Bumps on a new tattoo may occur and should not cause alarm; these bumps indicate your body adjusting to the ink.
Bring something to help pass the time during a tattoo session at Playhouse. A friend or family member may assist, though we advise against bringing too many people.
White bumps: When ink is injected into your skin, an initial immune response often includes redness, swelling, and warmth; this should subside as skin cells adjust to ink. However, if irritation develops rapidly, it could be an early indicator of contact dermatitis. This acne-like rash causes pus-filled pimples in tattooed areas and possible peeling skin issues. It can even result in bumps on tattooed areas or cause the tattooed area to ooze fluids.
White bumps on a new tattoo could be granulomas or milia (oil spots). They appear as small, milky-white raised areas on the skin that usually form after trauma and heal much like other wounds on your body. While they can be painful or itchy initially, they should heal themselves over time without becoming severe issues. Suppose they ooze or itch more intensely and accompany other symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, or feverishness. In that case, it’s wiser to seek medical advice immediately, as infections may spread further and damage other parts of your health.
Red bumps: If you notice red spots on your tattoo, they could be a telltale sign of infection. Symptoms include pain, fever, chills, and drainage/pus. Since conditions can be extremely harmful to health and should never be left untreated, it is wise to contact both your tattoo artist and physician immediately so they can diagnose and prescribe antibiotics or other treatments to combat the infection.
An itchy or irritated reaction to your new tattoo may also be expected, making it essential that the area remains clean and moisturized when exposed to sun rays; due to this being UV sensitive, it’s wise to either cover up with clothing or use high SPF sunscreen whenever out in direct sunlight. If the rash includes swelling or bleeding areas, this could be a telltale sign of allergy or infection and should be seen by a dermatologist immediately. Otherwise, a non-specific rash could indicate something more concerning, like keloid scarring or another skin condition, which should not be disregarded.
Swollen bumps: Tattoo bumps are familiar yet not necessarily indicative of any serious medical issue. Understanding their source, seeking medical treatment as soon as possible, and taking preventative steps will help minimize future complications.
An allergic reaction may be the source of itching, rash, or bumps caused by tattoo ink and aftercare products. If you know you have allergies to either, inform your tattoo artist so they can ensure hypoallergenic ink and aftercare products are used during your tattoo session. In case of severe reactions, seek medical help immediately. Tattoo bumps may also be caused by eczema or atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin condition in which patches of red-itchy skin appear on the body that often flake off, creating rough and inflamed surfaces with rough and inflamed textures, leading to red, itchy patches with flaking edges.
Bumpy and raised Tattoos are expected during the healing process and on older tattoos. While these may become noticeable, they don’t typically cause serious problems if you avoid scratching them, use non-aggressive skincare products, and keep your tattoo clean, moist, and protected from direct sunlight.
Blisters: Tattoos go through a healing process that varies according to each individual and their skin tone, but all will experience some form of a scabbing process during healing. Scabs are perfectly normal but sometimes create bumpy areas, which could be alarming. If blisters appear without accompanying scabbing, consult your tattoo artist, as this could indicate that aftercare instructions were not followed properly.
Blisters on Tattoos are commonly caused by the shearing of skin cells during inflammation. Although this isn’t unusual, you should remember that if you experience significant pain or any signs of an allergic reaction, a qualified provider must seek medical help immediately.
To reduce the pain from these bumps, apply a cold compress and take an antihistamine or analgesic such as Tylenol, over-the-counter medication containing no Aspirin – taking such products can thin the blood and prolong healing processes.
