Why is my tattoo itching like crazy?

There are quite a few reasons why your tattoo’s itchy. But to better understand why yours itches, let’s break this section into two: new (unhealed) tattoos and old (fully healed) tattoos.

Reasons why NEW tattoos itch

Healing tattoos can itch like crazy, there are no two ways about it. If it’s your first time getting a tattoo, you should know what you’re up against. Here are the top reasons why new tattoos itch:

• It’s part of the tattoo healing process

Your tattoo is technically an open wound. And if you’ve ever been wounded (who hasn’t), you’d know it will start to itch just as it’s about to heal. Right? The same thing goes for a healing tattoo.  

Once it stops weeping or oozing plasma, it’s going to scab. A few days later the scabs are going to fall off and the area around the tattoo is going to peel off, revealing the new skin underneath.

So, during this scabbing and peeling stage, is when the itching will be most intense. Dead skin cells are shed and new ones take their place, all these things trigger an itching sensation. When dead skin cells peel off, it’s going to rub against skin that’s still connected to nerve endings, thus causing the itch.

• Regrowth of shaved hairs

Shaving the area you want to get tattooed on is on your tattooist’s to-do list. So, you don’t need to worry about shaving yourself at home first. Let the professionals do their job – they’ll shave the area carefully to ensure no razor bumps occur. A clean shave will also help the tattooist do a better job – no pesky hairs that could get in the way.

So, the hair’s going to grow back a few days later (hair follicles don’t get destroyed during tattooing). And for many people, this hair growth phase can be pretty itchy. Couple that with a naturally itchy, healing tattoo, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for ultra-itchy skin!

• Pre-existing skin conditions

People with sensitive skin tend to itch more easily than others. This includes people who suffer from conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. Likewise, if you’ve got dry skin, you’ll also be more prone to itchy skin (also known as pruritus).

For best results, tell your tattooist if you have any pre-existing skin conditions. In some cases, it may not be advisable for you to get a tattoo as your skin may reject the ink. Or, the ink can irritate the skin, etc. If you do push through with your appointment, when you get to the healing stage, you’re more likely to experience extreme itchiness!

• Tattoo ink allergy

Itching is just one symptom of a tattoo allergy. It can range from mild itching to driving–you-crazy levels of itching! For mild itching, it’s probably just a normal part of healing. But if the itching becomes super intense, then that’s a different thing altogether.

There are several causes for tattoo ink allergies. These include sensitivity to heavy metals used in ink pigments, photosensitivity, or the body’s just straight-up rejecting the ink and actively trying to get rid of it.

Click here to know more about tattoo ink allergies.

•  Tattoo infection

A simple itch isn’t a sign of infection. But if you have other symptoms like fever, pain, swelling, redness, foul odour, and pus, then you most likely have a tattoo infection.

Fortunately, some infections don’t require immediate medical attention. If it’s relatively minor, you can try a few home remedies first. You can clean the area, air it out, and take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pill or antibiotic. If the infection seems to be getting worse, seek medical advice.  

Reasons why OLD tattoos itch

If you’re way past the healing stage, and your tattoo suddenly starts itching, then you’re probably confused as to why. Old tattoos aren’t exempt from itching, here are a few reasons:

• Dry skin

This is the most common culprit for an itchy, old tattoo. Skin can only retain so much moisture on its own. Its natural oils will dry up in a matter of hours (depending on where you live). Once this happens, your skin will dry up. This is why you should continue applying moisturising lotion every single day (not just during the tattoo healing stages).  

The truth is that your tattoo can only look as good as the skin it’s on. So, if you don’t hydrate (drink lots of water) and moisturise your skin, then chances are it’s going to become irritated and itchy if left ignored for too long. Just so you know, tattoo aftercare lasts your entire lifetime.   

• Your skin got exposed to an irritant

There are a lot of irritants out there. So, you need to backtrack your steps and figure out what caused your skin – and your tattoo – to itch. By process of elimination, you should be able to find the culprit. The next thing for you to do would be to stay away from that irritant.

• Delayed or seasonal reaction to tattoo ink

Our body’s chemistry changes constantly. Perhaps when you initially got your tattoo, you weren’t sensitive to the tattoo ink. But over time, something happened in your environment.

