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mistyhill1224 · Tattoo lover Joined: 16 Mar 2008 Posts: 2 Location: PA

Hey there! I have a tattoo on my upper right shoulder balde and it still whelts up from time to time. Has anyone had this problem before? The tat on my back is a small 2 inch all black flower. Any information would be great! Thanks!

Mishill1224

Spade · Tattoo lover Joined: 02 Mar 2008 Posts: 6

Hello Mistyhill: is it the whole tattoo the welts or just little places?

I have one that is now 6 years old and sometimes I will get a few spots that will raise up and itch. And I could be wrong but I remember reading somewhere that irration can cause this. Mine will do this for a day or so and then it will go flat again and cause me no more issues. This will happen maybe a few times a year.

mistyhill1224 · Tattoo lover Joined: 16 Mar 2008 Posts: 2 Location: PA

Thanks for the reply. The whole thing whelts up. There is no itching or any other type of itching, ect. It was just starting to concern me a bit. I don't think it is anything major.

Thanks again!

Spade · Tattoo lover Joined: 02 Mar 2008 Posts: 6

If you are starting to worry about it I would go up to a shop when it is acting up and ask them if they know whats up.

mmm36 · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 3:09 am Post subject:

I have had a tattoo that done that for many years. I talked to my new tattooist and he said it just a small reaction and nothing to worry about. I have had that tattoo covered over and to this day where it was has never raised up. So it could have been a slight reaction to the old ink used many years ago.

ink king · Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 5:46 am Post subject:

I remeber there was a post about this some were might have been on this forum I really cant remeber.

but a lot of people have the same thing. there tattoos were both old and new so it had nothing to do with the changes of ink over the years mine do the same when its very hot or very cold and my theory was that it was blood vesils raising to the surface of the skin to control body temp but then other people said it was only certen colors that did it and others said that there tattoos welted when they slaped it. other theorys are that it had to do with scaring, reactions with ink and heaps of others. so its all kinda interesting and I dont think that there is only explanation but several.

chic · Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 1:54 pm Post subject:

mine is red, i have one on my ankle, and it realy hurts when im hot...and very itchy.. Laughing

must go and have it covered in a different colour.

rollie_0116 · Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2008 2:01 am Post subject:

Yeah, I get the same thing with mine. Its almost 8 years old as well; had it touched up after first year but on the shoulder blade it still feels like a real big scar. I can still feel others as well.......

Otreyu · Tattoo lover Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Posts: 4

your tattoo raises because,im guessing you or your artist used vasoline or a cream with high petroleum levels. When that area of your body heats up or is exposed to heat, the oils/petroleum are expanding underneath your skin causing the skin to rise...as thats what oils do in heat...expand. the oils aren't in your skin they're in the inks....either your artist used too much a&d or vasoline cream,or you did during the healing process.
vasoline is a big no no...especially for this reason alone.
really small amounts of a&d is the proper way.
This isn't a big deal...nothing to worry about.

chic · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 3:05 am Post subject:

you say its not a big deal.
but mine reallyhhurtssometimes...
and i end up scratching it.. Shocked

tormented · Tattoo lover Joined: 01 Apr 2008 Posts: 20

Many times, especially during the warmer months of the year, the question comes up about raised and itchy tattoos. Sufferers of this condition usually describe it as being occasional rather than consistent, although it can be either. Pinpointing the reason for this discomfort is difficult, as there can be several different causes.
Allergic Reaction
Allergic reactions to the tattoo ink used is usually the first thing that comes to the mind of the sufferer, but is probably the least likely to be the case. However, allergic reactions to ink can and do happen sometimes – especially with red and yellow, or colors that contain red or yellow. An allergic reaction does not necessarily happen immediately – it can appear a week after receiving a tattoo or years down the road. Changes in the body can cause adverse reactions to things that once were totally benign. An ink allergy will be itchy and raised only in spots of the particular color and is more likely to be a constant irritation rather than one that comes and goes. Topical ointments made for allergic reactions may help to relieve mild irritation, while a prescription drug or even tattoo removal may be required for more serious cases.

The Weather
The weather is the most likely culprit when it comes to occasional but consistent irritation. Some people notice it only happens in the summertime. When temperatures and humidity rise, it can also cause your tattoo to swell slightly. This swelling causes a slight stretching of the skin, which also results in an itchy condition. A well-healed tattoo isn’t likely to be damaged by scratching, but it’s still best to try to avoid it. Topical anti-itch creams, ice or cool water can help to alleviate this discomfort temporarily until the weather becomes more skin-friendly again.

Body Chemistry
Changes inside your body can affect you on the outside, too. A rise in blood pressure, increased adrenaline, a change in body temperature – all of these things can affect your tattoo. If you notice your tattoo is itchy and uncomfortable, think about what you’ve been doing recently and you might find a connection. Usually stopping this activity for a period of time will cause the tattoo to feel better on its own.

Skin Conditions
You may discover that you have some kind of skin condition you didn’t even know you had, but your tattoo may be more sensitive to it. A skin condition can be as mild as dry skin or as severe as eczema, although the latter isn’t going to surface just because of a tattoo. If you believe you have some kind of skin condition, a visit to a dermatologist may help to relieve any body itching, including your tattoo.

i dont see this being do to useing oil based products because i have tattoos that have been done using a&d, vasoline and then some that no kind of lube was used at all during or after the tattoo and they all welt up a little from time to time and it isnt even the whole tattoo just parts of it