allergic reactions to tattoos

Tattoo Adverse Reactions and Aftercare

Adverse reactions can happen with tattoos anytime, Although most tattoos are relatively straightforward procedures with no complications, occasionally, an odd rash appears. Sometimes, itchy little bumps decide to show up on your skin. Maybe the tattoo you were so happy about is mysteriously losing ink in patches. It’s not normal, but it’s also relatively rare, and it almost never lasts long.

In this guide, you’ll find information about why tattoos react on your skin, how to differentiate between normal and problematic aftereffects, and what to do with a fresh tattoo to help it heal properly.

Why Tattoos React On Your Skin

In general, tattoo reactions are uncommon, although plenty of people get them at some point. The cause is almost always either an allergy to a metal used in the ink or a reaction to sun exposure.

Since every color of ink contains a variety of different chemicals, it’s entirely possible that you’ll end up with a rash on one part of your tattoo but not the other - and this could even happen on different tattoos! This is completely unpredictable, but no less common or bothersome just because it’s unusual.

Adverse reaction tattoo skin showing typical peeling and redness during recovery

You aren’t Always Immune, Even If You’ve Never Had A Problem

One of the trickiest parts about tattoo allergic reactions is that you might have had multiple tattoos with no problems at all - even if you’re experiencing your first ever unpleasant tattoo reaction. People will often report having no issues with their tattoos until somewhere between the third and the tenth appointment.

In fact, allergic reactions to tattoos can also occur on tattoos that are decades old! There’s even a reported case of a man in England reacting to his tattoo 20 years after he got it.

If a rash shows up on or near your tattoo, you should always consult with your tattoo artist and, if needed, your doctor. Just because it happens rarely, doesn’t mean you should ignore it and try to hope it goes away.

Why Second-Skin Wraps Can Be Irritating

Some tattoo artists use a special second-skin wrap to help their clients’ tattoos heal. Unfortunately, some people are allergic to the special adhesive used to attach the wrap to the skin. You might notice a rash forming along the edges of the wrap - or, in some cases, far away from your tattoo on skin that wasn’t even covered by the wrap.

The rash will likely itch, and it may be mildly inflamed - symptoms consistent with a minor allergic reaction. If this happens to you or someone you know, don’t panic, but do contact your tattoo artist and, if necessary, medical professionals.

What You Can Do

If you or someone you know is allergic to certain adhesives or latex, ask your tattoo artist to patch-test a small area before wrapping the tattoo with the second skin. If an allergic reaction does occur, remove the wrap and gently cleanse the irritated area. If possible, switch to a different tattoo aftercare method or product and try again. If the rash doesn’t clear up after a day or two, or if you suspect the reaction may be severe, consult with a medical professional.

What Is Ink Rejection?

Ink rejection is what it sounds like - your body rejecting the ink in your tattoo and removing it from your system. According to Mayo Clinic, this can be caused by an allergic reaction to certain metals in the ink, and can occur to anyone, even those with no previous adverse reactions or allergies to metals. It’s also worth noting that this type of reaction is usually not a result of poor tattooing practices or an unlicensed tattoo artist.

Symptoms To Watch For

The first obvious sign of an allergic reaction to a tattoo is an itchy, red rash on or around the tattoo. This may sometimes be accompanied by little pimple-like bumps on the skin. This is normal, but if these bumps are persistent or severe, you may want to contact your tattoo artist or doctor. These bumps may indicate granulomas or, more rarely, keloids, neither of which are desirable complications for anyone with a tattoo. Either way, if you suspect you’re having an allergic reaction to your tattoo, it’s probably best to seek professional medical advice as soon as possible.

Why Red Ink Is Suspected The Most

Ask most tattoo artists what colors are most likely to cause a reaction and they’re almost sure to tell you red. There is a reason for this - red ink has the highest likelihood of causing any kind of allergic reaction to a tattoo.