Maybe you’re aware of when it happened, or maybe not. But whatever it was, it affected your body chemistry, and thus, eventually caused your body to start reacting to the tattoo ink.  

Or, perhaps you have a seasonal reaction to the ink. Some ink pigments contain traces of heavy metal; these often cause tattoo itching when exposed to the sun. Those affected usually experience this during hot, summer months.

For others, their tattoos itch during winter. Perhaps it’s due to a condition known as ‘winter itch’ where the skin dries out faster. In this case, you need more frequent moisturisation.

• You have an underlying medical condition

There’s a whole host of reasons why an old tattoo may itch. It may be due to any medical condition (pre-existing or a newly developed one). If you experience other symptoms apart from the itchy tattoo, then you may need to seek expert medical opinion. Hopefully, it’s nothing serious!

Here’s why you SHOULDN’T scratch your itchy tattoo

Check out what this tattooist has to say about scratching itchy tattoos:

In addition to what the tattooist said, here are more reasons why you should refrain from scratching:

• You can accidentally remove some of the ink

When your tattoo starts scabbing or peeling, it’s going to itch. But don’t get tempted to scratch. If you do, then you risk pulling off some scab or peeling skin prematurely, which can also pull some of the ink from underneath. You’ll be left with a patchy tattoo and you may end up getting a touch-up session sooner than expected!

• You can transfer germs and bacteria to your tattoo

If you’ve got long fingernails, then chances are it’s got a lot of germs and bacteria hiding underneath. When you scratch your new tattoo, the germs can transfer to the healing wound, which can, of course, start an infection. You can minimize the risk by cutting your fingernails short and washing your hands before making any sort of contact with your tattoo.

• You can cut your skin

The last thing you want to happen on a healing tattoo is to get another cut on top. Fingernails are hard and tough, and can definitely cut the skin. If this happens, some of the ink can leak out, especially if it hasn’t settled properly in the dermis.

If the cut is deep enough to draw some blood, then it may scar in the future. Also, the cut adds another entry point for germs to get in the skin and start an infection.

• You can delay the tattoo healing process

Well, any of the 3 scenarios described above can delay the tattoo healing process. Obviously, that’s never anyone’s objective. We all want our tattoos to heal as fast as possible. Why suffer an extra day when you don’t have to, right? So, next time you feel the itch, stop yourself and think about the long-term effects of scratching your tattoo.

What can I do – or put – on my tattoo for itch relief?

Alright, so by now you’ve learned you shouldn’t scratch your tattoo. So, what can you do instead? Well, here are some tips you can follow to get some relief!

1. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise

You need to step up your moisturising game when you get inked. Your tattoo’s appearance literally depends on it. If you hate putting anything on your skin, you’ll need to rethink that because if the itch becomes unbearable, you only have yourself to blame!

Your tattooist will, hopefully, educate you on the importance of moisturising as part of the tattoo aftercare process.

Now, when applying lotion to healing skin, it’s best to put on a very thin layer only. This allows the skin to breathe and not cause the area to get soggy. Carefully remove any excess lotion, making sure not to snag on any loose skin.

The TattooMoisturiser team highly recommends After Inked. We’ve used various lotions and creams as part of tattoo aftercare, but nothing comes close to the overall value that this brand provides!

Firstly, it’s made primarily with grapeseed oil, so it’s got all the natural healing and moisturising properties of this potent antioxidant. Secondly, other ingredients include shea butter, glycerin, jojoba seed oil, and beeswax. It’s formulated especially for tattoos, so it will keep your ink – and your skin – safe.

Best of all, it’s priced very fairly. A 90ml tube costs about 18 quid, so you’re certainly getting excellent value for your money since you only need to apply a very small amount!

Related article: The Best Tattoo Aftercare Lotions, Ointments, and Creams

2. Apply ice or cold compress

For unhealed tattoos, don’t apply ice or cold compress directly to the itchy spot. Instead, you need to put a clean cloth between the ice and your tattoo to act as barrier. This technique also prevents germs from the compress from getting into the skin.

For older tattoos, you can apply the ice directly to the spot, but you’ll need to take it off frequently if you don’t want to end up getting an ice burn.

3. Take a cold shower

Anything cold that hits the itchy spot is a great idea, really. But a cold shower will also take your mind off other things. Just make sure you do it really quickly to avoid soaking the skin and ruining your tattoo!

