After getting tattooed, it is perfectly normal to experience pain and discomfort. After all, you’re dealing with a type of open wound which needs time to properly heal. Now, the healing process is where the pain and discomfort should subside. Usually, the healing involves overall discomfort of itching, skin peeling, new skin layer forming, etc.

But, what happens when the pain continues, and the tattooed skin starts to raise, hurt and itch? Is that a common part of the healing process or a sign of trouble?

Well, that is why we’re here; to explore all the possible causes and reasons your skin is raised and itchy after you’ve gotten tattooed. So, without further ado, let’s get exploring and answering!

6 Reasons Your Tattoo Is Raised and Itchy

1. Tattoo Infection

Tattoo infections can appear anywhere between a few days and 2 to 3 weeks after you’ve been tattooed. The infection can occur for numerous reasons, including;

• Contaminated tattooing tools (tattoo gun, needle, etc.)
• Contaminated tattooing environment
• A reckless tattoo artist (working without gloves, using contaminated tools, not working in a cleaned and disinfected environment, etc.)
• Improper aftercare routine
• Use of petroleum-based products on the tattoo
• Sharing sleeping space with pets
• Not keeping the tattoo dry (taking baths, swimming, exercising, and sweating)
• Not wearing loose clothes (fabrics sticking to the tattoo)

These are some of the most common causes you could experience a tattoo infection. Alongside raised and itchy skin, symptoms of a tattoo infection also include redness, increased pain levels, swelling, rashing, oozing, and puss, as well as a fever.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, and you think you could have been exposed to any of the aforementioned situations and environment, make sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible. You’ll be prescribed antibiotics and proper treatment, so make sure to always talk to a medical professional.