Tattoo-Associated Skin Reactions: A Danish Population-Based Survey in 5,914 Tattooed Individuals

BACKGROUND: In Europe, Australia, and the USA, the estimated overall prevalence of tattooing is around 10-20%. Tattoo ink often comprises harmful chemicals and epidemiological studies on adverse effects of tattoos are lacking.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to estimate the prevalence of tattoo-associated skin reactions in the general Danish population and describe individuals with tattoo-associated skin reactions by socio-demographic factors and tattoo characteristics.

METHODS: The study was based on respondents aged 16 years or older from a population-based 2021 survey entitled "How are you?" conducted in the Central Denmark Region (n = 33,925). Logistic regression was used to characterise individuals with tattoo-associated skin reactions by socio-demographic factors (gender, age, educational level, and ethnic background). Also, the relationship between size, age and colour of the tattoo, and tattoo-associated skin reactions was studied. Model 1 was adjusted for all socio-demographic variables (gender, age, educational level, and ethnic background); model 2, for all socio-demographic variables and tattoo characteristics (size, age, and colour).

RESULTS: In total, 21.1% reported that they had at least one tattoo, 10.2% hereof reported that they had experienced tattoo-associated skin reactions (itching, pain, inflammation, and swelling) beyond the first 3 weeks after the tattoo was made. Lower age (16-44 years) (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) ≥1.75), larger tattoos (AOR ≥1.61) and having had tattoos for more than 10 years (AOR = 2.92, 95% confidence interval 1.45-5.88) increased the odds of tattoo-associated skin reactions. In general, tattooed individuals with colours other than black had higher odds of tattoo-associated skin reactions.

CONCLUSION: Among participants with at least one tattoo, 10.2% had experienced tattoo-associated skin reactions beyond the first 3 weeks after their tattoo was made. This finding highlights the need for safer tattoo inks to prevent the adverse health problems experienced by many individuals with tattoos.