Here’s how showering with a new tattoo works: https://tattoomoisturiser.co.uk/showering-with-a-new-tattoo

4. Gently pat the itchy spot

This is a temporary solution, but it works simply because it distracts your attention from the itch. Note that the keyword here is ‘gentle.’ For healing tattoos, a hard slap can cause some ink to leak out!  

5. (For old tattoos only) Use OTC anti-itch relief

You can buy anti-itch creams (such as hydrocortisone) at the chemist or supermarkets in your area. Or, you can also take an antihistamine, if necessary. Just make sure your tattoo is well-healed before applying any anti-itch creams. Otherwise, you risk delaying your tattoo’s healing.  

6. (For old tattoos only) Soak in a relaxing bubble bath

Obviously, this is a bad idea for a healing tattoo. But for old tattoos, soaking in the bath is effective at providing anti-itch relief. You can also add your favourite essential oils or colloidal oatmeal to help soothe the itch.

If none of these tips work for you, perhaps you’ve got something else going on as well. If you suspect your condition is worsening, please seek professional medical advice straight away.

Conclusion

An itchy tattoo can test your patience. You’ll come close to scratching it many, many times. You’ll probably give in a few times over the course of the healing process, but try your best not to! Hopefully, this article will help provide relief and stop tattoo itching ASAP.

What’s a tattoo allergy?

A swollen tattoo (Photo by Kim Laurenson)

Tattoo allergies are usually localised reactions to tattoo ink (and in rare cases, even the tattooing equipment used). It’s ‘localised’ because it will usually only appear at the tattooed area. More often than not, it will be located directly above the tattoo (colour) ink you’re specifically allergic to.

Say, for instance, you had a tattoo of a fish with red eyes. If you’re allergic to red ink, the symptoms will only show up at the spots where red ink was used (the eyes).

Note, however, that not all allergies will present localised symptoms. Others will affect the entire tattooed area and even the skin surrounding it.

Also, some allergies don’t happen straight away. In many cases, they occur a few hours or a few days after getting the tattoo. In rare instances, they can even appear months or years later!

Obviously, if this happens to you, you’ll be left scratching your head. But remember, tattoo ink is a foreign object inserted in your body. You may think it’s settled in after a while. But the truth is, you can’t ever be 100% certain you’ll never experience a tattoo allergy in your lifetime.

Allergic reaction to tattoo ink: mild to severe signs and symptoms

You know, the milder symptoms of tattoo allergies, tattoo infections and the beginning of the tattoo healing process can look pretty much the same for the first few days. However, it’s when the reactions start becoming severe that you truly need to worry. That said, here are some common presenting symptoms of tattoo ink allergy:

Mild symptoms:

• Itching

Itching is pretty much normal for a healing tattoo, but for a fresh one, not so much. So, if you find your tatt itching like there’s no tomorrow, well, perhaps you’re having an allergic reaction.

• Swelling

A bit of inflammation is normal during the early days, too. But if it shows no sign of slowing down and going back to normal, then an allergy may be responsible for the swelling.

• Scaly skin around the tattoo

Scaly skin shouldn’t be seen around your new tattoo. Unless you’ve got skin drier than the Sahara, then in that case, a nice moisturising lotion might be in order.

• Rashes and bumps

You also get rashes and bumps with an infection. But with a tattoo ink allergy, it’s bound to either go away on its own after a few days or some anti-allergy medicine (e.g. antihistamine) will take care of it pretty quickly.

• Irritation and redness

All tattoos are going to look red during the first 24-48 hours. Your skin just took a beating courtesy of tiny needle pricks (thousands of them!). However, with a tattoo allergy, instead of the redness eventually going away, it may intensify even more.

Severe symptoms:

• Intense itching

Photo by Анастасия Гепп from Pixabay

Itching and intense itching are two different things. Intense itching will feel like something’s crawling underneath, and you literally can’t help but scratch it. But try your hardest and resist the temptation to do so – for your tattoo and your health’s sake!

• Burning feeling in and around tattooed area

Well, this is obviously a bad sign. If you feel like this, call your GP ASAP.

• Pus discharge from wound

Pus is never a good sign. It can signal either an allergy or an infection. Either way, it’s bad. And if not treated early, it can progress to something so much worse.

