Why Does My Tattoo Sting?

Stages of the tattoo healing process – One of the biggest decisions in getting a tattoo is settling on a design and the right artist to bring your vision to reality. But the time you spend in the tattoo parlor is just a small part of the entire process.

Once you leave the shop with your new tattoo, it’s important to turn your focus to the tattoo healing phase;
So, how long does it take a tattoo to heal? As you might expect, the answer is ‘it depends;
‘ Depending on how the inking process went and where your tattoo is located, it can take anywhere from four weeks to a couple of months for it to fully heal;

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how you can speed up this healing process, let’s first take a look at the various stages of it: 1. Week 1: open wound Immediately after the tattooist is done with the art piece, your body begins the process of healing.

Though it might not look like it, your tattoo is actually an open wound on your skin;
Your body begins to repair the damage right there and then;
In this stage, your body mobilizes its first responders to injury, and you might notice a slight stinging or burning sensation resulting from inflammation at the site of the tattoo;

That sensation, which lasts a week, on average, is your body working hard to patch things up and prevent infection. It’s therefore recommended that you treat your fresh tattoo as an open wound. By doing this, you can avoid infections and other complications that can occur when you leave an open wound unattended.

Your tattoo artist will go over the things you need to do to keep your new tattoo clean, and it can feel overwhelming at first. Add to this some stinging pain, and it’s not hard to see how your stress levels might increase a bit during this time.

A good tattooist can recommend some ways to alleviate this stress so that your skin can heal properly. Week 2: itching and peeling In the second week of the tattoo healing stages, the inflammation around your tattoo will subside a little. As you might have experienced with other healing wounds, an itching feeling — which replaces the burning and stinging sensation from stage one — is normal during this part of the healing process.

A new top layer of skin has formed over the tattoo, which means the old skin will form scabs and flake off;
The dryness is what causes you to feel the itchy sensation on and around the wound — the tattooed area;

The incessant itching might make you wonder, “How long do tattoos take to heal?” In such a situation, try to resist the urge to scratch the skin or peel off the flakes. Your tattooist can likely recommend some lotion to keep your skin moisturized, which can reduce the itchy feeling.

Weeks 3 and 4: drying out When the topical healing is done, you will stop feeling itchy at the site of the tattoo. At this point, the skin dries out. In many instances, there’s a layer of dry skin that covers the tattoo after the scabs fall off.

While this often causes the tattoo to appear slightly duller in color, it will naturally slough off to reveal the vibrant piece of art you went in to get. Weeks 5 and 6: completely healed This is the last part in the four stages of tattoo healing. You’ll know you’re in this phase — and that your tattoo is fully healed — because all the dry skin and scabs have sloughed off to reveal new, smooth skin with a vibrant tattoo and you no longer feel the burning and itchiness because the body has repaired itself. Take a quiz. Find out what you can do with our Health Assistant.

Contents

- 0.0.1 Is your tattoo supposed to burn?
- 0.0.2 Why does my tattoo have a burning sensation?
0.1 How do you soothe a stinging tattoo?

1 How long should a tattoo sting for?
2 How do you tell if a tattoo is infected?
- 2.1 Should a tattoo still hurt after 4 days?
3 How do you tell if a tattoo is healing properly?
- - 3.0.1 How can you tell if your tattoo is infected?
- 3.1 How do you know if your skin is rejecting tattoo ink?
  - 3.1.1 Why is my tattoo burning and red?

Is your tattoo supposed to burn?

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The bandage must be left covering the tattooed area for no less then 12 hours and not more than 24 hours after the “finished” of the tattooing process. Do not remove this bandage before the time given to avoid possible contamination causing infection.

After the removal of the bandage, the tattooed area is to be washed gently with clean hands, using a mild non-perfumed or anti-bacterial soap. Rinse with warm water, then gently pat dry, using a clean towel or a disposable towel. Leave your tattoo to dry for the first 24 hours without applying any aftercare lotion. Start using your aftercare lotion the following day.

Apply a thin coat of lotion. We recommend Perfect CBD Tattoo Aftercare , Tattoo Goo lotion, H2Ocean skin cream or Lubriderm Unscented. Gently massage a small amount of one of these products into the tattooed area. This procedure should be repeated approximately 3 or 4 times a day for the next 2 weeks, with the exception of Perfect CBD Tattoo Aftercare which is used only 1 time a day for 2 weeks.
The use of Polysporin, Vaseline, Vitamine E ointment or any other produces is not recommended due to the negative effects they have on the healing of your tattoo. Discontinue the use of your aftercare product if you are experiencing a burning sensation that lasts 60 seconds or longer.

