Allergic Reactions To Tattoo Ink

« « Body Piercing | Essential Care For Fresh Tattoos » »

Tuesday, June 10th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

Tattoo ink allergies are not that common and when they actually do occur, the allergic reactions are most probably an allergic reaction to red tattoo ink. The reason for this is that red tattoo ink is the only ink color which tattoo ink makers haven’t succeeded in making hypoallergenic. They have succeeded with other tattoo ink colors but red ink is still very much a difficult issue.

People who are allergic or sensitive to certain metals may react to inks in the skin by becoming swollen and/or itchy, oozing of clear sebum is also common. People with allergies should think carefully about getting a tattoo because of the risk of anaphylactic shock which can be life threatening.

Unfortunately when a person gets a tattoo there is always the potential to develop an allergic reaction to the tattoo ink. While allergic reactions are rare, they do happen. This is a result of the different types of materials that make up the composition of the tattoo ink.

In order to determine if the reaction you have to the tattoo is an allergic one, the signs of an allergic reaction will range from a localized redness to a rash that is somewhat eczema -like in nature. Most physicians use steroids in the treatment of tattoo allergies but you should also note that just because a tattoo appears red and irritated does not necessarily mean that you are having an allergic reaction to the tattoo ink.

Tattoo allergies may also result in hives occurring as well, hives can usually be treated with medication in your home without the need to visit a physician. It is only in some extremely rare cases that tattoo allergies actually involve something which is more severe like a difficulty in breathing, wheezing, and swelling in the throat area and other such problems.

It is important to always look out for symbols of an allergic reaction occurring anytime you have a tattoo. Make sure that you stick to the basic instructions on keeping your tattoo clean and don’t expose it to the sun or elements as soon as you have gotten it. Keeping it moisturized just a little bit at least once a day while it is fresh, is also recommended.

A lot of metals tend to be put into tattoo inks and such metals include nickel and this is the metal most people are usually allergic to. Most regular earrings tend to be made from nickel so if you feel comfortable wearing such earrings, then you might be alright with most tattoo inks. Any allergies you have to metals should be discussed with your tattoo artist beforehand so you can seek out alternative options.

Tattoo ink is usually made up of two things and these two things are pigments and carriers. Pigments are anything capable of being ground to provide color. Minerals, vegetable dyes, plastics, and metallic salts are all materials which have been used to create tattoo inks.

People who make tattoo ink are not usually bound by law to declare what is in this tattoo ink so it is really possible not to know what precise chemical compounds have been used in making such inks. You should be very cautious when getting a tattoo in order to make sure that you are not allergic to the tattoo ink.

About The Author: Read on to discover how to dramatically speed up your tattoo healing process with tattoo lotion. I reveal all the secrets of proper tattoo care. Go to Tattoo York today before we decide to no longer reveal our secrets!

by Mike Wamoult

Tattoo Goo’s Tattoo Aftercare Kit