• Fever and chills

Some people do get fevers just by getting a tattoo. Perhaps their immune system’s a bit on the weak side and it’s gone on overdrive to protect the body from infection. However, if your body temperature goes to 39C and up, and you’re experiencing chills, seek medical attention.

• Difficulty breathing

Obviously, if you have trouble breathing because of a tattoo ink allergy, then you need to do something straight away! Your airway’s literally telling you to go and present yourself at the hospital, so don’t delay!

Common causes of tattoo ink allergies

If you’re wondering what’s causing all these allergy symptoms to appear right after getting a tattoo, here are the most common causes.

1. Heavy metals

Colourful tattoos sure are nice to look at, especially if it’s on your skin. But it might surprise you to know that some tattoo ink manufacturers use certain heavy metals and chemicals as ingredients/pigments for their ink. This is, unfortunately, the downside of an industry that is not as tightly regulated as it should be.

Here are examples of heavy metals used in tattoo inks:

• Red – can include mercury, cadmium, iron
• Yellow – can include lead, cadmium, zinc, ferricyanide
• Black – can include nickel, carbon, iron
• Green – can include lead, chromium, aluminium, copper, ferricyanide, copper
• Blue – can include cobalt, copper, ferrocyanide
• White – can include lead, zinc, titanium, barium

This isn’t a comprehensive list by any means. Many ink manufacturers don’t even bother listing the ingredients on their ink bottles. They just slap a label saying, ‘Tattoo Ink’ and sell it!    

Now, some of these ingredients are commonly used to make printer ink and automobile paint. Therefore, it’s really not all that surprising to learn that these inks cause severe tattoo allergies in many people!  

2. Photosensitivity

Sunlight is good for the skin. Normally. But with a healing tattoo, sunlight isn’t your friend. In fact, you need to stay well out of the sun’s rays for as long as 4 weeks. Or at least until your skin fully heals.

Depending on how sensitive your skin is, you could get burned. Obviously, this wouldn’t be a great look for your new tattoo. And if you had your tatt done in red or yellow ink, then you need to take this advice seriously. Why? Because these colour inks usually contain cadmium which can cause an allergic reaction when exposed to sunlight!

Here’s the thing though. Your tattoo may already be fully healed, but as soon as it gets exposed to the sun, you could still experience a (delayed) reaction. This is the reason you’ll hear people wondering why they’re still getting bumpy and raised tattoos after months – or even years – of getting their skin inked!

3. Tattoo ink rejection

It’s common for some ink to ooze out when the tattoo’s relatively fresh. Over the next few days, you’ll see ink coming off in bits and pieces – don’t be alarmed, it’s all totally normal.

However, what isn’t normal is when you turn out to be allergic to the ink and your body is trying to reject it. In many places, tattooists don’t exactly tell you what’s in the ink bottle, so if in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask.

Either way, you could be allergic to one or all of the tattoo ink ingredients. The most telling sign would be symptoms that just won’t go away no matter what you do. In cases like these, tattoo removal may be the only suitable treatment option for you.

4. Sensitive skin

It’s true – some people are born with skin so sensitive that a few seconds of contact with an offending allergen can produce angry little red bumps all over the contact area! Now imagine getting a tattoo and having the tattooist’s hand apply pressure on your skin for several minutes at a time. You could be allergic to the gloves, or you could be allergic to the ink.

Some culprits would be skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis. Technically, eczema is just a more generic term for a type of dermatitis called ‘atopic dermatitis.’ According to Dr. David Hauswirth, eczema affects 10 to 20% of the population.

Some people are aware they have it and tell their tattooist beforehand. Others may get a tattoo without knowing they have a pre-existing skin condition that will likely result to flare-ups, increased itching and redness.

Fortunately, eczema and dermatitis won’t stop you from getting inked. Just don’t go to the tattooist in the midst of a flare-up, but also be honest with them about your condition so they’re aware of it.  

How to test if you’re allergic to tattoo ink?

It would be nice to know if you’re allergic to ink, right? It will save you a world of trouble. Unfortunately, there’s no foolproof method yet that can actually 100% confirm you’re allergic to ink or not. But you can try any of the methods below and see if it works for you:

1. Tattoo ink patch test

Ask your tattooist for a simple ink patch test (Photo by Yannic Läderach)

If you’ve got sensitive skin that tends to react to the littlest thing, then a patch test may be advisable for you. Now, some tattooists may ask for your medical history. But just in case they don’t, take the initiative and tell them about your skin condition.

