There are a number of health risks associated with tattoos and piercings:

Blood-borne diseases

Equipment that is contaminated with blood from an infected person can cause:

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis B

Tetanus

HIV - the virus that causes AIDS

Skin disorders

Granulomas - bumps that form around tattoo ink, especially if red ink is used

Keloid - raised, excessive scarring (more common in people with darker skin)

Skin infections

Upper ear piercings - Due to the lack of blood supply around the area, antibiotics, which are often used to treat infections, are ineffective to reach the site of infection.

Tattoos can cause infections, which can be identified by common signs, including swelling pus-like drainage and redness.

Allergic reactions

Many piercings are made of brass or nickel, which can produce an allergic reaction in some people

Tattoo dyes, especially red dye, can cause an allergic rash reaction at the tattoo site. This may occur years after you get the tattoo.

Oral problems

Tongue piercings can cause damage to gums as well as chip and crack teeth.