On August 23, 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that tattoo inks and the pigments used to color them can become contaminated by bacteria, mold and fungus. The most common bacteria responsible for infection is called Mycobacterium chelonae. Infection with Mycobacterium chelonae can cause a rash or raised red bumps in a tattooed area within a couple of weeks of receiving a tattoo. The infection can be difficult to diagnose and may be mistaken for an “allergic” reaction. Mycobacterium chelonae can also cause lung disease, joint infection, eye problems, and other organ infections, and can require treatment lasting six months or more.