The patch testing process is relatively quick and simple. There are two ways your tattooist may go about this:

1. External – the tattooist will put a drop of ink (it should be the same kind that will be used on your tattoo) on a patch of skin.
2. Internal – the tattooist will actually tattoo a tiny dot on your skin. This will insert the pigment, so you get a more accurate test result.

Either way, you’ll be asked to observe and wait for at least 24 hours to see if you develop a reaction to the ink.

If you don’t develop itching, swelling or redness, then chances are, you’re good with the ink. In this case, you may proceed with the tattooing process.

Take note, however, that if your tattoo design requires a number of colours, then your tattooist should patch test each type of ink on your skin.

Again, this method isn’t a foolproof way of preventing an allergy. Sometimes, even if you pass the patch test with flying colours, you may still experience some allergic reaction a few weeks or months later.

2. Known allergies to ink ingredients

Asking questions is acceptable in tattoo studios. So, please don’t be afraid to ask what’s in the ink bottle. After all, that ink is going in your skin – you’ve got all the right in the world to know!

Of course, this method will only work if you already know what you’re allergic to. If you have contact dermatitis or atopic dermatitis, you’ve probably had patch testing done before. If you have, then you’re in luck.

However, it doesn’t mean to say that if none of the ink ingredients is on your allergen list, then you’re not going to get some kind of allergic reaction to the ink. If you want to be doubly sure (but still not a 100% guarantee), then I recommend you request a tattoo ink patch test from your tattooist as well.

Treatment options for your tattoo ink allergy

Choosing the right treatment option will surely bring a world of relief to your allergy. While this list isn’t comprehensive by any means, the suggestions on this list should help you find some relief – hopefully the permanent kind!

1. Take over-the-counter medicine

A photo of OTC medicine (Photo by Brett Jordan)

Antihistamines can help stop the itching. You can take either the sedating (perfect if you’re just about ready to tuck in for the night) or non-sedating (if the itch strikes while you’re about to head out the door) kind. If you experience a rash along with the itching, hydrocortisone may do the trick for you.

Obviously, we don’t know your exact issue, so before you actually take any of these medicines, please consult with your GP. The last thing you want is for the medicine to cause even more problems for you!

2. Cold compress

A minor allergy can be quelled by applying a cold compress on the affected area. Now, this is often only a temporary solution, and the symptoms may reappear after an hour or two. But try pairing a cold compress with some medicine, you may finally be able to get some long-lasting relief! 

3. Apply itch relieving cream or ointment

These kinds of creams are great for use on fully healed tattoos. But for unhealed ones, you need to check first with your tattooist or your GP as some ingredients may pull out ink from your skin. Obviously, you don’t want this to happen as you could end up with a patchy tattoo! 

4. Hydrate and moisturise skin

Like itch relieving creams, this treatment option is best for tattoos that have at least stopped oozing plasma and are already in the scabbing stage. This is because if moisturising lotion is applied prematurely to a fresh weeping tattoo, then it can get absorbed by the skin. This can lead to an infection (so now, you’re the unfortunate soul with both a tattoo allergy and infection!).

For best results, we recommend you use After Inked Tattoo Aftercare Lotion – this is one of the best hydrating lotions for tattoos in the market right now.

5. Tattoo removal

Tattoo removal (Photo by dfrankg on Flickr)

Obviously, this isn’t everyone’s first choice. But if worse comes to worst, and your tattoo ink allergy doesn’t seem to be improving, then this may be the only option. Now, you should never attempt to remove the ink yourself – it’s not as simple as squeezing the ink out of your skin!

You also can’t go back to your tattooist and ask them to remove the tattoo. For tattoo removal, you’ll need to see a doctor. They’ll use a laser machine to break up the ink particles, which will then be absorbed by your body and excreted as waste later on.

Unfortunately, tattoo removal is more costly and more painful than getting a tattoo in the first place. It also doesn’t happen in one sitting. Depending on how big and how colourful your tattoo is, it may take several sessions before you finally see the last drop of ink. Even then, it’s not a 100% guarantee that it will totally vanish from your skin.

