Am I allergic to the pink ink? (Photo)

Question

I have a black/pink/minimally white tattoo on my left forearm and it's constantly burning. Not intense where I can't take it but it's constantly doing so and it's been 9 months since I've had it placed. Would it be that I'm allergic? Should I remove it as soon as possible?

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You may be allergic to the ink. However, this is very rare. Unfortunately, if you start laser tattoo removal, you would be releasing more of the ink into your system and might create more of an allergic reaction. I would consider treating a very small area at first and see what your reaction is. In my practice I like to use Picosure Laser for tattoo removal. Picosure has a short pulse duration that exceeds photothermal action and results in an intense photomechanical impact. This adds up to faster results and fewer treatments when compared to other tattoo removal methods. It works best on darker inks such as black and blue. The number of sessions required to remove a tattoo can range from 6-10 sessions. The amount of sessions depends on the size, color and placement of the tattoo. The further the tattoo is from the heart the more time it will take to remove. I hope this information helps.

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You may be allergic to the
ink. However, this is very rare. Unfortunately, if you
start laser tattoo removal, you would be releasing more of the ink into your
system and might create more of an allergic reaction.  I would consider treating a very
small area at first and see what your reaction is.

Edward Stokes, MD · Answer

Hello,A significant number of people can have a hypersensitivity reaction to red ink. It sounds like they simply mixed red into your tattoo to form pink.Keep this in mind if you pursue tattoo removal, because you will likely have a similar reaction during the removal process as well. Tattoo removal works by shattering this pigmentation for your body to excrete it.  An anti-histamine may be helpful during this time.Hope this helps!

Mark Taylor, MD · Answer

When a person become allergic to a tattoo ink, it will swell and itch and usually get crusty or scaly.  If you have those symptoms, you are likely allergic to the ink.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

It might be possible that you are allergic. This is very rare. As the prior doctor stated, will tattoo removal, you are releasing more the ink to be "seen" by the body and might create more of an allergic reaction, perhaps a much more intense one. I would consider very small areas to treat at first and see what your reaction is. For black, 1064 laser is needed. For pink, 532 is needed. White is very difficult to treat. I use the Piqo4 laser which has pico and nanosecond capabilities and is very powerful.

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and posting a picture.  You may in fact be allergic to something in your pink ink.  Unfortunately, you would be in a Catch-22 situation.  If you start laser tattoo removal, you would be releasing more of the ink into your system.  Your body already doesn't like the ink in fairly stable state, what will the reaction be to releasing it?  After a complete consultation with an experienced laser tattoo removal physician, we would probably recommend treating a very small amounts of your tattoo at one time to gauge how your body will respond.To minimize complications, you should look for a picosecond laser that has the 532 wavelength to treat red ink.  For PicoSure, this is an upgrade over the original models.  Best of luck.

Am I allergic to the pink ink? (Photo)

Answers (6)

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Answers (6)

More Tattoo Removal Questions

What laser tattoo removal laser is known to be the least risky in causing changes in skin color such as hypo pigmentation?

Can I change my doctor or pause tattoo removal for few months in between treatments?

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EMAILS