Hives after laser tattoo treatment. (Photo)

Question

I had a tattoo laser treated by a q switched laser 3 times and had what my doctor diagnosed as a systemic reaction 2 times and was advised to stop laser treatment, which I did. It is now 7 months later and I am still getting hives itchy and sometimes not at the tattoo site and on a few random spots on my body. My question is when will this stop? My next question is am I still able to get another tattoo? My doctor has never seen this kind of reaction before so neither question have been answered.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Those random hives sound like allergy and it is important to determine what is causing those allergy reactions. Since it randomly appeared on random spots time after laser treatment it should not be allergy reaction to the laser. I agree what was previously said by doctor, it may be reaction to red ink or something else entirely. Look into it, so you know what are your options. Good luck!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Those random hives sound like allergy and it is important to determine what is causing the allergy reaction. Since it randomly appeared on random spots time after laser treatment it should not be allergy reaction to the laser. I agree what was previously said by doctor, it may be reaction to the red ink or something else entirely. Look into it, so you know what are your options. Good luck!

Lisa Vuich, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. It is likely that it is the red ink that you have allergy to, this is fairly common actually. Any further tattoos should certainly avoid the use of reds/pinks. You may want to see an allergist about the hives persisting. Sometimes when the histamine reaction has been "turned on" it is difficult to "turn it off" and sometime it results in reactions to things you didn't previously notice reactions too. Have them work you up for food intolerances etc... There may be things you should be avoiding in addition to red ink.
Best,
Lisa Vuich, MD

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