Prevention is better than cure, so here’s how you minimise tattoo allergy risk

There is no guarantee, but here are a few tips you can follow to minimise a tattoo ink allergy.

1. Choose the right tattooist

A professional tattooist at work (Photo by Allef Vinicius)

You don’t need to become best buds with your tattooist, but it’s nice to be comfortable with someone who’s going to inflict a world of pain on you. That said, here’s what you should look for in a tattooist:

• Are they registered? Their registration certificate should be displayed in the studio.
• Are they reputable? They should have a stellar reputation. Ask them for references or check out their website and social media pages. Read what people are saying about them.
• Are they honest? They’ll willingly answer all your questions about the tattooing process – from the preparation (using new gloves, putting protective film on all equipment used), the type of ink used and its ingredients, the tattoo process and aftercare – a true professional won’t hesitate to educate you before actually inking your skin.
• Do they verify your age? If you’re young, they should ask you for ID to prove you’re at least 18 years of age – it’s illegal in the UK to tattoo anyone under 18.
• Do they pass the eye test? Their studio should be very clean and the tattooist himself should wear clean (not bloody) clothes.

2. Don’t get a tattoo if you’re sick

Getting a tattoo whilst you’re feeling ill is a bad idea. A tattoo is basically an open wound, so your immune system will be working doubly hard to protect you. Reschedule your appointment. A reputable tattooist won’t work on you if he or she knows you’re ill as it can compromise their work and your health, too.

3. Find out if you have allergies and/or skin condition

Getting a patch test is a good idea, but it would be even better if you already know what you’re allergic to. You can go to an allergist to find out if you’re allergic to common tattoo ingredients. Or if you suspect you have an existing skin condition that can affect your tattoo, speak to a dermatologist about it.

Conclusion

Allergic reactions to tattoos can happen to anyone at any given time. Some get it right after their tattoo appointment, while others don’t present allergy symptoms until much, much later. Whatever your case may be, don’t panic. If none of the allergy treatment ideas I’ve shared here in this article works for you, please get in touch with your GP.

Well, if you’re reading this post, I suppose you’re one of the unlucky ones, but I sure hope I’m wrong! That said, if you want to find relief for your itchy and bumpy tatt, you know what to do… just scroll down the page for answers.

What causes raised bumps on new tattoos – and how to fix it?

I’ll be honest with you: there are a LOT of possible reasons why tattoos – both old and new – turn into coloured skin bumps. I’ve tried my best to cover all possible reasons, but if you don’t find yours below, please consult with your doctor.

Here are 8 common reasons for bumps on new tattoos:

1. It’s scabbing (which is totally normal in most cases)

(A scabbing tattoo | Photo by Amanda from Flickr)

The moment your skin gets punctured by your tattooist’s needle, your body’s immune system springs into action. It tries to heal and patch the skin right under your tattooist’s nose. But you won’t see the full, crusty scab for another 1-3 days (depends on how big the tattoo is and how well your immune system works).  

That said, when you run your fingertips over the scab, you’ll notice it’s a bit raised. It’s nothing to be alarmed about though. Underneath the ugly exterior is fresh new skin, which will be revealed (or shall we say ‘unveiled’) once the scab falls off.

How to treat?

It’s a waiting game, really. And in most cases, it’s going to be a short one. To come out on top, make sure you DON’T pick at the scabs. If you’re not dry healing, some moisturising lotion will help reduce your discomfort.

Otherwise, you risk pulling the skin off prematurely which can take some of the ink along with it. Plus, you’ll be delaying the healing process and the scabs will start all over again.

Pro tip: Use virgin coconut oil or a moisturising lotion to keep your skin hydrated and less irritated.

2. Your new tattoo may be infected

What a truly horrible way to welcome your new tattoo. But infections do happen, especially if you choose to hire a dodgy tattooist. Fortunately, the tattoo industry in the UK is heavily regulated, which helps combat the risks of bacterial infections.

Yes, professional tattooists do command a higher price, but in my opinion, it’s worth it. You are, after all, talking about getting inked permanently – you don’t want to tempt fate by hiring an inexperienced, amateur, wannabe ‘artist’.

So, what are the signs you’ve got a tattoo infection?

Well, in most cases, it starts with either a rash or an angry red bump around the new tattoo. Swelling, thick discharge, and pus are common signs, too. Oh, and if your tattoo’s starting to smell really nasty, it might be a sign of necrosis or tissue death.

