How worried should I be about my itchy tattoo?

Question

I got a tattoo on my chest about 3 years ago in Thailand. It healed fine and looks great but recently it goes through the odd day when it really itches. There's no visible marks (aside from the actual tattoo) or redness and doesn't bother me too much but does anyone think I should be bothered or has anyone had a similar experience?

Answer 1

i have 13 Tattoos and when it is warm they raise up a little and tend to get itchy. My tattooist told me to rub some lotion or neosporin on it to relieve the itching. He said it happens to more people than not that are tattooed

Answer 2

If it is not red or sore I shouldn't think there is anything wrong with it. You could check with a doctor or dermatologist.

It could be a very mild allergic reaction to the ink rather than any sort of infection. The problem with getting tattoos done abroad is that the tattoo artists in other countries are not governed by the sort of health and safety rules and regulations which tattooists in the UK and USA are, so you can't be quite sure what was in the ink they used or how safe their techniques are. Needle cleanliness would also be a worry for me about getting a tattoo done abroad.

Here in the UK all tattooists have to be registered (or you can at least only choose the ones who are) and accredited to show that they conform to health and safety regulations, which is why I feel quite safe and secure in my tattoo having been done safely.

My tattoo only itched when it was very new (it was done about 2 years ago).

My boyfriend's tattoo swelled up a few times (the skin which was tattooed got quite puffy) and the doctor just said it was a reaction to the hot weather and the heat in the pub where he works.

Answer 3

not worried at all unless it is getting puss in it. its allowed to b raised, and feel almost like sandpaper for a while. the reason its itching is bcuz ur skin has been torn and needs to heal. jus like any scab, it itches as it heals bcuz the skin is actually pulling back together to cover anythin that is exposed. its completely ok. A&D ointment may help but dont let the itching fool u and put too much on bcuz then ull draw color out of it. put a thin layer on, dont scratch u can smack it to relieve the itchiness. i hope i helped a little.

Answer 4

I have 4 tattoos and sometimes mine itch a little, dry skin doesn't help, put some moisturising cream on them frequently, it makes them look better too, brings out the colours.

Answer 5

Just go to your local doctor, He will refer you to a skin specialist if He thinks there is a problem.
It was very rash of you to get tattooed in thailand,where the history of cleanliness is suss to say the least.

Answer 6

Ive got 4 tattoos and to be honest mine dont ever itch i actually forget they are there ask your dr or go to your local tattoo place and get it checked out.

Answer 7

Maybe you are developing an allergic reaction to the dyes.

I used to dye a lot of fibers and yarns, and I developed a sensitivity to the dyes to the point I cannot even be in the same room as a vat of certain dyes. Your body can take a certain amount of "abuse", but then it just gets hyper-sensitive to things. I have heard of women having allergic reactions to the permanent makeup tattoos.

Answer 8

my tattoo itches a bit when it gets dry, and it tends to get dry more often than the surrounding skin. I just put a mild moisturiser on it and it feels fine.

Answer 9

YOU MIGHT BE ALLERGIC TO THE INK... BUT MOST OF THE TIME THAT SHOWS UP BEFORE 3 YEARS HAVE WENT BY AND YOUR INK WOULD WORK ITS WAY OUT OF YOUR BODY SO IM NOT REALLY SURE. YOU COULD CALL A DOCTOR OR GO TO A TATTOO PLACE AND ASK THEM ABOUT IT... I HAVE A FRIEND WHO IS A TATTOO ARTIST SO I WILL ASK HIM TONIGHT ABOUT THAT.

Answer 10

i have a tattoo which is 6 years old, it itches me at times but there's nothing there to cause it, i don't worry about mine. as long as theres no sign of infection you shoul be ok.