Burning sensation can be a sign of a mild allergic reaction that can cause damages to your tattoo. Contact your tattooist for a suggestion of another healing cream. However it is common to experience slight burning of your tattoo os skin if your tattoo session lasted 1 hour or longer.

It is important that you apply only a thin layer of your aftercare product on your tattoo. Leaving a thick layer of any product on your tattoo will cause scabbing and damage to your tattoo. Improper care of your tattoo can leave your tattoo dull and spotty.

If your tattoo session lasted 1 hour or longer you might be experiencing some soreness or redness around your tattoo. This normally lasts approximately 3-4 days. If you have any redness or any other discomfort after the forth day, your tattoo may be getting irritated from your clothing or anything touching it or rubbing on it including blankets, sheets, watches, necklaces, socks, pants, etc.

The tattooed area, while healing, should always be kept clean. Exposure to dirt, dust, and other contaminants should be avoided. Oral and body fluid exposure, such as sweat, should be avoided until the healing process is completed.

The tattooed area must also stay dry during the healing process. The use of water on the tattooed area must be avoided for 2 weeks to insure the area does not scab during healing. Scabbing causes damages to your tattoo by pulling the pigment out of your tattoo too early, leaving whitish spots in your design.

Within approximately a weeks time the tattooed area will peel slightly, appearing much like a sunburn. Seeing flakes of colour from the tattoo is normal, don’t let it worry you. However if your tattoo starts to scab contact your tattooist so they can help you figure out the cause of your scabbing. Scabbing is a sign of irritation which may happen for a various reasons.
In this case the burning will be normal subsde after 20-40 seconds after the application of your lotion. DO NOT PICK at the tattooed area, do not scratch or bump the tattoo during your healing time to avoid damages to your tattoo.

Also loose, clean, soft clothing should be worn to avoid irritation to the tattooed area.

UV exposure (sun, tanning beds, etc. ) must be avoided during the healing process (2 weeks). The use of a sun/UV block is recommended after the completion of the healing process to avoid damages to the skin area that has been tattooed

Due to different skin types, touch-ups may be needed. There is a $30 (before tax) set-up charge for all touch-ups within 4 months of original tattoo session. After 4 months, all touch-ups will be charged at the regular hourly rate due to elements beyond our control, such as skin types, sun tanning, stretch marks, etc.

REMEMBER: After care of your tattoo is one of the most important steps in having a great tattoo –>.

Why does my tattoo have a burning sensation?

Why Does My Tattoo Feel Like It’s Burning – At the end of the day, a tattoo is just an open wound on one area of your skin. The burning sensation you’re feeling means that your immune system is working to make sure your new tattoo heals properly and efficiently.

When you sit in the chair to get a tattoo, you’re paying a tattoo artist to pierce your skin thousands of times with an electrified needle. The needle is repeatedly piercing the first layer of skin called the epidermis.

The needle is injecting colored ink into the second layer of your skin, known as the dermis. Because of this, your body must heal the wound by repairing the damaged skin cells. This causes a sensation that many have likened to moderate sunburn throughout the area of the tattoo.

How do you soothe a stinging tattoo?

DO. –

Listen to your artist ! They’ll cover your tattoo with a sterile absorbing pad and bandage after your session, then give you instructions on how to uncover and clean your piece at home. Some adhesives may cause irritation, so be sure to disclose any allergies with your artists.
Wash your tattoo with a mild antibacterial soap. Some soaps, like Hush Foam Soap + CBD , are specifically designed for tattoo aftercare.
Dry your tattoo with a fresh towel paper towel or (ANTI-MICROBIAL WASHCLOTHS FOR TATTOOS)
Apply an anti-inflammatory balm to reduce swelling and redness. Pain-relieving gels and creams may provide additional comfort.
Use topical anesthetic spray on new tattoos to reduce excessive pain.
Keep your tattoo exposed as much as possible for quicker healing.
Wear loose-fitting clothing, if possible, to prevent the fabric from pressing against your tattoo.
Wear your tattoo with pride.

How long should a tattoo sting for?

Once you leave the shop with your new tattoo, it’s important to turn your focus to the tattoo healing phase;
So, how long does it take a tattoo to heal? As you might expect, the answer is ‘it depends;
‘ Depending on how the inking process went and where your tattoo is located, it can take anywhere from four weeks to a couple of months for it to fully heal;

Though it might not look like it, your tattoo is actually an open wound on your skin. Your body begins to repair the damage right there and then. In this stage, your body mobilizes its first responders to injury, and you might notice a slight stinging or burning sensation resulting from inflammation at the site of the tattoo.

