How Does Tattoo Ink Affect Lymph Nodes? - AuthorityTattoo (2025)

While nothing is proven, scientific research suggests tattoos could have these effects on the lymph nodes:

Alterings in lipid and protein levels

What Is Tattoo Ink Made Of?

It’s crucial to become knowledgable about the compounds contained in the tattoo ink. This will allow for a better and deeper understanding of the effects these can have on the lymph nodes.

The dye will contain a carrier and colorant. The carrier works as a solvent, dispersing the pigment to the skin area. It will likely contain glycerin, isopropyl, alcohol, witch hazel and water.

The colorant can contain an array of heavy metals, such as nickel, cobalt and chromium. Possible contaminated ingredients could also be present:

• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
• Phthalates
• Microorganisms

Macrophagic repair cells will attempt to fight these foreign compounds. Some will be rejected by the body, by flaking or peeling away.

The ink pigment that cannot be destroyed will remain in the dermis layer of skin, and your body will come to accept it.

But, the ingredients sound frightening, right? It’s true. The list raises some red flags. Just what could these compounds be doing to the body, particularly the lymph nodes?

How Can Ink Affect Lymph Nodes?

Research shows that ink particles can remove themselves from the dermal skin layer and move through the lymphatic system, bloodstream and liver. They will arrive at the lymph nodes along this journey.

Post mortem studies were carried out on doner lymph node and skin tissue samples from those with tattoos and those without — techniques such as measuring, x-rays and fluorescence imaging were used.

The tattoo ink contains metal pigments, which were found to be carried through the bloodstream or lymph fluid. They ended up in the lymph nodes, and traces of titanium were found here.

Those subjects who had tattoos showed more trace of these compounds.

The study used a technique called spectroscopy. Results showed biomolecular tissue changes in skin and lymph pigment:

• Higher lipid levels
• Lower protein levels
• Tissue protein structural changes.

Scientific researchers in the study noted that this could affect the immune system and skin inflammation. Despite this, nothing is proven, and other independent factors could be at play.

Good Tattoo Practice

Getting your inking is a complicated business, one that implicates an array of risks regarding your health. Since the lymph nodes play such a vital role in the body, it’s advisable to implement certain methods of preparation.

These don’t directly relate to the lymphatic system, but is good advice, in general:

• Research a reliable, well-reviewed and reputable studio and tattoo artist
• Ensure the tattoo studio has adequate health and safety measures in place
• Know the risks involved, no matter how small

Post-tattoo care is also important to minimize infection or health risk. Ensure you:

• Wash the area with antimicrobial soap
• Seek medical attention if you have any concerns at all
• Avoid excessive touching of the area such as scratching and picking

Conclusion

Tattoos don’t come without risks. In making the decision to get inked, you’re putting faith in your selected tattoo parlor and artist. Ensure you have made an educated decision.

Tiny ink particles can leave the dermal skin layer and spread through the bloodstream to the lymphatic system. This puts you at risk of certain blood-borne diseases, particularly if the ink is contaminated. If concerned, seek medical attention.

While tattoos are deemed to be generally safe procedures, always go with a reputable studio and experienced tattoo artist to ensure a safe practice is carried out. This will minimize the risk of any issues further down the line.