Most people in the world find themselves allergic to at least one thing or another, whether it be environmental, food related, pharmaceutical, etc. Some people find themselves allergic to peanuts or cat hair, and some people will even find that they can develop a serious allergic reaction to tattoo ink.
While such allergies are usually rare, it is a possibility that can cause serious health problems. The reaction can be seen immediately in some cases, but often does not present until 48 hours or even a few weeks after having the procedure done. Allergic reactions can sometimes be misinterpreted for normal tattoo healing as individuals will often experience the same symptoms. An allergic reaction to a tattoo ink can present in a few different ways: localized swelling and redness, rash, small blisters or pustules with oozing, and itchiness/irritation.
It is especially important to keep allergic reactions in mind when getting a tattoo with red ink, as red tattoo ink has been the most associated with causing allergic reactions in people. Many red inks have iodine in them, which causes sensitivity in many individuals.
While red ink is the most common color ink associated with reactions, it is not the only culprit. Every color ink has the possibility of causing allergic reactions, but some are more common (yellow, green, and brown).
If you are concerned about the possibility of an adverse reaction from tattoo ink, you can consult with your tattoo artist to possibly get a list of ingredients in the ink. Then, a dermatologist can determine if any of the ink’s ingredients are high-risk factors for allergies.
Some tattoo artists will even offer to do a test spot behind the ear to see if you have a reaction. However, if doing a test patch beforehand, it is best to wait a week after to see as allergic reactions may not appear immediately.
If you suspect an allergic reaction to your tattoo has occurred, see a dermatologist immediately to get a diagnosis. In some cases, tattoos may need to be completely removed to treat the allergic reaction. Laser tattoo removal would be the best option for removing the tattoo and resolving the allergy once and for all. However, laser tattoo removal of allergy-causing ink can have its own set of complications.
If you intend to remove a tattoo with irritating inks, precautions should be taken (ranging from taking an antihistamine before treatment to having an EpiPen available), depending on your medical history. The knowledgeable and friendly staff at New Look Laser Tattoo Removal in Houston, TX are experienced with helping individuals remove tattoos that are rejected by the body and would be happy to help with any and all tattoo removal needs. Give us a call today at 713-783-2000 for a FREE consultation and tattoo assessment.