Tattoo Allergy: All Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
A tattoo allergy can ruin the dream of a beautiful tattoo. How you recognize the allergy and what helps against it, we tell you here.
What is a tattoo allergy?
A tattoo allergy is a contact allergy. New tattoos almost always cause slight swelling or skin inflammation, so it is often not so easy to determine whether a tattoo allergy is actually present. Noticeable are allergy symptoms such as hives or eczema. The allergy is usually triggered by different substances in the ink used. A tattoo allergy cannot be cured, only the symptoms can be alleviated. If the symptoms persist, doctors usually recommend removing the tattoo.
What causes a tattoo allergy?
As already mentioned, allergic reactions are most frequently caused by substances in the ink. It is also suspected that the risk of allergies is increased by using inks with metal compounds for a tattoo. The following substances, which are often contained in a tattoo for colour pigments, are considered risky:
- Red: manganese, mercury, cadmium
- Blue: Cobalt compounds
- Green: Chrome
- Brown: cadmium, iron oxide
- Yellow: cadmium may cause increased light sensitivity
Dangerous tattoo: Further triggers of an allergy
In addition, other substances such as preservatives used or a contaminated needle can cause allergic reactions. If there is a latex allergy to the tattoo artist’s gloves, this can also be a trigger for complaints.
Which symptoms does a tattoo allergy have?
In order to distinguish typical consequences of a tattoo from an allergy, one should pay special attention to skin-related reactions. The following complaints are more frequent in the case of an allergy to tattoos:
- Hives and eczema (especially noticeable if they are only on skin areas with the same colour used): The rash can be limited to the tattoo itself, but can go beyond that.
- Swelling
- Fever
- Respiratory distress (in severe cases)
These symptoms will not always appear immediately after tattooing – sometimes they only appear months or even years after tattooing, because the immune system only gradually develops antibodies against the allergen.
How does the doctor diagnose an allergy to tattoos?
If there is a suspicion of an allergy to the new tattoo, those affected should ask the tattoo artist for a list of all substances used. An allergy test (epicutaneous test), in which the various substances are applied to the back with a plaster, can determine whether the body reacts to one of them.
Treatment: What helps against allergic reactions?
It is not yet possible to completely cure a tattoo allergy. Therefore the symptoms are primarily treated, for example by cooling or in more severe cases by ointments containing cortisone. If the symptoms do not subside or if they recur again and again, the doctor may advise to have the tattoo removed.