There’s nothing particularly dangerous about red ink itself, according to Mayo Clinic - there’s nothing in it that would cause a severe, immediate allergic reaction or other dangerous side effect. Instead, red ink is more likely to cause minor allergic reactions simply because it contains metals like cadmium, mercury, or iron oxide that some people are allergic to. Yellow ink is also likely to cause allergic reactions for similar reasons, and should be approached with similar caution. If you know you’re allergic to certain metals, be sure to talk to your tattoo artist about it before getting any tattoos with those metals.

Overall, allergic reactions to ink are relatively rare. If you’re concerned about a particular color, there’s no need to panic, but it’s also a good idea to take precautions just in case.

Infection or Allergic Reaction?

Allergic reactions and infections have a number of symptoms in common, and the two are often mistaken for each other. However, the two conditions have very different causes and require very different treatments.

An allergic reaction is always caused by something your body is allergic to. Usually, this something is the tattoo ink itself. An allergic reaction may appear anywhere on the body, but it’s most common on or around the tattoo itself. An allergic reaction, unlike an infection, won’t appear anywhere near the tattoo or elsewhere on your body.

On the other hand, an infection usually occurs because of bacteria entering the bloodstream through broken, healing skin. Any number of unsanitary activities could lead to an infection in a new tattoo, such as swimming in a pool or lake before the tattoo has healed, getting the tattoo improperly sanitized, getting the tattoo on a dirty surface, or picking at the tattoo.

Signs of an infection include rashes, redness, swelling, or pain near or around the tattoo, especially if these symptoms continue or worsen over time. You may also experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or fever if you have an infection. If the infection has persisted for more than a few weeks or is otherwise serious, you should seek medical attention.

One Way To Tell The Difference

An infection will almost never show up on a tattoo that has been present for months or years with no problems. Infections almost always occur shortly after getting the tattoo, while allergic reactions can appear anytime.

An informational infographic titled '4 WEEK TATTOO HEALING TIMELINE' with four labeled stages (Week 1 Fresh Tattoo, Week 2 Peeling & Itchy, Week 3 Faded & Dry, Week 4 Healed & Settled) shown over close-up tattooed forearm photos. The design includes dark teal header blocks, white body sections, icons, and the brand name Urban Size at the bottom.

Healing Timeline For Tattoos

Knowing what to expect throughout the healing process can help you avoid some problems altogether.

The First Few Days

It’s completely normal for tattoos to be swollen right after they’ve been done, and this swelling will often peak within the first 24-36 hours. It’s also normal for the tattoo to ooze a little bit of liquid, like blood plasma mixed with ink, especially in the first two to three days. By the fourth day, the tattoo should appear largely healed with only minor puffiness.

The First Two Weeks

During the third or fourth day following your tattoo, you may experience the beginning stages of peeling, and by the fifth or seventh day, the peeling should start to slow down considerably. It’s also perfectly normal for the tattoo to itch during this period - in fact, most people find the itching to be a good sign.

The most important part of tattoo aftercare during this stage is not to pick at the tattoo, because doing so will remove ink and leave your tattoo patchy. The itching during this period is a sign that your nerves are regrowing, which means that it’s a good thing! Itching may peak during the first or second week but will steadily subside afterwards, and your tattoo may appear slightly dull or discolored during this period.

Two Weeks To One Month

By the third week, the peeling should slow down substantially and eventually stop. Your tattoo should appear largely normal, though it’s not unusual to see some strange discoloration spots. By the fourth week, most tattoo artists would consider the tattoo to be sufficiently healed, although you should still avoid pools and other large bodies of water for the time being.

Beyond The First Month

Your tattoo’s healing process beneath the surface can extend up to two or three months, depending on your tattoo, your body, and where on your body the tattoo is. Beyond the first month, you should continue to take care of your tattoo but you shouldn’t have to worry about it as much - it’s largely healed at this point. Most tattoo artists say that it’s best to wait at least four to six months after getting a tattoo before getting a touch-up.

Tattoo Aftercare

There’s a lot of information floating around on what to put on a fresh tattoo, but here’s what you should know.

Avoid Coconut Oil At First

Coconut oil, despite its health benefits, is extremely comedogenic and should be avoided when applying it to a fresh tattoo. It can actually clog your pores and lead to bacterial growth on and under the tattoo. Instead, save it for another time when your tattoo is fully healed and peeling. Ask your tattoo artist what their recommendations are for tattoo care.

