Common Tattoo Infections: Suing for Infections from Tattoos

Pain is temporary, style is permanent- says the tattoo lovers.

Meet Lucky Diamond Rich, the most inked man on earth!!! He has been holding the Guinness World Record for more than a decade now.

Lucky Diamond Rich, or just Lucky Rich (born Gregory Paul McLaren in 1971), is a New Zealand man who is “the world’s most tattooed person”, a title formerly held by Tom Leppard. He has tattoos covering his entire body, including the insides of his eyelids, mouth, ears and foreskin. Jon Enoch for Guinness World Records

Lucky has been on the table getting tattooed for more than 41 days, or more than 1000 hours. There doesn’t appear to be any more room on his body for tattoos after having them twice. In order to become the world’s most tattooed man, Rich covered everything from his eyelids to his gums to his genitals.

“I’m more than 100% covered,” he says. “I’ve had tattoos over tattoos over tattoos.”- says Lucky.

Tattoos are a common form of body art and self-expression that millions of people have all over the world. Nonetheless, there is always a danger of infection with any invasive procedure. While moving with the style and trend, infections caused by tattoos are one of the serious concerns haunting the tattoo lovers.

Did you know? The latest study in 2024 by the Swedish researchers from Lund University reveals that tattoo ink may cause inflammation in the lymph nodes, increasing the risk of lymphoma, a rare form of blood cancer.

Through this blog, let’s discuss in detail about the common tattoo infections, tattoo infection causes, symptoms of tattoo infections, post-tattoo care and the legal options awaiting the victims.

With precise medical record reviews, we at LezDo TechMed is offering helping hands in personal injury lawsuits. We support attorneys and legal firms with expert medical record reviews to shoulder their claims.

Tattoo Love In the U.S- A Glance

Do you know that more than 4 in 10 Americans have at least one tattoo? Women are more eager to acquire tattoos than men are. In comparison to 41% of men, about 59% of women have at least one tattoo.

As per Statista, the following is the percentage of tattoo lovers based on the number of times they have inked themselves.

• One tattoo: 35%
• Two or three tattoos: 19%
• Four or five tattoos: 18%
• 11 to 20 tattoos: 9%
• More than 20 tattoos: 3%

Which is the most preferred body part by the tattoo freaks? With 40% of respondents choosing the forearm as their tattoo location, this body part continues to be the most popular. The next most popular locations are back (39%), hand or wrist (34%), armpits (33%), chest (28%), (28%) shoulder.

Another interesting statistics is that 40 % of the people who don’t have a tattoo considers the tattoo lovers as rebels. This number shows the emotional connect tattoos have in the society.

Before going deep in to the discussion, let’s understand how a tattoo is done.

Tattooing Process

In essence, the tattoo needle is a single metal item with several ends. The dermis, the tissue immediately beneath the epidermis, the outer layer of your skin, must be penetrated for a tattoo to be considered permanent.

The machine’s solid needle moves up and down, puncturing the epidermis between 50 and 3,000 times per minute. A drop of insoluble ink is injected into the epidermis with each puncture, which causes a millimeter-long hole in the skin.

What causes tattoo infections?

Although tattoos are a well-liked form of body art, there is always a danger of infection with any intrusive procedure. Infections from tattoos can stem from several sources, including unsterilized equipment, contaminated ink, improper aftercare, and a weakened immune system. Ensuring that your tattoo artist follows proper hygiene and sterilization techniques is crucial in reducing the risk of infection.

Some factors that contribute to tattoo infections include:

• When tattoo artists do not adhere to proper sanitation practices
• Unsanitary tattoo shops or environments
• Using contaminated tattoo ink
• Unsterilized tattoo needles
• Insufficient aftercare, leading to exposure of the fresh tattoo to bacteria
• Weakened immune system, which compromises the body’s ability to ward off infection

There are two typical forms of tattoo infections. They are

Superficial Infections – Infections that only affect the skin’s outermost layer, like impetigo.

Deep infections– Sepsis, cellulitis, and other severe bacterial infections including erysipelas.

How often do tattoos get infected?

Despite the fact that infection rates can vary based on the location, the artist, and the patient’s health, studies suggest that 0.5% to 6% of tattoos may contract an infection. How to prevent tattoo infection? You can reduce the chance of infection by taking preventive steps, such as researching your tattoo artist, practicing correct aftercare, and carefully monitoring your tattoo.

Symptoms of Tattoo Infections

What does an infected tattoo look like?

• Redness
• Swelling
• Itchiness
• Bumps on your skin with or without pus
• Nodules, bumps on or below your skin

Tattoo Infections

Other tattoo infection symptoms include

• Pain
• Chillness
• Fever
• Sweats
• Soreness

Types of Infections from Tattoos

The following are the types of tattoo infections based on the microorganism involved in the infection, leading to further health complications.

