If you have a medical problem such as heart disease, allergies, diabetes, skin problems like eczema or psoriasis, a weak immune system, or a bleeding problem, talk to your doctor before getting a tattoo. Also, if you get keloids (an overgrowth of scar tissue) you probably should not get a tattoo.

Superficial and deep local infections, systemic infections, allergic reactions, photodermatitis, granulomatous reactions and lichenoid reactions may occur.

The process of getting a tattoo breaks the skin. That means skin infections and other health problems can develop afterward. The risks include: Allergic reactions.

The artist will dip the needle into the ink and start puncturing the skin. The needle quickly goes in and out of the skin, leaving a trail of ink. The artist repeats this process until the tattoo is complete. The tattoo machine deposits the ink into the dermis, which is the second layer of skin.