In 2018, nearly one in five French people had tattoos. But beyond the aesthetic aspect, tattoos can have health consequences. 

“There are allergies to tattoo ink but they are very rare, around 6% of tattooed people are affected” explains Edouard Sève, allergist. Usually, the allergy starts a few weeks or months after ink is introduced into the skin.

According to the allergist, “In the case of an ink allergy, the tattoo area swells, reddens and itches. The reactions appear later, a few weeks or months after the tattoo ”. More or less significant lesions may appear on the tattoo area after exposure to the sun.

These local reactions are usually mild and do not cause complications later. “Certain chronic dermatological diseases can be localized preferentially on areas of trauma such as tattoos. These include, for example, psoriasis, lichen planus, cutaneous lupus, sarcoidosis or vitiligo ”according to the Eczema Foundation.

Different causes are mentioned to explain the allergy to tattooing. Be careful because the allergy can also come from the tattoo artist’s latex gloves. Discarded this hypothesis, the reactions can be caused by the minerals present in the ink or the dyes.

Thus, red ink is much more allergenic than black ink. Nickel or even cobalt or chromium are metals capable of causing eczema-type reactions. According to the Eczema Foundation, “A regulation of the composition of tattoo inks has started at European level. In the future, it could make it possible to limit this type of complications and to better advise a client in the event of a known allergy to a component ”.

“It is difficult to treat tattoo allergies well because the ink stays in the skin and deep. However, it is possible to treat allergy and eczema with topical corticosteroids ”advises Edouard Sève. Sometimes tattoo removal becomes necessary when the reaction is too extensive or too painful.

“Certain allergenic products such as nickel are also found in jewelry or cosmetics. If you have already had allergic reactions to metals, you can take a test with an allergist, ”explains Edouard Sève. You can also discuss it with your tattoo artist who will choose the ink most suitable for your skin for you.

Avoid colored tattoos and especially those with red ink which cause more allergic reactions than black tattoos. For people with chronic dermatological diseases, it is advisable to avoid getting a tattoo, or at least when the disease is active or under treatment.

If in doubt and before getting a tattoo, you can go to an allergist who will do tests to determine if you are allergic to certain substances. If you suffer from an allergic reaction or eczema on the area of ​​your tattoo, see your general practitioner who will prescribe local treatment.

The tips to follow before getting a tattoo are: 

• Be sure of your decision. A tattoo is permanent and despite technical advances in tattoo removal, the process is long and painful and always leaves room for a scar. 

• Choose a tattoo artist who knows his inks and his craft and who practices in a dedicated salon. Do not hesitate to take a tour in his shop to discuss with him before the tattoo. 

The allergist warns fans of black henna, this popular temporary tattoo of beach edges, “black henna is particularly allergenic because it contains PPD, a substance which is added to give this black color”. This substance is found in other products such as skin creams, cosmetics or shampoos. However, henna, when it is pure, does not present any particular risks and is traditionally used in the countries of the Maghreb and in India.