Tattoo Allergy: All Symptoms and Causes
What is a tattoo allergy?
A tattoo allergy is a contact allergy. New tattoos almost always lead to slight swelling or inflammation of the skin, therefore, it is often not easy to determine if there is actually a tattoo allergy, Striking are allergy symptoms such as wheals or eczema. The allergy is usually triggered by different substances in the ink used. It is not possible to cure a tattoo allergy, only the symptoms can be alleviated. With persistent strong symptoms, doctors usually advise to remove the tattoo.
Causes: How is an allergy to tattoos?
As I said, it is most often due to substances in the ink to allergic reactions. It is also believed that the allergy risk is increased by the use of colors with metal compounds for a tattoo. The following substances, which are often contained in a tattoo for color pigments, are considered high-risk:
- Red: manganese, mercury, cadmium
- Blue: cobalt compounds
- Green: chrome
- Brown: cadmium, iron oxide
- Yellow: Cadmium can provide increased photosensitivity
Dangerous tattoo: further triggers of allergy
In addition, other substances such as used preservatives or a contaminated needle for allergy reactions. If there is a latex allergy to the tattooist's gloves, then this is also a trigger for complaints.
What symptoms does a tattoo allergy have?
In order to differentiate typical consequences of a tattoo from an allergy, one should pay particular attention to skin-related reactions. The following symptoms occur in an allergy to tattoos heaped on:
- Wheals and eczema (especially noticeable if they are only on the skin with the same color used): The rash may be limited to the tattoo itself, but can go beyond that.
- swelling
- fever
- Shortness of breath (in severe cases)
Not always will these symptoms occur immediately after tattooing? sometimes they show up months or even years after tattooing, because the immune system only gradually develops antibodies against the allergen.
How does the doctor determine a tattoo allergy?
If you suspect an allergy to the new tattoo, sufferers should ask the tattoo artist for a list of all the substances used. Through an allergy test (epicutaneous test), In which the various substances are applied with a plaster on the back, it can be determined 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. First and foremost therefore the symptoms are treated for example by cooling or in more severe cases by cortisone-containing ointments. If the complaints do not resolve or come back again and again, the doctor may advise you to have the tattoo removed.
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