Your tattoo artist will go over the things you need to do to keep your new tattoo clean, and it can feel overwhelming at first;
Add to this some stinging pain, and it’s not hard to see how your stress levels might increase a bit during this time;

A new top layer of skin has formed over the tattoo, which means the old skin will form scabs and flake off;
The dryness is what causes you to feel the itchy sensation on and around the wound — the tattooed area;

Weeks 3 and 4: drying out When the topical healing is done, you will stop feeling itchy at the site of the tattoo. At this point, the skin dries out. In many instances, there’s a layer of dry skin that covers the tattoo after the scabs fall off.

How should a tattoo feel after 2 days?

Traditional Tattoo Healing Method – Directly Following Your Tattoo Appointment The tattoo healing process starts as soon as you walk out of the tattoo studio. Your tattoo artist should cover your tattoo with some type of wrap (cling wrap, medical pads, etc.

) to protect it on your way home;
“This usually stays on for approximately 2 hours,” says Caldwell;
“It will trap any of the blood and plasma (clear fluid) that leaks out immediately after being tattooed;

This bandage also protects your new tattoo from the outside elements and keeps the blood from clotting to form a scab. ” Your tattoo artist will cover your tattoo with a temporary bandage or plastic wrap. After removing the covering placed on your tattoo by your artist, you should carefully wash the tattoo with warm, soapy water using an unscented, antibacterial soap. Do not use any type of washcloth or loofah—simply clean it with your hands to remove any plasma and ink from your skin.

“You want to make sure you always pat dry with clean paper towels and then apply a thin layer of ointment,” says Caldwell;
Try to wear loose-fitting clothing to bed, since your tattoo will likely continue to leak overnight;

Days 1-3: Oozing and Sore During the first few days, your tattoo is still an open wound and will be sore, painful, and warm to the touch. The skin around your tattoo might also appear slightly red and swollen. During the first days of tattoo healing your tattoo will continue to release plasma, blood, and ink—this is completely normal.

Plasma, which is a clear liquid, makes up the largest part of your blood ( 55 percent ) and it’s release is part of your skin’s natural healing process. It’s important to keep your tattoo as clean as possible during this time.

Follow the same cleaning instructions (wash with soapy water, pat dry, apply a thin layer of ointment) as the night before. “Wash your new tattoo at least two times a day—when you wake up and before bed,” says Caldwell. If the tattoo is really leaky, you can add one more wash to the rotation to remove excess goop. Wash your new tattoo carefully in the shower using fragrance-free soap. Apply a thin layer of moisturizer or aftercare ointment after your tattoo is fully dry to help minimize scabbing. “The moisturizer/ointment is crucial to keeping your tattoo from forming a scab,” says Caldwell. “The softening of the skin prevents this. ” Follow your artist’s aftercare instructions carefully.

All tattoo artists recommend different aftercare products and have their own tattoo healing methods;
Trust and listen to your artist;
Days 3-7: Dry, Tight, and Starting to Flake After the third or fourth day following your tattoo appointment, your tattoo will begin to dry out;

It may feel tight. Swelling should start to subside, though your skin might still feel warm and uncomfortable. By the end of the first week, you will likely see your tattoo flaking. This is also a normal part of the tattoo healing process. What tattoo flaking looks like. “Flaking is simply your body shedding its outermost layer of skin,” says Erin Belley , an artist who works at the Parkdale location of Boss Tattoos Collective in Calgary, Alberta. “But this time, the skin had been damaged and filled with ink, so it comes off in larger flakes and full of color.

” If you see your tattoo flaking, don’t be alarmed. This is not a sign that ink is being removed from the skin. Just make sure you let your tattoo flake naturally. “As long as you’re not picking at it, scrubbing it, or peeling the flaky skin off, you should be fine,” adds Caldwell.

Days 7-14: More Flaking, Scabbing, and Itching During the second week of tattoo healing, your tattoo will continue to flake, and you may start to see scabs forming over some areas of the tattoo. While trying to prevent scabbing is recommended, tattoo scabbing is not uncommon.