What About Aquaphor?

There is no evidence to support the popular theory that Aquaphor “pulls out the ink” of a fresh tattoo. Aquaphor, like most tattoo balms, only affects the topmost layer of the skin, while tattoo ink is deeply embedded in the dermis. The most likely explanation for Aquaphor pulling out ink is that the person using it has a mild allergic reaction.

On the other hand, Aquaphor doesn’t have the best reputation among tattoo artists because of its petrolatum base. Petrolatum is useful for minor abrasions but is completely inappropriate as a tattoo aftercare cream. Applying petrolatum-based products to a fresh tattoo can cause increased bacterial growth and disrupt the tattoo’s healing process.

In short, using too much Aquaphor can suffocate your tattoo, cause additional plasma buildup, and prolong the healing process. The general recommendation from tattoo artists is to apply only a pea-sized amount of Aquaphor in thin layers to a tattoo during the first few days, and to stop using it once the tattoo starts peeling. It’s also best to avoid Vaseline when applying Aquaphor, since it has a petrolatum base and doesn’t allow the skin to breathe as well as products specifically made for tattoo aftercare.

Aftercare Alternative To Aquaphor

If you want a reliable product that takes much of the guesswork out of tattoo aftercare, look into Urban’s Edge tattoo aftercare products. These products are alcohol-free and contain vegan and hemp-based ingredients designed to promote healing without clogging pores or slowing down the tattoo’s healing process.

Whether you’re just getting a tattoo or want to keep your old ones looking nice, they’re a great alternative to petroleum-based tattoo care products.

Sunscreen And Sun Exposure: A Delicate Balance

Sunscreen is an extremely important part of tattoo care, but there are some important considerations to bear in mind.

Avoiding Sun Exposure During The Healing Process

A tattoo is a fresh wound, and should be treated as such for the first few weeks. Exposure to direct sunlight should also be avoided for the first few weeks, due to the increased risk of infection. Sunlight can also interfere with the tattoo healing process and cause additional complications, such as blistering and irregular skin texture.

Wearing loose clothing over your tattoo is the best way to protect it from the sun for the first month or so, depending on how sensitive your skin is and how soon your tattoo begins to heal. Sunscreen should also be avoided during this period, due to the risk of clogging pores and causing infections.

The Importance Of Sunscreen Once Your Tattoo Heals

Once your tattoo has fully healed, applying sunscreen on a daily basis is actually one of the most important things you can do for it. UV exposure is one of the main causes of tattoos fading over time, so regular sunscreen application will ensure your tattoo retains its vibrancy and clarity. Choose an SPF of at least 30 when selecting a sunscreen for tattoo aftercare.

We have a tattoo sunscreen to protect your ink without harsh chemicals.

Why Tattoos Lose Ink During Healing

It’s completely normal for tattoos to lose a small amount of their ink during the healing process. As the tattoo heals, some of the ink is pushed out along with the plasma that leaves the tattooed area to begin the healing process. On its own, this shouldn’t be enough to cause concern, and should have little to no impact on the final appearance of the tattoo. If the tattoo appears to lose a noticeable amount of ink during the healing process, it could be due to the ink being trapped beneath an excessive amount of ointment.

When To Contact Your Artist Or Doctor About Your Tattoo

As a general rule of thumb, normal healing tattoos should appear to be getting better over time or at the very least not getting significantly worse. If your tattoo starts to look like it’s getting worse - especially after two weeks or so - it’s probably time to contact your tattoo artist or a doctor.

What To Do If Something Goes Wrong

If something does go wrong, contact your tattoo artist first.

Most tattoo artists are accustomed to hearing about strange complications from their clients, and should be able to assess what’s happening based on the symptoms you describe. It’s best to let both your tattoo artist and medical professionals handle it if you aren’t sure what’s happening or how to handle it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is itching normal for?

It’s normal for a tattoo to itch for up to two weeks, with a peak around five to ten days as the skin cells renew and flake away. Some localized discomfort is entirely normal. However, if a tattoo continues to itch heavily beyond two weeks or presents hive-like welts, you should contact your artist.