According to this study by Drs. Dieckmann, Boone and Dahouk, the most common causes of bacterial infections were:

• Unhygienic conditions
• Non-sterile tattooing equipment
• Needle sharing
• Ink contamination
• Traditional Samoan tattooing

Which then resulted in infections like:

• Cellulitis
• Abscesses
• Erythema
• Tissue necrosis
• Septic shock
• Toxic shock syndrome

How to treat an infected tattoo?

Antibiotics and proper aftercare can usually treat minor infections. But if you start getting a fever along with chills and sweats, then PLEASE present yourself to the emergency ward or A&E department!

3. Your new skin art is swelling

(Fresh tattoo that’s swelling up a little | Photo by Simon Hammond)

Swelling isn’t entirely uncommon in new tattoos. More often than not, it’s the result of your body’s immune system at work. It’s an initial reaction designed to protect your skin – the blood vessels widen to ease blood flow so that the healing process can begin.

Some parts of the body are also more prone to swelling like the ankles and feet. Getting inked in these areas when you spend hours standing up can lead to intense swelling.

Also, tattoos done by heavy-handed tattooists can often lead to more bruising and swelling. This is because more pressure is applied to the skin which ultimately leads to your body responding by swelling up.

Swelling caused by a tattoo allergic reaction or even an infection is a different matter altogether. Please refer to the section above for possible solutions to your specific problem.

How to treat a swelling tattoo?

If swelling occurs during the first few days, don’t panic. It is but your body’s normal reaction to getting stung by needles thousands of times. You can try icing the area to find some relief or perhaps try elevating your legs if your tattoo’s on the lower side of your body.

However, if the swelling doesn’t subside after a few days, your new tattoo might be infected. Contact your GP if you think you’ve contracted an infection!

4. You’ve got a pre-existing or undiscovered skin condition

Ah, skin conditions – there’s a myriad of them. Not too surprising really, considering the genetic makeup that makes all of us unique. Some conditions you probably already know about – or even have – like acne, dermatitis and eczema. 

Some skin conditions are visible, others not so much. A professional tattoo artist will inspect your skin before doing anything with it. So, if your skin’s acting up after getting the tattoo, it’s probably caused by the tattoo (new reaction). Or, it’s been there all along (dormant) but was triggered by the ink insertion.

What’s the remedy?

First, you need to know what condition is causing the reaction. If you have dermatitis, you’re probably allergic to the ink or the needles or even your tattooist’s gloves. Some skin disorders are pretty fickle and can be triggered by the smallest things. For skin issues, it’s best to speak with a dermatologist.

5. You’ve got some scarring going on

As long as tattoo ink is inserted at the right skin layer (the dermis), there should be no scarring. However, if your tattooist’s a bit heavy-handed or inexperienced, they might puncture your skin too deeply. Instead of the dermis, they’ll go deep into the hypodermis or the fatty layer. Doing so can cause tattoo scarring.

What happens with scarring is that your skin attempts to repair the damage. But instead of regular skin cells, your body produces collagen to patch up the wound (which is what your tattoo technical is). Collagen is tougher and thicker than normal skin tissue, this is why when your tattoo scars underneath, it raises the skin by quite a bit.

Keloids are another possible side effect of a tattoo done poorly. Some people are more prone to this type of scarring than others. If you frequently get keloids, you should speak with your tattooist first; many of them don’t tattoo on keloid-prone individuals.

How to fix?

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for scarred, bumpy tattoos. You can attempt to have the tattoo redone via touch-up, but you risk getting even more scarring this way. You can apply lotions and creams to hydrate and soften the skin, or even cover it up with makeup, but none of these are permanent solutions. 

6. You’re having an allergic reaction

Oh, welp. Tough luck! An allergic reaction can be anything from super mild to extremely severe. If your reaction falls on the mild side of things (maybe just a slight swelling), then good for you. Otherwise, go to the hospital nearest you, which is the case with this patient who went straight from the tattooist to hospital in just 5 hours!

The most common cause of allergic reaction is tattoo ink. If you go to a reputable studio, they’d most likely use hypoallergenic ink that has little to no common allergens in it. However, some coloured inks (usually red) use ingredients that can cause skin irritations, which often leads to raised tattoos.

