According to experts, up to 10 per cent of people who get tattoos are at risk of severe, permanent scarring. Why? Because between 5 and 10 per cent of Europeans have a family history of keloids, according to The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD).

Keloids, which can also occur after temporary tattoos, are heaped-up scar tissue that rises abruptly above the skin. A BAD spokesperson said: "People with risk for getting keloids are advised to avoid skin trauma such as tattooing, body piercing and unnecessary surgical procedures or cosmetic skin surgery, particularly on high-risk areas such as the chest or earlobes."

Previous research suggests tattoos may cause cancer by leading to swollen lymph nodes that are less able to fight infections. The controversial chemical titanium dioxide, which is added to tattoo ink to create certain colours, even dyes lymph nodes, and has previously been linked to cancer, itching and delayed healing.

According to Dr Anton Alexandroff, consultant dermatologist & British Skin Foundation spokesman, even allergic reactions to temporary henna tattoos can lead to keloids. "Keloid scars are rare but can be very disfiguring. Risk factors include family history, and they're most common in those aged between 10 and 30 years old.