Can you have a tattoo reaction? Why does my tattoo have bumps and itch? What happens if you are allergic to tattoo ink? How to manage it? What are the precautions to be taken? What are the signs and symptoms? How to treat it? How can homeopathy help you? All of this answered, in this post and of course our doctors always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What is tattoo reaction?
A tattoo is a series of puncture wounds which carry dye into different levels of the skin. Tattooing has become very popular now a days. The various medical issues are associated with tattooing, as breaking of skin barriers may cause various risk such as infection or allergic reactions.
What happens if you are allergic to ink of the tattoo?
Tattoo ink can sometimes causes an allergic reaction even after using sterile needles. A tattoo allergy can result in swelling, irritation, a rash,skin bump or itching around the site of the tattoo.
In people having psoriasis or eczema, tattoos may aggravate the symptoms.
What are the causes of tattoo reaction?
-Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) chemical that causes allergy.
-Allergic reaction.
-Bacterial infection
Composition of tattoo pigment colors:
Red
-Mercury sulfide (Cinnabar)
-Ferric hydrate (sienna)
-Sandalwood
-Brazilwood
-Organic pigments (aromatic azo compounds)
Black
-Carbon (India ink)
-Iron oxide
-Logwood
Brown
-Ferric oxide
Blue
-Colbalt aluminate
Green
-Chromic oxide
-Lead chromate
-Phthalocyanine dyes.
Yellow
-Cadmium sulfide
Purple
-Manganese
-Aluminum
White
-Titanium oxide
-Zinc oxide
What are the symptoms of tattoo reaction?
-Itchy, raised tattoos
-Redness of skin
-Swelling of tattooed skin
-Scabs formation on the tattooed skin
-Rash on tattooed skin
-Fever
-Allergic reaction
What types of skin reactions occur after tattooing?
Certain skin reactions occurs after tattoo reaction such as:
Acute inflammatory reactions: It is the direct response to the piercing of the skin with needles impregnated with pigment dyes. There may be transient redness and swelling of the tattooed area which subsides within 2-3 weeks.
Eczematous hypersensitivity reaction: The two common hypersensitivity reactions are allergic contact dermatitis and photo-allergic dermatitis. The reaction usually appears as an inflamed red rash or it may be scaly and flaky i.e. exfoliative dermatitis.
Photo-aggravated reaction: It is the hypersensitivity reaction of skin due to exposure to sunlight. It is mostly seen in yellow tattoos created from cadmium sulfide. There may be swelling and redness of the tattooed skin.
Granulomatous reaction: It is the reaction caused by the particular type of cells that causes reaction. As the foreign body react to pigment it causes red bumps at the site of the tattoo. UV-visible tattoos have been associated with granulomatous reactions.
Lichenoid reaction: It is the less common reaction than eczematous hypersensitivity reactions. The signs arising are similar to the lichen planus. And red pigments are responsible for lichenoid tattoo reactions.
Pseudolymphomatous reaction: It is the delayed hypersensitivity reaction to tattoo pigment. It is characterized by plum to red colored nodules and plaques. Clinically they may appear same as cutaneous lymphomas but they are not same.
How to investigate tattoo reaction?
-Complete case history
-Physical examination.
-Blood test for any other allergies.
What is the treatment for tattoo reaction?
-Anti-allergic
-Anti-inflammatory drugs
-Antibiotics
-Analgesics
-Anti-itch creams
-Steroids in some cases
-Tattoo removal by laser surgery
What are the complications of tattoo reaction?
-Allergic reactions
-Scarring
-Skin infection
-Granulomas
-Keloids
-Blood borne diseases such as tetanus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
How homeopathy can help in tattoo reaction?
Homeopathy helps symptomatically, accordingly to the symptoms. Medicines included are as follows:
-Arnica montana
-Hepar sulpur
-Hypericum perfolatum
-Ledum palustre
-Rhus toxicodendron
-Silicea terra