“I would consider scabbing normal, but not ideal in tattoo healing,” says Belley;
“Scabbing is what happens when the plasma is not efficiently cleaned off of the tattoo after your body is finished producing it (usually between 24-48 hours) and it evaporates and dries;

” Caldwell explains that scabbing may also happen if you apply too much moisturizer or ointment to your tattoo or if a particular part your skin was overworked during your session. Do not pick at the scabs on your tattoo. Continue to wash and lightly moisturize your tattoo as instructed by your artist.

During this time, you may also experience the dreaded tattoo itch;
Some may experience a mild itch, while others will experience an intense itch;
Your skin will be dry and flakey as it heals, so some level of itchiness is to be expected;

Some clients may also have a slight allergic reaction to some inks, which may cause an itchy feeling. Although it may take every ounce of willpower, do not scratch your new tattoo. Not only could this affect how it looks, but you can also cause infection or irritation.

Eventually, the itch should subside;
Days 15-30: Slightly Dry and Dull Most tattoos will finish flaking and essentially be healed around the 2-week mark;
But it still may take a couple of weeks for your tattoo to fully settle in;

During this time, your tattoo may look a little dull or faded. This is normal and once the tattoo is fully healed and settled in, its brightness will return. You may also feel slightly raised portions of your tattoo during this stage, but this should eventually disappear.

Should my tattoo hurt after 3 days?

Get advice on tattoo skincare if –

your tattoo is more than slightly hot and swollen
your tattoo is weeping beyond the first few days
your tattoo is very red or very painful at any point

Check with your tattoo artist if you’re worried in the first few days, or if you’re experiencing pain rather than soreness after a week. And do consult your doctor if you’re worried about infection! If your tattoo is hot, swollen, and painful beyond those first few days, you may need antibiotics. There is also a slight possibility that you could experience an allergic reaction to the ink; it’s not very common but it does happen, so do keep an eye out for extreme swelling and pain and get it sorted as soon as possible.

How do I know my tattoo is healing properly?

– Tattooed skin goes through a healing process, just as your skin takes time to heal after other types of wounds. You’ll likely experience:

pink or red skin at the site and surrounding area ( not a widespread rash)
slight inflammation that doesn’t extend outside the tattoo
mild itchiness
peeling skin

Why does my tattoo hurt after 3 days?

How To Tell If Your Tattoo Is Infected

Common signs and symptoms of tattoo infection – The following may be indicative of an infection:

Ongoing pain that worsens, becoming extreme: Tattoos are painful but if the pain intensifies instead of getting better, and becomes excruciating, unbearable or searing or if the tattoo is painful to touch a week to 10 days after it was done this may signal an infection
Rash: A slight rash is common after having a tattoo, but if the rash gets worse or spreads outwards from the tattooed area, this may indicate infection.
Extreme redness of the skin: Most tattoos are inflamed and red right after they’ve been done, but if the redness intensifies rather than resolving within a week of the procedure, you may have an infection.
Hot skin: The skin under and surround a tattoo will generally be warm to the touch due to the inflammation and healing that is taking place. However, if your skin suddenly becomes very hot or is still warm or hot to the touch after 7 days of having the tattoo, this can be a sign that infection has set in.
Itching (pruritis): While itching can be part of the healing process, if it doesn’t go away after applying lotion, continues for more than a couple of days and/or intensifies, and is accompanied by other symptoms listed above, infection may be to blame.
Discharge: If the sores that form over your tattoo ooze thick white, yellow or green fluid (not the thinner transparent plasma that is normal), this is a sign of infection.

The above may also be accompanied by other more generalised signs and symptoms of infection which include:

A fever of 38. 8 °C / 102 °F
Extreme thirst
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Extreme fatigue
Body weakness

If you experience any of the above signs and symptoms and suspect that you may have a tattoo infection, visit your doctor or emergency room immediately. .

Is it possible to over moisturize a tattoo?

What Are The Risks of Over Moisturizing a Tattoo? – By applying thicker layers of lotion or ointment, several times a day (or every hour or two as some people do), you’re risking over-moisturizing a tattoo. By over-moisturizing a tattoo, you can cause the following problems;

Due to excess moisture, the tattoo won’t be able to dry and heal
Excess moisture can create a perfect environment for bacteria and germ growth
Over moisturizing can lead to tattoo inflammation and infection
Excess moisture can cause clogged pores since the moisturizer prevents the skin from breathing
Excess moisture can cause the tattooed skin to break out

To avoid these issues, make sure to follow the moisturizing rules we mentioned before. However, make sure to not under moisturizing your tattoo as well. Some people are afraid they might over-moisturize their tattoo, so they leave it dehydrated, which results in heavy scabbing and tattoo dryness. So, make sure to stay in the middle and simply apply a thin layer of lotion/ointment twice a day.

