Why Is My Tattoo 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.
Contents
- 1 Is it normal for a tattoo to be red?
- 2 How long does redness last after tattoo?
- 3 Is my tattoo red or infected?
- 4 Why does a tattoo get red?
- 5 How do you tell a tattoo is infected?
- 6 When is a tattoo most likely to get infected?
- 7 How often should I wash my tattoo?
- 8 Is my tattoo infected or healing?
- 9 How do you tell if a tattoo is healing properly?
Is it normal for a tattoo to be red?
– If you notice your tattoo isn’t properly healing, see your doctor right away. Signs of improper healing include:
- Fever or chills. If you have flu symptoms like fever and chills , it’s possible that your tattoo has become infected, or that you’re allergic to the ink. Instead of going back to your tattoo artist, see your doctor right away.
- Redness. It’s normal for your tattoo to be red and maybe even slightly puffy in the days after you get it done. If the redness persists, it may be an early sign that something is wrong.
- Oozing liquid. If fluid (especially green or yellowish in color) is oozing from your tattoo after a week, see your doctor.
- Swollen, puffy skin. The actual tattoo may be slightly puffy at first, but this swelling should quickly stop. The skin surrounding the tattoo shouldn’t be inflamed. If puffiness persists, it could be a sign that you’re allergic to the ink.
- Prolonged itching or hives. If you break out in hives in the days or weeks after getting a tattoo, see your doctor. Excessively itchy tattoos can also be a sign of an allergy. An allergic reaction to a tattoo does not always happen immediately. It can take months or even years after getting the tattoo.
- Scarring. Your fresh tattoo is considered an open wound. Like all wounds, it will scab over as a natural healing response. A properly healed tattoo should not scar.
How long does redness last after tattoo?
Your new tattoo will be red, irritated, swollen, warm-to-the-touch & possibly bruised; this is all NORMAL. This will normally last 1 to 3 days. If your tattoo is on an extremity, especially below the knee, you may experience more swelling than normal.
Is my tattoo red or infected?
– The most common symptom of a tattoo infection is a rash or red, bumpy skin around the area of the tattoo. In some cases, your skin may just be irritated because of the needle, especially if you have sensitive skin. If this is the case, your symptoms should fade after a few days. See your doctor if you experience one or more of the following:
- fever
- waves of heat and cold
- abnormal shivering
- swelling of the tattooed area
- pus coming out of the area
- red lesions around the area
- red streaking from the area
- areas of hard, raised tissue
Why does a tattoo get red?
– New tattoos always cause some irritation. Injecting ink-covered needles into your skin spurs your immune system into action, resulting in redness, swelling, and warmth. These symptoms should fade once your skin cells adjust to ink. A rash, on the other hand, can develop at any time.
Should my tattoo still be red after 3 days?
– 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 do you tell a tattoo is infected?
How do I know if my skin is rejecting tattoo ink?
When is a tattoo most likely to get infected?
Week 1 – After a few days, the tattoo should begin to feel less sore and red. A person may notice their tattoo appears duller than it did initially. This appearance is not a cause for concern but a sign that the tattoo is healing. Sometimes, as the skin is healing, people may notice some scabbing.
- It is important not to pick the scabs, as this can lead to scarring;
- At this stage, people may also begin to notice skin feeling itchy;
- However, it is important to refrain from scratching it;
- Peeling is also a normal part of the healing process, as the skin rids itself of damaged cells;
This can start a few days after having the tattoo, as the skin exfoliates, and new cells grow. People may notice peeling or flaking skin when washing the tattoo. They should continue to wash and moisturize the tattoo 1–2 times per day. The first few days and weeks are when allergic reactions to tattoo ink and potential infections are most likely to occur.
How do you tell if a tattoo is healing properly?
Can you 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.
Will infected tattoo heal itself?
Be prepared to have your tattoo fixed. – “If an infection occurs, it’s not the end of the world,” says Lathe-Vitale. “Once it’s cleared up, the tattoo can always be touched up if necessary. ” The important thing is to wait until the skin has fully recovered because an infection can hinder the healing of the original tattoo.
“This may mean that tattoo pigment is not properly retained in the skin,” explains Dr. Zeichner. “It’s okay to get a touch up; however, I recommend waiting at least one to two months after the infection has resolved to make sure that the skin is fully healed.
” At that point, Lathe-Vitale advises letting your artist visually inspect the tattoo to determine if it’s ready. Marci Robin Marci Robin is a freelance writer and editor specializing in beauty and lifestyle content. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses.
How often should I wash my tattoo?
Once you leave the shop, the artist is no longer responsible for the tattoo. Informed aftercare starts from the minute you leave the shop, and this involves washing the area diligently. Treating your new tattoo with appropriate attention and responsibility can make the difference between a well-healed, crisp, long-lasting piece of art and an uneven, distorted shadow of the tattoo you envisioned. Here’s how often you should wash your new tattoo:
- For the first time, within 5–24 hours of getting it
- At least daily until it’s completely healed – ideally twice-daily
- Each time your tattoo becomes contaminated with dirt or bacteria
Is my tattoo infected or healing?
Be prepared to have your tattoo fixed. – “If an infection occurs, it’s not the end of the world,” says Lathe-Vitale. “Once it’s cleared up, the tattoo can always be touched up if necessary. ” The important thing is to wait until the skin has fully recovered because an infection can hinder the healing of the original tattoo.
“This may mean that tattoo pigment is not properly retained in the skin,” explains Dr. Zeichner. “It’s okay to get a touch up; however, I recommend waiting at least one to two months after the infection has resolved to make sure that the skin is fully healed.
” At that point, Lathe-Vitale advises letting your artist visually inspect the tattoo to determine if it’s ready. Marci Robin Marci Robin is a freelance writer and editor specializing in beauty and lifestyle content. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses.
How do you tell if a tattoo is healing properly?
How To Tell If Your Tattoo Is Infected
How do you know if your skin is rejecting tattoo ink?
