Rashes around my tattoos...anyone else?

skr1619 · February 2014

A few weeks ago I developed a rash around one of my tattoos (on my right hip). I figured it was just dry skin so I moisturized it like crazy... then it started to spread away from my tattoo and toward my belly. When I saw my OB I asked him if it was normal. He took a look at it and said not to worry. That I should moisturize with coconut oil and if it's persistent to take Benadryl.

It eventually went away on its own. Now it's on/around my OTHER tattoo on my left hip. WTH. Has anyone ever have this happen to them with their tattoos and the surrounding areas? I wonder what could be the culprit? Hormones reacting to the ink? Gah, I don't freakin' know. All I DO know is that it itches like a mother f*cker and it's only been those 2 tattoos. All my other ones are fine. I really need to buy some coconut oil =/

V1981 · February 2014

Is it red ink? Only asking because a friend of mine developed an allergy to the red during her pregnancy. Seems like the red is extremely irritating for some reason.

ghostof5letters · February 2014

I have a tattoo on my hip and rashed from my ankle to my throat. I ended up being allergic to the red ink they think. Claridin and a topical ointment got rid of the rash (thank god, because it was either that or surgery) but nothing similar reoccured during my last pregnancy. Sorry, I wish I could help. I've never heard of this happening to another pregnant person. Good luck!

skr1619 · February 2014

@V1981 @ghostof5letters It's okay! Any input is much appreciated.

It's that's crazy that you both asked about the red ink. They're black but I have a pretty big piece on my left rib cage that has a lot of red ink. I wonder if that's what's causing the reaction?

ghostof5letters · February 2014

The doctor didn't mention the red ink, but every tattoo artist I've spoken to since has. It's apparently really common. The tattoo is almost 18 years old now, and I haven't gotten another one to test the theories.

Good luck, hopefully the allergy meds work for you like they did for me.

JayBzo · February 2014

I have an all black tattoo on my back that sometimes itches SO BAD I want to cut it off. Only since getting pregnant. I assumed it was just dry skin, never happened before, and it is literally so bad I can't stand it. I have been using belly butter on it and it seemed to help, interesting about the allergy - I have weird skin issues and allergies so I wouldn't be surprised...