Ingredients found in red ink are on the EPA list of the common causes of allergic reactions, infections, and cancer, which is a red flag on its own.

And then, there is the problem of potential, perpetual itching of the red tattoos. Now, all tattoos itch when they’re brand new and healing. Itching is a part of a proper healing process, which can be managed with different lotions and ointments. It doesn’t last long and it’s pretty easy to deal with.

However, red ink tattoos tend to itch, long after the tattoo has healed, completely. Some people experience itchiness years after they’ve gotten a tattoo. That is because the body simply never gets used to the ingredients in the ink and the skin develops particular sensitivity to a red tattoo.

The reason red ink can be potentially dangerous isn’t just the fact that it contains such harmful ingredients. The problem stretches to the ability of the red ink to stay in the skin longer than any other ink. Red ink is incredibly hard to remove; for example, if you go to get a laser tattoo removal, you can expect to have double the sessions for a red tattoo than for a, let’s say, black tattoo.

That is why red ink is more prone to cause allergic reactions and skin sensitivity long after the tattoo has healed. The body simply never gets used to it, and as a result, experiences immune system deficiencies which can potentially result in cancer. Red ink starts to circulate in the bloodstream throughout the whole body, and never stops doing so.

How To Deal With Red Ink Tattoos?

Because red ink is more likely to cause an allergic reaction and infection than any other ink, it is essential to know how to deal with it if you’re willing to get a red tattoo.

• To minimize the potential for an allergic reaction, we recommend you get an allergy test with an allergist before you get a red tattoo. The test will show a list of components that could potentially cause an allergic reaction in your body.

• Then, make sure to only get tattooed at a highly professional, high-quality tattoo studio. Chances are that high-end tattoo artists will use red inks that are checked for toxic elements and other harmful components.

• Try to get a multicolored tattoo, that contains other ink colors alongside the red ink. You’ll minimize the chance of an allergic reaction or perpetual itchiness once the tattoo heals.

• Avoid wearing scratchy fabrics, like wool. Such fabrics can promote the itchiness of the tattoo and even promote rashes and itchy bumps. Some people experience wool allergic reactions, so they especially should avoid such fabrics.

• Make sure to moisturize the tattoo, even after it’s fully healed. Hydration via lotions and ointments will help with itchiness and rashing, so make sure to include that as a part of your aftercare routine for the tattoo even after it’s healed.

• If you notice swelling, redness, tenderness, and oozing out of your new red tattoo, make sure to seek medical help as soon as possible. Chances are you’re dealing with an allergic reaction or infection, which needs to be professionally treated.

Cool Red Tattoo Design Ideas

If you’re comfortable enough to get a red tattoo, and the aforementioned information doesn’t scare you, then you should check out our top red tattoo design ideas. The following tattoos only serve as an inspiration and shouldn’t be used and copied for your tattoo. You don’t want to be stealing someone else’s work.