The red reaction affects 1 in every 100,000 to 300,000 people.  It is characterized by itching and sometimes swelling, depending on how severe the case. This mostly happens 3 to 5 years after the tattoo, although cases have been reported as early as a few months and as late as 20 years. 

     Remedies usually involve OTC (over the counter) lotion or in more severe cases, medication prescribed by a dermatologist. Extreme cases may require tattoo removal. No one seems to know what causes it and is associated mostly with the color red.  Formerly most red pigments contained mercury and the red reaction was much more common. It was widely believed that mercury was the cause. Mercury is no longer used in tattoo inks. Red reaction incidences decreased dramatically but were not eliminated. Be aware that the body can react negatively to any foreign substance inserted; some people are even allergic to substances produced by their own body. Any respectable tattooist will make a patch test if you ask him/her and for people with a history of allergies (e.g., hay fever) this is strongly recommended.

     Anything that the needles must go through to drive the ink into the dermis can be carried with the ink into the skin. Some people have a high degree of reaction to foreign material.

     Most tattoo artists use an A&D ointment as a lubricant on the surface of the skin and tattoo through that layer. In some persons, driving any of that into the skin sets up a foreign body reaction with lumps and itching. If that is the case, ask the tattoo artist to tattoo you without the ointment.  If you are sensitive to certain types of soaps let you should tell your artist.  Some people who are allergic to certain types of soap will beak out in a rash after getting a tattoo and it could be a reaction to a soap that an artist used during the tattoo procedure.  This can also be remedy by using OTC (over the counter) lotion.  We recommend an alcohol free lotion.