Expert: Sasha Merritt - Professional Tattoo and Cosmetic Artist - 5/23/2009

Question
Hi I have a 2 year old tatto that is a red and blue butterfly the red part of the butterfly has for the last 1yr and a half been raised and itchy and some times sore.  But latley the red part of the butterfly has had a scab on it, the red part and is a little sore. My tattoo is also a little red on the out side of the black lines of my butterfly,  could this be red reaction and will it eventually go away and what do you suggest I put on it.  If this gose away and the red fades away will I be able to get another color tattoo over where the red was. I have another tatoo the is yellow and green and I have no problem with those colors it is a Sunflower with green leaves but inside the sunflowere I have a little orange and it is a little raise but it doesnt give any problems just the red in the butterfly.  Any suggestions that you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Debbie-

It could be a red reaction.  It might be time to check in with your health care provider and see if you need something to chill the reaction.

If it has been irritated for most of the time you've had the tattoo, it might just need an antihistamine or something similar to give it a chance to mellow and heal. Red reactions are generally a kind of allergy, which means your skin is irritated and may need help to get past it.

Good Luck!
Sasha Merritt
http://www.dragonflyink.com