Bacterial Infections

Certain bacteria are to blame for the most prevalent type of infection linked to tattoos. Pus secretion, swelling, discomfort, and redness are all indicators of a bacterial infection.

Which bacterial species can infect a tattoo?

• Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM).
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
• Staphylococcus aureus.
• Streptococcus spp.

According to a case study in BMJ Case Reports, a guy got a tattoo on his calf before swimming in the Gulf of Mexico. He was brought to the hospital with a Vibrio vulnificus infection. He passed away after two months of suffering from septic shock and skin necrosis.

Viral Infections

Viral infections like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV can be spread by sharing contaminated needles or ink. These infections present a greater danger to health because, if untreated, they can result in chronic illness or even death.

Fungal Infections

Although they are uncommon, fungal infections can happen if contaminated ink or needles are used. A scaly, discolored rash, raised lumps, or persistent itching may be symptoms.

Sources of Common Tattoo Infections

Tattoo infections can be broadly classified into three types depending upon the infection source. They are

• Infections from Tattoo Needles
• Infection from Tattoo Ink
• Blood Infections from Tattoos

Infections from Tattoo Needles

As elaborated earlier, puncturing the skin and injecting ink into the dermis with tattooing needles, tattoos are created. The ink would only penetrate the epidermis without the aid of an appropriate tattoo needle.

The needles used for tattooing are categorized based on their size, shape, and use. Round needles, flat needles, magnum needles, bugpins, and so forth are all categories for needles based on the aforementioned characteristics. The needles are chosen based on the design features and the tattooing area.

Tattoo needles are made of steel, and also contain nickel (6-8%) and chrome (15-20%). They are available both in pre-sterilized and autoclavable models. If not sterilized, before using in each individual , the needle should be properly sterilized. Unsterilized needles are potential carriers of infections from one individual to another.

Tattoo Ink Infection

Professional tattoo inks come in a variety of hues and use a wide range of pigments, including synthetic organic pigments like vividly colored azo-chemicals and inorganic pigments like carbon black.

Tattoo ink frequently contains ingredients that could be dangerous, such as:

• Animal-based ingredients
• Ink for calligraphy
• Chemicals like coating agents and pH stabilizers
• Metallic salts
• Pigments used in car paint and printer toner

To make liquid inks, commercial manufacturers blend pigments with carriers like ethyl alcohol or distilled water. One epidemic, which first appeared in January 2012, involved the skin and soft tissue infection-causing bacteria Mycobacterium chelonae. It had an impact on 19 persons throughout several US states. Prediluted ink that was contaminated before it was acquired was used by a the tattoo artists

Following the application of a tattoo, a portion of the ink is removed through the lymphatic and circulatory systems, and some may be expelled or stored in other parts of the body. To find out whether the pigments in human lymph nodes have any negative impacts, long-term investigations are required.

Tattoo infections stemming from the ink may be due to

• The non-sterile water used for dilution of the ink
• Allergic reactions and subsequent infections in response to harmful ink ingredients

Possible infections include lichenoid reactions, or itchy skin patches like in lichen planus, granuloma, or raised red bumps surrounding the tattoo. Another common tattoo ink infections are pseudolymphomatous reactions, characterized by purple or red nodules and plaques.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States does not control tattoo ink, until complaints are made regarding specific safety risks, such as contamination. No pigments have received particular FDA approval for use in cosmetic tattoos.

Blood Infections from Tattoos

There is solid proof that getting a tattoo might spread the hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and syphilis. The possibility exists that getting a tattoo could possibly spread the HIV infection, however there isn’t enough solid proof to support this claim.

Several reports describing necrotizing fasciitis or cellulitis-related septic shock are also reported, that are associated with tattooing. Within two weeks of getting a tattoo, pyogenic bacteria were found to be predominantly responsible for septic shock.

Will infected tattoo heal itself?

Minor skin discomfort is frequent with tattoos and will heal by itself. Nonetheless, you must see a doctor right once if you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms.

Abscesses may develop if an infection is not treated promptly enough or cannot be treated effectively due to the bacteria’s resistance to an antibiotic. Special care in the clinic or hospital may be necessary for removal. Infections may worsen and cause major health issues if they are not addressed.

Infected Tattoo Treatment

Let’s check out the instructions of Kaiser Permanente for the treatment of infected tattoo.