What should you not do after a tattoo?

Should I cover my tattoo at night?

This info should guide you through the care of healing your tattoo, but if you have any other questions while it is healing, do not hesitate to contact your artist directly or call the shop for immediate reply. There are no stupid questions about healing.

– After your tattoo is completed, your artist will bandage your tattoo for your trip home;
Leave the bandage on for one to three hours;
When you take the bandage off, wash it with very warm water (as hot as is comfortable) and mild liquid hand soap (like Dr;

Bronner’s, Dial or Softsoap, just no perfumed or exfoliating body washes). Pat it dry gently with a paper towel, and let it air dry the rest of the way (never scrub the tattoo with a towel or sponge). Then you will apply a very small amount of Aquaphor Ointment or plain, unscented skin lotion (we recommend Aveeno, Lubriderm, Curel, or any of their generics) to the tattoo, just enough to lightly moisturize.

Your first night sleeping, your artist might recommend you re-wrap the tattoo with plastic wrap (like Saran Wrap) to sleep without the tattoo sticking to your sheets. This is generally for larger or solid-color tattoos. If your artist did not recommend re-wrapping, just let the tattoo stay exposed to air overnight.
Every day from then on, you will wash the tattoo in the morning and at night, and apply lotion 3 times a day or so, or whenever the tattoo feels dry or tight.
Always wash your hands before touching the tattoo.
DO NOT apply Vaseline, Neosporin, Bacitracin or any other medicated or perfumed product to your tattoo.
After a few days, the tattoo will form a thin scab over it, and in about a week the scab will begin to flake off in the shower. DO NOT pick or scratch at the scab, just keep it clean and moist and the scabs will all fall off by themselves in about two weeks. Picking any of the scabs off will cause faded color and damage to the skin.

During healing do NOT:

Wrap the tattoo after the first night (wearing breathable clothes over it is fine as long as they are not causing friction. (Keeping tattoos wrapped in plastic or bandages will stop air from getting to the tattoo, slow healing, and make gross stuff grow in there. )
Submerge the tattoo in water. This means baths, pools and oceans. Regular showering is fine.
Expose it to strong sunlight (Like outdoor activities or beach days. Walking to your car is fine)
Shave over the tattoo (ouch!)

When all the scabs fall off and the skin feels smooth again to the touch, it is all healed and you can shave over it again, and swim and everything else. Sometimes after the scab falls off there is a secondary shiny, raised or waxy coat over the tattoo. This is just another healing layer of skin. Continue to moisturize it and it will smooth out by itself over time. If you have any questions about your tattoo while its healing you are always welcome to come by the shop and have us check it out, or email the artist who did the tattoo with “AFTERCARE” in the subject line for an immediate response.

Do not slather a big, thick coat of product over it; just enough for it to stay moist and flexible. If you are using Aquaphor, you can switch to a plain lotion after the first few days. Lotion is generally fine for everyone, your artist will recommend if you would benefit from ointment.

If something doesn’t look perfect After your tattoo is finished healing, we’ll do our best to make it right. Sometimes with excessive scabbing, or other unpredictable reactions during healing, your skin can reject some ink, leaving a “light spot” that is closer to your skin color in the tattoo (or a line might get thinner or lighter in one spot).

This is common as its unlikely your body will accept every spot of pigment uniformly, so just contact your artist via email after your tattoo is finished healing with a photo to see if a small touch up is in order;

Unless you were negligent during the care of your tattoo, touch-ups are very minor and quick, and guaranteed by our artists if you contact them about it within 3 months of getting the tattoo. Because older tattoos that have settled in fully and aged require more work to make uniform, we suggest coming in as soon as possible when it’s healed, as touch ups are performed for a fee at the artist’s discretion after 3 months.

What is an overworked tattoo?

Natalia Lebedinskaia/Shutterstock New tattoos usually take two to three weeks to fully heal, and with good aftercare, they should heal perfectly, per Glamour Magazine. However, there are times when the healing process of a new tattoo doesn’t go as smoothly as it should. This can be so in the case of overworked tattoos. Otherwise known as a tattoo blowout (via Healthline ), an overworked tattoo is what happens when a tattoo causes scarring or when the tattoo ink goes past the dermis layer and reaches the hypodermis, per Demi Ink.

