Tattoos are open wounds, so minor swelling, bruising, and redness are normal after getting inked. But if these signs accompany a fever, foul-smelling discharge, or any other severe symptoms, seek medical advice immediately from a dermatologist or physician.
Your skin could also react adversely to one or more ingredients used in tattoo ink, particularly those containing mercury and Azo chemicals – but this could apply to any color choice.
Redness and Inflammation
Tattooing often initiates an immune reaction in which redness, itching, and swelling are part of the normal healing response to new ink on skin cells. A more serious allergic reaction or bacterial infection could exist if these symptoms continue or accompany signs of infection, such as a rash or redness.
If your itching persists, over-the-counter antihistamines like diphenhydramine may provide relief. An OTC hydrocortisone cream may also help decrease inflammation and itchiness.
If other symptoms accompany redness and itching, an allergic reaction could be in play. This could manifest as a bumpy rash similar to hives; other telltale signs include difficulty breathing, racing heart rate, tightness in the chest region, stomach discomfort, or intense pain. The bumps produced from such reactions could either ooze pus or appear similar to acne, while contact dermatitis (a frequent side effect of tattooing) could also contribute.
Allergic Reaction
Itching is a natural part of healing; however, consult with your tattoo artist immediately if it lasts beyond a few days or worsens significantly. A more severe cause could be an allergic reaction to the ink used, which may appear as itchy rashes or sores with fluid-oozing sores; such reactions tend to occur more commonly with red ink due to mercury sulfide (cinnabar) pigments that trigger hypersensitivity responses in individuals.
Suppose you notice an itchy rash that does not disappear. Use hypoallergenic, fragrance-free soap and moisturize with a moisturizing lotion to nourish the skin. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may help ease itching; otherwise, itching could be caused by another factor, like an infection or the start of new medication, such as a joint replacement drug or antiviral treatment. Usually, this stops once the tattoo reaches the end-of-healing stage.
Infection
New Tattoos typically cause itching and redness that will subside over time. However, if any severe reactions arise, such as itching bumps or acne-like pimples that rupture when touched, it’s essential to seek medical advice immediately, as this could indicate your body is reacting badly to the pigments of the tattoo; in such instances, steroid ointment treatments should provide relief quickly.
Professional tattoo artists typically employ proper sterilization procedures when providing Tattoos to ensure no infections result from getting one done on you. If this should occur, your artist should give specific instructions regarding how to care for and heal your tattoo as it heals. Furthermore, be wary of excessive sun exposure as UV rays can burn or damage new layers of skin; avoid picking off or peeling off scabs, as this could lead to severe infection of the area around the tattoo.
Other Complications
Redness and inflammation are average early indicators of tattoo healing; however, if other symptoms arise, such as fevers, chills, pus, or hot-to-the-touch skin that require medical intervention immediately, please seek professional medical attention immediately – these could indicate an infection that could threaten both your tattoo as well as overall body health if left untreated.
Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to the ink used in their tattoo, known as a pseudolymphomatous allergic reaction. These usually manifest themselves with small bumps around the tattoo site – typically caused by red ink but also possible with blue and green pigmentation.
Complications may also include dermatitis, infection, and even cancer; therefore, if any of these symptoms appear, it’s advisable to visit a dermatologist immediately to ascertain their source and determine what medication might help – antibiotics or other antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) might provide relief in minor instances.
