The Unheard of Tattoo Ink Allergy

Can you be allergic to tattoo ink?  This is a question not many people take into consideration when getting their tattoo.  They think as long as they find a clean tattoo shop that uses sterile needles that they are safe, but this may not be the case in some situations.  People can in fact be allergic to tattoo ink.  If you are allergic, chances are you won’t find out until your first tattoo.

Tattoo ink contains many chemicals that you may be allergic to.  It would be hard to pin point which chemical(s) you are allergic to because of the amount of them in tattoo ink.  Red is proven to be the most common allergy causing tattoo ink, but any color can cause an allergic reaction.  Symptoms of an allergic reaction to tattoo ink range from swelling, redness, rash, and more.

A few tattoo artists even offer to do a test to see if you are allergic.  This test is usually done behind the ear.  This is optional, but highly recommend.  If you do decide to do a test, most artists will tell you to wait a week before getting the tattoo to see if you encounter any allergic reactions from the test.

Although this allergy is not common, it is important to be aware of it and proceed with caution.  If you have any of the symptoms listed above after getting a tattoo, it is important to contact a doctor.  They will be able to take a closer look and help come up with the best way to take care of the problem.