For those in the tattoo business, what's the frequency of red ink allergies?

Question

I would like to get a red tattoo but I am scared of being allergic to the dye. I have tattoos in green, gray, and black. How often does this allergy actually occur, and how obnoxious is it if I request a test patch? Anything else I should consider? Thanks!

Answer 1

Reactions are rare, but do happen. Inks aren't regulated, so it can lead to problems, and there's no way of knowing if you will have a problem with a specific ink. I don't think an artist would object to a small test patch (you would have to pay for it, I'm sure) but reactions can happen many years after the tattoo is done, so I don't know that it would be of much help. For a good article on ink allergies check out http://wiki.bmezine.com/index.php/Ink_Allergy

Answer 2

Ink allergies in general are very rare but red seems to top the list. It is most associated with reactions from sun exposure. Best to keep your red tattoos covered in the sun if you are at all worried.

There is no way to determine if your red will react. Skin tests are worthless in that these reactions occur down the road. You can easily have a negative reaction and then three years later have a flare up on your tattoo. As I said though, very rare.

Answer 3

Years ago, they used to make red, orange, and yellow with
mercury. Now they don't............and that's what would cause
most of the allergic reactions.
So, unless you find an artist that is using really old ink...........
you should be ok.
Hope that helps.............