According to the American Academy of Dermatology, an allergic reaction to a tattoo may occur almost immediately or at any time within three weeks. Pain, intense itching, redness, and swelling are usually the first signs.
Is it possible to tell if you will develop an allergic reaction to a tattoo? In theory, you could get a smaller tattoo and monitor how your body reacts to it.
If you develop an allergic reaction, you may use CBD oil for tattoo aftercare to manage immune system reaction to foreign substances, including PPD. PPD is a chemical present in black tattoo ink and is linked to allergic reactions. If you are prone to allergies, you may ask a tattoo artist to use inks that do not contain PPD or other harmful chemicals or metals.
If you are considering getting a tattoo or have a tattoo and are exhibiting allergic reactions, below is everything you need to know.
CBD for tattoo aftercare: Quick take
- As an immunosuppressant and anti-inflammatory agent, CBD oil can help manage immune system reactions and inflammation.
- If you are prone to allergies, you may use CBD oil or antihistamines before or after getting a tattoo.
- To avoid photosensitivity allergic reactions, you should keep bright-colored tattoos out of the sun.
- Allergic reactions to tattoos are rare, but there is always the risk. We thus encourage regular use of CBD topicals to lessen the risk of inflammation and pain.
How do you know if something is wrong with your tattoo?
Before getting a tattoo, it is vital to realize that before healing, tattoos are open wounds, and inks, pens, and other equipment used -have the potential of introducing microorganisms, chemicals, toxic metals, and other allergens to your system.
Because of that, it is necessary to take precautions, including:
- Only get a tattoo from an experienced professional in a sanitized setting. Everything should be sanitized, including water, needles, hands, and so on.
- Check family history. Do keloid scars or allergic reactions run in the family?
- Are you aware of how to properly care for the tattoo untill it heals? The law in some states requires tattooists to provide care instruction, but that may not be enough. You must learn how to prevent infection, care for damaged skin, and what to do if you exhibit allergy symptoms (see below).
That said.
You know that there is something wrong with your tattoo if you exhibit pain that worsens, itchiness, heat, or pus-filled bumps.
What are the signs of an allergic reaction, and can CBD oil help?
As mentioned, an allergic reaction to a tattoo can come from many sources. For many, the main cause is the ink.
Tattoo inks are made up of different formulations. Some contain PPD, mercury sulfide, or other chemicals and metals.
Because of that, there is no sure way of telling what color you will be allergic to.
Potential allergens also include:
- Using ink designed for other purposes, say calligraphy not humans.
- Harmful coating agents or PH stabilizers.
- Metal salts.
We recommend asking your tattoo artist about the type of ink. That way, you can do your research beforehand and potentially prevent an allergic reaction or a serious health issue.
What type of allergic reaction is it?
The majority of people who exhibit allergic reactions to a tattoo usually have an “acute inflammatory reaction” characterized by redness, minor swelling, or irritation.
Use of topical antibiotics, CBD oil, and antihistamines can help manage said symptoms.
What to remember:
- Exposing bright pigments, including yellow or other colors that contain cadmium sulfide -to the sun -can cause a photosensitive allergic reaction. Symptoms, include stinging, tiny bumps, blisters or hives, flushing, and itchiness.
- Mercury sulfide reaction can cause contact dermatitis or photosensitivity.
Remember, the reaction may occur immediately or in a few hours, days, or even weeks.
What you can do is religiously apply CBD oil or product to prevent infection, and manage pain and inflammation.
If the issue worsens despite using CBD oil, there could be an underlying factor. Meaning, it is in your best interest to see a doctor or dermatologist.
The symptoms of an allergic reaction to a tattoo include:
When exposed to an allergen through a tattoo, the body reacts by triggering the following symptoms:
- Inflammation. The area may become inflamed and red. Without proper care, inflammation may escalate to scarring or keloids.
- Flaking, intense itchiness, and discomfort. That may encourage scratching or picking, leading to infection or skin damage.
- Red or purple nodules around the tattoo. Could also be a sign of infection if there is pus and pain that persists.
Will an allergic reaction to a tattoo go away?
For some, it may, but medical experts discourage waiting. Instead, what you must do is see a doctor and get a diagnosis.
That way, you lessen the risk of infection or symptom exacerbation.
What to remember:
- If a tattoo is infected, you will need antibiotics.
What is CBD oil for tattoo aftercare?
CBD oil is an extract of hemp or cannabis. According to some studies, the cannabinoid can help manage allergy symptoms in the airways.
Studies conflict, some claiming that some cannabinoids are potential allergens, and others claim that CBD can be used to prevent an allergic reaction.
What we do know is:
- For severe allergic reactions, that is, if you exhibit fever, chills, fainting, or respiratory issues, immediate medical care is necessary.
- CBD may interact with antihistamines and cause drowsiness. We recommend not operating vehicles or dangerous equipment while on the combination.
- CBD has anti-inflammatory effects and can thus be used to manage or prevent allergic reaction symptoms, including hives, dermatitis, and swelling.
- As an analgesic, CBD oil can help manage pain.
- CBD oil has an excellent safety profile, meaning its use is unlikely to trigger adverse side effects.
- CBD oil interacts with endocannabinoid receptors throughout the body to trigger its effects. Consequently, topical application and ingestion offer benefits.
CBD oil for tattoo aftercare: How do you use CBD oil to treat or prevent an allergic reaction?
Applying CBD oil or butter creates a protective layer on the tattoo that keeps environmental allergens at bay and adds shine to the tattoo.
Anecdotal evidence recommends melting petroleum jelly, then mixing it with CBD oil.
You may apply CBD products or the mixture for about two to four weeks or until the tattoo fully heals.
Severe allergic reaction to a tattoo: Can CBD oil help?
Most of the time, an allergic reaction to a tattoo is unlikely to cause severe or long-term symptoms.
However, delayed reactions can sometimes become life-threatening.
For instance, the immune system may overreact to the presence of a dye or other foreign substance by triggering anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis refers to a full-body reaction to a substance. The symptoms could be a skin rash, vomiting, difficulty breathing, shock, and increased heart rate.
For severe allergic reactions, you should seek medical care immediately.
CBD oil for tattoo aftercare and allergic reactions: What to remember.
- Keloids can take weeks, months, or even years to develop. Religious use of CBD oil may help reduce the risk. If keloids run in the family, consult a dermatologist before getting a tattoo.
CBD for tattoo aftercare: Our Recommendation
