However, drugs and other medications should be used properly to avoid unwanted health effects like drug interactions and antibiotic resistance.

Other health risks of tattooing may include the following:

Blood-borne diseases. Equipments that are contaminated with the blood of an infected person may transfer serious blood-borne diseases. These include hepatitis C, hepatitis B, tetanus, tuberculosis and HIV — the virus that causes AIDS.

· Skin disorders. The body may form bumps called granulomas around tattoo ink, especially if the tattoo includes red ink. Keloids or excessive scarring may also form in individuals who are prone to them. Keloids may form any time the skin is injured or traumatized.

· Skin infections. Tattoos can lead to local bacterial infections. Typical signs and symptoms of an infection include redness, warmth, swelling and a pus-like drainage. The prevalence of potentially serious antibiotic-resistant skin infections are blamed on unlicensed tattoo artists who don't follow proper infection-control procedures. Some antibiotic-resistant skin infections can lead to pneumonia, blood infections and a painful, flesh-destroying condition called necrotizing fasciitis.

· Allergic reactions. Tattoo dyes, particularly red dye, can cause allergic skin reactions, resulting in an itchy rash at the tattoo site. This may occur even years after you get the tattoo.

In addition to unsanitary and improper tattooing practice, a chemical called para-phenylenediamine, which used in temporary henna tattoos, may cause contact dermatitis. Tattoos may also interfere with medical tests like a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests; misdiagnoses could be made due to the iron oxide and heavy metal pigments in the tattoos.

To prevent the development of such conditions, individuals who want to have a tattoo are encouraged to make sure that the tattoo parlor has a permit and is sanitary. Tattooing procedures should be done in a sterile environment by an experienced professional. The person performing the procedure should remove a new needle from the plastic in front of the one getting the tattoo and should wear a new pair of sterile gloves. Understanding the health risks of tattoos may help individuals decide if its worth one's time and resources. The best way to prevent the development of infection and other conditions from tattoos is not to get one in the first place

Emmanuel Chavez is a sports writer and holds a graduate degree in Sports Nutrition. He is active in promoting weight loss programs and healthy lifestyle among inner city youth.

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