Getting inked might lead to infections not only because of the use of needles that are not sanitized, but also because of contaminated ink.

A couple of ink shades sold by a Miami-based company have been tested and found to have microbial contamination that may lead to infections on the tattooed part of the skin and may also spread throughout the body.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and A Thousand Virgins Corp. announced they are recalling grey wash inks that have the G1, G2 and G3 labels, Lot #129 code and January 2016 expiration date, due to contamination with Mycobacterium chelonae, Microbacterium organisms and the Cryptococcus molds and Penicillium genus members.

When used, these contaminated inks, which come in two-ounce and four-ounce bottles and sold in singles or in sets, may lead to infection that may result in permanent scarring and can further lead to sepsis, a life-threatening infection complication.

The contamination was discovered when the Florida Health Department requested the FDA's assistance in investigating an outbreak of mycobacterial infections in people who just got inked. Despite the recall made on Aug. 4, the FDA is still greatly concerned, as A Thousand Virgins Corp. caters to a range of worldwide customers and the product can be easily purchased online.

The drug agency therefore warns artists and consumers about the G1, G2 and G3 ink shades and urges those who seek tattooing to check the bottles to make sure they are using safe ink.

To safely dispose of already purchased contaminated ink, one must ensure the bottle is closed and place it into a plastic bag. The plastic bag must be sealed or tied off, to prevent leakage. Then, the first plastic bag must be placed in a second plastic bag, also sealed or tied off. Before finally getting rid of the ink bottles, one must check with the local waste management authorities to be aware of any other disposal requirements, the FDA says.

Especially for people who have pre-existing medical conditions like heart or circulatory disease and diabetes as well as those with weak immune systems, injecting the contaminated bottles into the skin poses a great threat.

Medical assistance should therefore be immediately sought once symptoms begin to appear. Symptoms include itching, redness, swelling, a raised pink or purple blemish and pain in the tattooed area of the skin.

A Thousand Virgins Corp. is closely working with the FDA to recall the contaminated inks and further investigate how the ink bottles became contaminated. The FDA and Florida Health Department will immediately provide further information about the investigation once it becomes available. 

Photo: Micael Faccio | Flickr