An effect of this is that the tattoo begins to look blurry, per Byrdie;
Overworked tattoos are more likely when you patronize beginner tattoo artists, and the problem with overworked skin is that it only becomes truly apparent to the client once the tattoo begins to heal, per Saved Tattoo;

The discolored skin that slowly forms is a big hallmark of a tattoo blowout. It can be the result of the high voltage on the machine affecting its speed, per Tattooing 101. A tattoo artist going over a patch of skin more than once can also result in a tattoo blowout.

How do you tell if a tattoo is infected?

Should a tattoo still hurt after 4 days?

– Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, may help ease the pain following a tattooing procedure. However, it is unclear if acetaminophen can effectively prevent pain from tattooing procedures. Instead, some tattoo artists recommend topical skin-numbing products.

These products may contain 5% lidocaine. That said, there is a possibility of experiencing a contact allergy from products such as these. A person should have their tattoo artist apply the product to a small area of skin 24 hours before the procedure, to see whether or not it causes a reaction.

It is also important to follow manufacturer directions for the maximum dose limits, especially when applying topical products to large areas of the skin. Once the procedure is complete, the tattoo artist should provide self-care steps and explain how to deal with any pain after the procedure.

How do you tell if a tattoo is healing properly?

– It’s important to know the signs that your tattoo isn’t healing properly or has become infected. Symptoms of improper healing include:

Fever or chills. A fever may indicate that your tattoo has become infected, and you should see a doctor right away.
Prolonged redness. All tattoos will be somewhat red for a few days after the procedure, but if the redness doesn’t subside , it’s a sign that your tattoo isn’t healing well.
Oozing fluid. If fluid or pus is still coming out from your tattoo after 2 or 3 days, it may be infected. See a doctor.
Swollen, puffy skin. It’s normal for the tattoo to be raised for a few days, but the surrounding skin shouldn’t be puffy. This may indicate that you’re allergic to the ink.
Severe itching or hives. Itchy tattoos can also be a sign that your body is allergic to the ink. The allergic reaction to a tattoo can happen right after, or as much as several years after getting the tattoo.
Scarring. Your tattoo will scab over because it’s a wound, but a properly healed tattoo shouldn’t scar. Signs of scarring include raised, puffy skin, redness that doesn’t fade, distorted colors within the tattoo, or pitted skin.

How can you tell if your tattoo is infected?

How do you know if your skin is rejecting tattoo ink?

Why is my tattoo burning and red?

There are several risks to consider before subjecting your skin to a tattoo needle, not the least of which is the possibility of infection from viruses like hepatitis and HIV. But even if you choose a safe tattoo studio and the tattoo artist uses a sterile needle, you’re not out of the woods.

The tattoo ink can potentially cause an allergic reaction. A tattoo allergy can result in swelling, irritation, a rash , or some other skin abnormality at or around the site of the tattoo. What Causes a Tattoo Allergy? Tattoo ink contains several ingredients and chemicals, and you may be allergic to any one of them.

Substances like iron oxide, mercury sulfide, ferric hydrate, aluminum, and manganese are only a few of the ingredients that may be included in the ink, depending on the color. An allergy to any of these substances can cause an allergic reaction once the ink gets into your skin. Types of Tattoo Allergic Reaction A tattoo allergy can take a number of different forms:

Acute inflammatory allergic reaction. Many people who get tattoos experience what’s called an acute inflammatory reaction — the skin becomes red, slightly swollen, and irritated at the site of the tattoo. This occurs because of the irritation caused by the tattoo needle and the tattoo ink. It’s not serious, and generally subsides within about two or three weeks.
Photosensitivity. Tattoos that are exposed to the sun may result in an allergic reaction, particularly those that contain yellow tattoo ink. Yellow and some red pigments contain cadmium sulfide, which can cause an allergic reaction when exposed to the sun.
Dermatitis. Some of the most common tattoo allergies include types of dermatitis — photoallergic and allergic contact dermatitis. Most often, these types of allergic reactions are caused by mercury sulfide, which is found in red tattoo ink.
Lichenoid allergic reaction. This is rare, but is typically related to red tattoo ink, and characterized by small bumps that appear around the red ink areas.
Pseudolymphomatous allergic reaction. Caused by sensitivity to a substance in the tattoo ink, this is a delayed reaction — it doesn’t occur right after getting the tattoo. Red tattoo ink is usually to blame, but it can result from blue and green as well.
Granulomas. These are small bumps that can appear as a result of an allergic reaction. Red tattoo ink is most often the culprit, but purple, green, or blue tattoo ink may also cause these bumps to form around the site of the tattoo.

Julia