Friday, June 06, 2008

Allergic Reactions To Tattoo Ink

By Mike Wamoult

Allergic reactions to tattoo inks are very uncommon but usually an allergic reaction would show up with a shade of red ink. Red ink is the only color that no current tattoo ink manufacturer has developed to be hypo-allergenic. Ink makers have the either most of or the rest of their colors hypo-allergenic, so you only need to worry about red if you have allergies to certain pigments.

People who are allergic or sensitive to certain metals may react to inks in the skin by becoming swollen and/or itchy, oozing of clear sebum is also common. People with allergies should think carefully about getting a tattoo because of the risk of anaphylactic shock which can be life threatening.

Unfortunately when a person gets a tattoo there is always the potential to develop an allergic reaction to the tattoo ink. While allergic reactions are rare, they do happen. This is a result of the different types of materials that make up the composition of the tattoo ink.

Various indications will show whether your reaction to the tattoo is one which is allergic or not. Symptoms of allergic reactions usually start from a localized redness and also include a rash somewhat similar to eczema. If you come in contact with a physician, the chances are that they will use steroids to treat your tattoo allergy. You should however note that simply because a tattoo looks red and irritated does not mean that you are developing an allergic reaction to the tattoo ink.

Tattoo allergies may also alternatively result in the formation of hives as well. Hives can be treated with medication at home without having to visit a physician. It is only in very rare circumstances that tattoo allergies evolve into something a lot more serious such as a difficulty in breathing, wheezing, and swelling in the throat area and other such problems.

It is important to always look out for symbols of an allergic reaction occurring anytime you have a tattoo. Make sure that you stick to the basic instructions on keeping your tattoo clean and don't expose it to the sun or elements as soon as you have gotten it. Keeping it moisturized just a little bit at least once a day while it is fresh, is also recommended.

A lot of metals tend to be put into tattoo inks and such metals include nickel and this is the metal most people are usually allergic to. Most regular earrings tend to be made from nickel so if you feel comfortable wearing such earrings, then you might be alright with most tattoo inks. Any allergies you have to metals should be discussed with your tattoo artist beforehand so you can seek out alternative options.

Tattoo ink is made of two basic components; pigments and carriers. Pigments are pretty much anything that can be finely ground down to provide color. Minerals, vegetable dyes, plastics, and metallic salts are all substances that have been used to create tattoo inks. Tattoo inks can result in some really great body art, but you need to do what you can to protect yourself.

People who make tattoo ink are not usually bound by law to declare what is in this tattoo ink so it is really possible not to know what precise chemical compounds have been used in making such inks. You should be very cautious when getting a tattoo in order to make sure that you are not allergic to the tattoo ink.

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