such, the FDA advises suggests consumer watch for inks intended for permanent makeup or traditional body tattoos that have no brand name, carry a dragon logo, and/or are missing the name and place of business of the manufacturer or distributor.

In general, the FDA advises tattoo consumers and artists to:

  • Seek immediate medical care if you experience any signs of infection.
  • Don't use tattoo inks and kits that have no brand name, carry a dragon logo, and/or are missing the name and place of business of the manufacturer or distributor.
  • Dispose of tattoo inks that meet this description.
  • Do not use recalled kits.
  • Report adverse events or side effects through the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.