Is it normal for tattoos to swell?

Tattoos will almost always swell slightly in the first day or two and should subside shortly after. Persistent swelling that appears to be worsening or not receding after four or five days is a sign of infection or an allergic reaction.

How long does a tattoo allergic reaction last?

An allergic reaction can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on the severity and how quickly it’s treated. Research shows around 10% of people who get tattoos will experience some kind of painful allergic reaction while 6% have a delayed one that lasts longer than four months. If your reaction is persisting after one to two weeks, you should see a dermatologist.

Can you become allergic to a tattoo that you’ve had for years?

Yes, unfortunately, it is entirely possible to become allergic to a tattoo in the years after you’ve gotten it. There are documented cases of people breaking out in rashes months or even years after getting inked. You should always take allergic reactions seriously as they can become severe if left untreated.

What does a tattoo allergic reaction look like?

An allergic reaction most commonly presents as a red, bumpy rash that is itchy and may be flaky. In severe cases, large blisters or hives may form over the tattoo, most commonly in one color. The most common color for this to happen in is red, however, it is by no means exclusive to it.

Why does red ink seem to cause so many allergic reactions?

Red ink, as a color, has had a long history of causing allergic reactions due to the metal compound used to achieve the bright red color. The Mayo Clinic notes that there isn’t anything inherently worse about red ink than other colors, but it has a long history of causing issues. This seems to be largely responsible for its notoriety.

Is it normal for a tattoo to look like a sunburn?

Yes, it’s very normal for a tattoo to look similar to a sunburn during the healing process. It may feel warm to the touch and be a similar redness as well. What is not normal is continued deep redness and worsening of the rash, worsening warmth, or pain that doesn’t subside.

How can I tell the difference between an infection and an allergic reaction?

Allergic reactions will almost always be confined strictly to the tattoo, whereas infections can, and often do, spread to other parts of the body. Allergic reactions will also not make you feel ill, whereas infections frequently come with fever, chills, and a general sense of not being well. Allergic reactions can also present themselves long after the initial tattooing, weeks or even months later. Finally, infections present themselves earlier within the first two weeks.

Can you treat an allergic reaction yourself?

Very minor allergic reactions may be treated with an antihistamine or cream recommended by your artist or a doctor, however, this should always be done after speaking with your professional. Severe allergic reactions may require prescription treatment to reduce the inflammation, while persistent ones, especially those lasting longer a few weeks, could require removal of the ink with a laser.

Can I shower with a new tattoo?

You can shower with a new tattoo, so long as you don’t soak the area. You should avoid baths, hot tubs, pools, and swimming for the duration of the healing process, which is usually around four to six weeks.

Is it normal for a tattoo to scab or flake?

It is entirely normal for a tattoo to lightly scab or flake during the healing process, most commonly during the first and second weeks. Scabbing should never be picked at, however, as it can cause permanent damage to the tattoo. The skin cells that would have naturally peeled off have already died when picked, removing a small amount of the ink with it.

When can I put sunscreen on my tattoo?

Sunscreen should be applied after a tattoo has completely healed, which is usually around four to six weeks. You should avoid putting any lotions or creams on your tattoo until then; cover it up with clothing if possible. After the tattoo is healed, you should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every day to protect from sun damage.

Is it normal to lose some of the tattoo ink while it’s healing?

It is entirely normal to lose some of the tattoo ink to skin plasma during the healing process. This loss is minimal and rarely impacts the quality of the tattoo, unless there’s excessive ointment applied or severe scabbing.

Why is the skin around the second-skin bandage inflamed, but not the tattoo itself?

Inflammation around the tattoo itself that is not on the tattoo is almost certainly due to the adhesive, not the tattoo or infection. If the rash is localized, it is likely due to something in the bandage irritating the skin. This kind of rash is common in people with sensitive skin and will typically stop when the bandage is removed.

How long do I have to wait to get a touch-up on a healing tattoo?

Most artists will ask that you wait until the tattoo is completely healed, both on the outside and underneath. This often takes between four and six months.

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