On the other hand, if you had your friend do a stick and poke tattoo at home, then you suddenly have a whole host of possible irritants and allergens to look into. For instance, how clean was the living room/bedroom/kitchen where the tattoo was done? Was a clean needle used?  What kind of ink was used (not pen ink, I hope!)?

Read here: How long do stick and poke tattoos last?

How to fix?

Some symptoms may go away after a few hours, without you needing to do anything. In many cases, a topical steroid ointment or antihistamine can do wonders, and provide relief straight away. But before doing anything, get your tattooist’s opinion first. You don’t want to apply anything that can damage the ink in the long run.

For truly severe allergic reactions, like progressive swelling, burning pain, vomiting, and other horrible symptoms, seek treatment straight away!

7. The weather’s changed, and it hates your tattoo

Your beloved tattoo rarely gets a break, doesn’t it? Even the weather can cause undesirable reactions. Whether it’s hot or freezing outside, it doesn’t matter, someone’s tattoo is bound to get a reaction.

You just need to wait and see which end of the weather spectrum your new ink will react to. Once you determine that, try not to breach the offending temperatures unless you specifically want your tattoo to bump up!

Here’s what happens to skin when seasons change:

Summer

Temperatures and humidity levels rise during summer. This makes your skin swell and stretch a little bit, which can cause your tattoo to itch. If you’re going out into the sun, cover up your tattoo. If the area is going to be exposed, apply sunscreen with high sun protection factor (SPF).

Banana Boat’s SunComfort Sunscreen is easy to apply. Just spray it on your tattoo (and other sun-exposed body parts), rub it in, and you’ll be protected from the harmful rays of the sun!

This is a great sunscreen for both new and old tattoos! (click image to buy)

Winter

When temperatures fall, the skin tends to dry up. And your tattoo can develop a rash and itch like no one’s business; this may be due to the ink reacting with the cold. This is where a handy moisturising lotion comes in.

How to treat?

Move to another part of the world? Just kidding. If you’re getting reactions during summer, perhaps try to minimise your exposure to the sun. If it’s unavoidable, make sure your tattoo is well protected (see our recommended sunscreen above). For those afflicted by cold temperatures, staying warm indoors may provide some relief for your bumpy and raised tattoo.

8. It’s just the way your body is

Everyone’s body chemistry is different. It’s part of what makes each one of us unique, what makes us truly individuals. However, from a tattoo standpoint, this can cause all sorts of problems.

Now, there’s no exact formula to how your skin will react to a brand-new tattoo, but here’s a good one to start with:

Tattoo ink + tattooist’s skill + genetics + body chemistry = your body’s unique reaction to the tattooing process

Don’t forget, the tattoo ink inserted in your skin is literally a foreign object. Your body may not immediately play nice with it, and it’s showing its displeasure by causing all sorts of bumps and raises in your skin.

How to fix?

Well, this one’s tough. The tattoo ink’s already inside you. The tattooist’s skill (or lack of it) has been applied. And you can’t very well fix your genes or your body chemistry. If your raised tattoo shows no sign of going back to normal and is causing you pain or discomfort, please speak to your GP immediately.

Why am I still getting bumps and raises on old and fully healed tattoos?

Raised new tattoos aren’t all that surprising. I mean, you can expect some swelling to happen at some point after getting the tattoo. But when it happens a few months or even years down the line, well, I might be concerned too.

For instance, Alan d’Eon says in his video that his tattoo gets itchy during the month of July. Apparently, this seasonal itch has been bothering him for the past 6 years! Here’s a screengrab from his Youtube video:

That can’t be too comfortable. He says it’s not scarring, and the tattoo is completely normal the rest of the year. Nobody knows what’s going on, but I personally think it’s just his body’s unique reaction to the tattoo.

Note: If you do have some theories, please feel free to comment on the video. Let’s help the poor guy get some relief!

Now, here’s the thing – that tattoo ink in your skin, no matter how long it’s been there, it’s still considered a foreign object by your body. This means that over time as your environment and your body chemistry change, that ink may cause adverse – and delayed – reactions to your body.

Found the solution for your raised tattoos?

In most cases, bumpy and raised tattoos are no cause for concern. But if your condition doesn’t improve in the next few days, something might be going on. Listen to what your body’s telling you. If need be, speak to your tattooist or your GP.