Contact dermatitis to red/pink ink tattoo that re-infects - what can I do since it cannot be safely lasered off?

Question

What is your opinion on what I could do since my skin is responding poorly to allergy treatments? Shall I just keep the tattoo that is causing the allergy? I so fear the risk of it getting reinfected every time it hardens. In just over a month, the allergic keloid-tattoo has been infected twice as it becomes too crusty and cracks on its own without me scratching it or anything like that. What do I do now since it cannot be safely lasered nor surgically removed? Please help me. Thank you.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Dealing with contact dermatitis from a tattoo, especially involving red or pink ink, can be challenging. Here are some steps you might consider:

Consult a Dermatologist: It's essential to consult with a dermatologist who can assess the severity of your reaction and provide personalized treatment options. They might prescribe a stronger topical or systemic corticosteroid to manage the inflammation and prevent further infections.

Patch Testing: Consider undergoing patch testing to confirm the specific allergen causing the reaction. This can help in identifying if it is indeed the ink or another component.

Skin Care Regimen: Maintain a gentle skin care routine to avoid further irritation. Use fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products to cleanse and moisturize the area.

Infection Management: If infections have occurred, your dermatologist might prescribe antibiotics or recommend antiseptic treatments to manage and prevent further infections.

Alternative Removal Options: While traditional laser removal might not be safe, you could explore other options like specialized dermatological treatments or new laser technologies that might be less likely to cause adverse reactions.

Preventive Measures: Keep the area moisturized to prevent crusting and cracking, which can lead to infections. Applying a barrier cream might also help protect the area.

Consider Cover-Ups: If removal is not an option, you might consider consulting with a tattoo artist experienced in cover-up tattoos using inks that you are not allergic to, although this should be discussed thoroughly with your dermatologist.

It's crucial to work closely with a healthcare professional to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and to prevent further complications.

Contact dermatitis to red/pink ink tattoo that re-infects - what can I do since it cannot be safely lasered off?

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Contact dermatitis to red/pink ink tattoo that re-infects - what can I do since it cannot be safely lasered off?

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Everything you need to know about Tattoo Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.