Why Is My Tattoo Raised Years Later?
A tattoo can become raised for a number of reasons. The most common factors that can cause tattoo raising are allergies, tissue damage, certain weather conditions, poor healing and rough tattoo artist work. Below as a complete list of potential causes:
- Bad healing
- Infections or allergic reactions
- Skin tissue damage
- Your unique body chemistry
- Certain weather conditions
- Skin conditions
- Absolutely no reason at all
The most common reason from the above list is the last point. Most of the time, tattoos remain raised for seemingly no reason at all. This is more common in newer tattoos, and as they get older, they normally settle down within several months to a year. However, if you wish to delve a little deeper, the below issues can also cause a tattoo to remain raised beyond the initial healing period. 
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Contents
Why does my Tattoo look raised?
Why is My Tattoo Still Raised?
Or Just You – Yes, you could be the culprit behind your raised tattoo. Even if you didn’t have eczema or another skin condition that could dry out your skin before, it’s always possible to develop them later in life — after you’ve added some ink to your skin.
- If your tattoo is painful, itchy, or inflamed for long periods of time, it’s best to seek a doctor’s advice ASAP;
- Most often than not, your tattoo will return to its normal self in no time even if you don’t apply a topical anti-itch solution;
If your tat is not already healed, check with your artist and make sure you aren’t suffering from an infection or a seriously botched work of art. Otherwise, a little bit of bumpiness is no reason to fret. This article was originally published on July 14, 2015.
How long should a tattoo be raised after tattooing?
Persisting Issues – 
Everyone reacts to the process of tattooing a bit differently, although the time-frame we have outlined here is a good rule of thumb for the healing process. But what if you’re tattoo isn’t progressing correctly? Tattoos are technically wounds, and as with all wounds they are pathways for infections to occur in the body. A tattoo should be raised for only the first couple days. After that, any redness or raised areas may be signs of infection.
- While it is true that some tattoos may have slight areas of raised ink due to a heavy handed artist or a location like the hand that lacks muscle and fat, if there is any question of infection, medical attention should be sought immediately;
An infected tattoo not only threatens the art itself, but if left unchecked can lead to more serious conditions like blood poisoning that can ultimately endanger the life of the wearer. Another issue—that while relatively rare, does occur—is people having allergic reactions to the specific ink used in creating their tattoo.
These allergic reactions are sometimes so minimal that they are mistaken for the natural healing process and go undiagnosed. Other times the reactions are more severe and can include swelling, flakiness, weeping pustules around the tattoo and rashes.
Some reactions can even occur months after a tattoo has healed! There are a wide variety of inks that different artists use and an equally broad number of ingredients that go into the pigments. Despite this, people most commonly report allergic reactions to red inks and any concerns over allergic reactions should be treated by an allergist. 
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Should you worry if your tattoo raises up?
An Allergy To The Ink – While it doesn’t happen often, you may find yourself suffering from an itchy, inflamed tattoo shortly after your appointment because you are allergic to the ink. “Allergic reaction causes the skin to inflame due to certain pigments not agreeing with the body,” Paulino explains.
“And different inks have different cellular structures which can lead to blockage and inflammation. ” If you’re getting a black or white ink tattoo, you’ll most likely be fine. It’s red and yellow inks that tend to be the most common irritating pigments according to many tattoo forums.
An allergic reaction to the pigment(s) used on your tattoo may also occur if you have a skin condition. If you have sensitive skin, or more serious conditions like eczema or psoriasis, make sure you talk to your tattoo artist and dermatologist prior to tattooing and during the healing process.
Why does my Tattoo have lines on it?
Your skin also has a thin layer of scarring on every inch of tattooed area, and the lines are typically worse because the action is more aggressive. Because of this changes in barometric pressure, humidity and temperature as well as other things can change how it aligns in your skin sometimes causing it to feel raised.
