A 34-year-old member asked:
What could cause an allergic reaction to tattoo?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. John Chiuanswered
Allergy and Immunology 58 years experience
The dyes: It is usually an allergic contact reaction to one or more of the pigments used in tattoos. Since there is no strict regulation on the kind of pigment the artist puts into a person's skin, finding the culprit may be difficult unless you know what types of pigments were used.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 40-year-old member asked:
Is there a treatment for allergic reaction to red tattoo ink?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Nayla Mumnehanswered
Allergy and Immunology 30 years experience
Red ink: Very common to cause allergic reaction, your best bet is laser it off.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
1 comment

Dr. Glenn Messina commented
Aesthetic Medicine 36 years experience
I see a lot of allergies to the red ink many times the use of hydrocortisone cream and antihistamines will give enough supportive therapy that it is bearable. At times the allergy subsides.
I disagree on laser removal because the laser will cause a sudden load if ink into the body and had the potential of causing a major allergic reaction. Surgical resection is safer if possible.
Jun 14, 2014
A 46-year-old member asked:
Can gerbils cause an allergic reaction?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Corey Clayanswered
Allergy and Immunology 11 years experience
Yes: Proteins in skin and urine can be allergenic. An allergist can confirm with available testing. Good luck!
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
What is causing my allergic reaction?
1 doctor answer • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 38 years experience
Why allergists exist: Finding & treating the cause of allergic reactions is the main function of an allergist. A solid understanding of the immune system is required, so that immunology goes hand in hand. Timing, prevalence of various causes, location, description, examination, associated factors, family history and finally testing enables allergists to identify the culprit, if one is present; treatment is pt-centered.
2.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Converse, TX
A 25-year-old female asked:
What caused my allergic reaction?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Michael Zacharisenanswered
Allergy and Immunology 34 years experience
Common question: An allergist is frequently asked to identify the cause of the allergic reaction. Reviewing the symptoms is a good start---cough, wheezing, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, itching, eyes puffy, anaphylaxis. There are many triggers of allergic reactions, the most common being pollens, dust, animal dander, foods, medications, insect stings/bites, latex, metals, etc. Finding the cause is key.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Mar 24, 2019
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