what are the side effects or symptoms of tattoo ink?

Question

are they common?

Answer 1

I researched this stuff alot prior to getting my tattoo because I'm allergic to metals and am never even able to keep pierced ears because my skin reacts with the earrings too much - and was a little afraid before getting my tattoo because the ink has natural metals in it. In terms of allergic reactions, your skin will definately start to get inflamed and puffy....it may start to get itchy and you may develop like a rash surrounding the tattoo. If you have any of these symptoms or you may not...or you even THINK that you might be having an allergic reaction, I would go see a dr asap just so that they can examine it and put you on antibiotics if needed and possibly recommend an antihistamine that you should use. I know that you have tattoos already and if I remember correctly from browsing the other tattoo questions and this is one that's like 2 yrs old right? I would also put in a call to the poison control center (u can find the # in your phone book or the net) since your dr's office is closed right now because it's nighttime.

Tattoo ink allergies are not that common anymore and I'm sure as you know, the main ink that people have a tendency to be allergic to is red. If your tattoo is older though and not a brand new tattoo...or if you've had other tattoos in the past, most likely it is not an allergy because you would have had a reaction basically when your body came into contact with the ink.

Answer 2

Depending on the type of ink used. Most professional tattoo studios would use good quality tattoo ink (india ink, china ink, etc.) which will not give any side effects or symptons. However 'cheap' tattoos could use many different type of inks, including pen ink which can cause poisoning because some are toxic. Besides the ink, badly sanitised tattoo needles or infection during healings can be mistaken for ink side effects.

Answer 3

Some people can be allergic and have reactions, but most people just have the side effect of color in their skin for the rest of their lives : ) I have 6 tattoos and never have had a problem with the ink.

Answer 4

I guess some people could get a rash, as for myself I have 10 and never had any problems, and of everyone I know who has gotten a tattoo they haven't had any reaction either.