The sequences of this custom are sometimes quite serious.

Syphilis has been frequently contracted in this manner, and Maury and Dulles have collected 15 cases of syphilis acquired in tattooing.

Cheinisse reports the case of a young blacksmith who had the emblems of his trade tattooed upon his right forearm.

At the end of forty days small, red, scaly elevations appeared at five different points in the tattooed area.

These broke down and formed ulcers.