• Take the antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor. Alternatively, follow the directions on any antibiotic ointment your doctor has recommended.
• Follow your doctor’s recommendations if they include how to take care of your infected tattoo. If you didn’t receive instructions, heed the following general guidance:
• Cleanse the tattoo twice day in warm water and light soap. Alcohol and hydrogen peroxide can impede healing; avoid using them.
• After washing the tattoo, gently pat it dry. Using a nonstick bandage and a small layer of an unscented, water-based cream or lotion, you can conceal the tattoo. If necessary, change the bandage.

Tattoo Lawsuits for Infections Caused by Tattoos

After having a tattoo, if you had a serious infection that required immediate medical attention or long-term treatment, you might have a case for a personal injury lawsuit. You might be able to make a negligence claim against the tattoo artist, the tattoo shop, or a manufacturer, depending on what caused the infection. You may sue the tattoo studio in particular for damages if they didn’t provide the necessary level of care and hygiene during tattooing.

Tattoo studios has some duty of care to its clients which are listed below. Breach of any of the duty of care can result in potential lawsuits against them

• Be aware of age restrictions in their state and check client ids
• Meet licensing standards
• Meet health and safety standards
• Use a new and sterile needle on each client
• Wash hands thoroughly between clients and wear disposable gloves
• Give adequate after-care advice

Let us go through the tattoo lawsuit possibilities with some queries.

Can I sue my tattoo artist for a tattoo infection?

Yes. However, you have to understand that you cannot sue a tattoo artist for the risks that are normally associated with a tattooing procedure. It’s like the risk associated with a surgical procedure for which you cannot sue a surgeon for medical negligence. However, it is the responsibility of the tattoo artist to clearly explain the risks associated with tattooing to his clients.

When can I sue a tattoo artist?

You can sue a tattoo artist under the following circumstances.

• For infections due to unsterilized tattoo needles
• For infections due to contaminated tattoo ink
• For infections due to unhygienic tattooing procedures
• For blood borne tattoo infections
• For infections caused by untrained tattoo artists

I have signed a waiver before getting inked. Can I sue the tattoo artist for the infection?

A waiver is like an informed consent form you sign before a surgical procedure. A waiver may shield a tattoo artist from legal action for common tattoo-related illnesses, but it will not shield them from legal action if they utilize re-used needles to spread blood-borne diseases.

Legally, before getting a waiver signed, the tattoo artist should explain the client about the possible risks associated with tattooing and also about post-tattoo care followed.

I am not satisfied with the tattoo design. Can I sue a tattoo artist for a bad tattoo?

It depends on the circumstances. Tattoo procedures are purely done for enhancing the beauty and not for life-saving purposes. Hence the law applies like cosmetic surgery claims. You cannot sue the tattoo artist just for the fact that you are not satisfied with the outcome like design or perfection. However, you can file a tattoo lawsuit for botched tattoos, misspellings, wrong designs, etc.

Tattoo infection lawsuits will depend When you share some of the guilt for your poorly applied tattoo, the defendant may assert the legal defenses of contributory and comparative negligence. If you share even 1% of the guilt for your unfortunate outcome, you cannot file a lawsuit in a state that adheres to the contributory negligence rule.

If you share culpability, you may still file a lawsuit in states that apply the comparative negligence rule, but your damage award will be diminished in proportion to your level of fault.

Are you a victim of a tattoo infection due to negligence of the tattoo shop? Be sure to take pictures to document your infection and get help from a doctor. Get a copy of your medical history and diagnosis after receiving care.

How does medical records prove your tattoo infection lawsuit?

Medical records would very well reflect the injuries, pain and suffering you have sustained from the tattoo. It would clearly represent the treatment, medications and care you have received for the infected tattoo. Laboratory tests, prescription charts, diagnosis reports, medication bills etc. would aid you in receiving a fair compensation for your physical, mental  and financial sufferings related with the tattoo.

With precise medical record reviews, tattoo infection lawyers can very well present the case for you, getting you a deserved compensation.

Damages Covered Under Tattoo Lawsuits

If you can demonstrate that the tattoo artist’s negligence caused your infection, you might be entitled to damages to make up for your losses. Your financial losses are compensated for by economic damages, which also include travel costs, prescription drug costs, and medical charges. Your pain and suffering, mental anguish, and scarring are all covered by non-economic damages.

People get tattoos for a variety of reasons, and they remain popular. But before you eventually decide to ink your skin, it’s important to be aware of all the dangers.

The possibility of tattoo infections should not deter you from scheduling an appointment for new tattoos. However, the artist is not necessarily at blame for all infections. To prevent an infection from spreading to the healing wound, aftercare is crucial. There are numerous methods for properly caring for your brand-new tattoos.

Happy Tattooing!!! Stay tuned with us on Instagram, we are coming with more updates on infections caused by tattoos and tattoo infection lawsuits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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