How to Get Rid of Bumps on My Tattoo

1. Irritation

The skin around tattoos is delicate, and minor irritation can often be caused by non-irritant items that generally pass unnoticed. Any redness or bumps caused by this should typically subside within 24 hours. If itching and discomfort persist, seeing a physician can help identify its source. Diet changes, increased blood pressure or adrenaline, or changes in body temperature could all contribute to itchy irritation. Rashes may occur if your skin is sensitive to any product or ingredient used in its creation, so if this seems like an issue, speak with your artist about using a specific cream designed for skin use.

2. Sun Exposure

As your tattoo heals, protecting it from direct sunlight as much as possible is crucial. UV radiation from direct sunlight can cause irreparable damage, accelerating its premature fading. Some pigments in tattoo ink can react vigorously with sunlight, leading to photodermatitis. This reaction may manifest within hours after sun exposure; tattoo inks containing cadmium sulfide are especially susceptible. When this happens, a red, bumpy rash appears on the area where your tattoo once resided.

Additionally, you may feel itching, irritation, or burning sensation in that spot. Cold compresses may provide temporary relief. If discomfort persists, consult a physician about OTC antihistamines or topical steroid ointments that could help. Moisturizer should also be applied frequently to keep a tattoo healthy and fresh—TryTry aloe vera lotion to soothe skin irritations. If rashes or swelling lymph nodes persist, contact your primary care physician immediately so they can rule out infection.

3. Cysts

As your tattoo ages, it may develop small bumps under its surface or an enormous lump that feels infected or painful to touch. Cysts form when fluid or skin cells build up due to blockages preventing circulation; cysts form due to these blockages accumulating in one area of skin cells. Recent reports of cysts forming within red tattoo ink are rare but possible; these epidermoid cysts are common and can appear anywhere on the body. Facial moles usually form on sun-exposed areas like your back or shoulders and are typically pink or red in color, sometimes forming clusters. Milia cysts form when hair follicles or sebaceous glands become blocked in your skin, appearing as white pimple-like bumps up to 0.04 inches in diameter.

4. Pimples

Pimples appearing on new tattoos are unsightly and can impede healing processes. These breakouts may be due to bacteria introduced during wound care procedures that get introduced into the wound healing process. Choosing a moisturizer without harsh ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide that could potentially harm or delay tattoo healing is vital. Such powerful products could sometimes damage or discolor a tattoo, slowing its recovery timeframe. At the same time, it’s wise not to pop or pick at these bumps as this could introduce bacteria into the wound and cause infection or irritation. If the bumps on my tattoo do not resolve themselves on their own, it may be wise to consult a physician to assess if they are pimples, something else entirely, or signs of infection. Clustered, itchy, pink, or red bumps may indicate allergies, possibly in response to environmental changes, insufficient humidity levels, or exposure to certain chemicals.