One of the strangest sensations that tattooed people deal with, is the occasional swelling of their tattoo, causing the linework to feel raised. This can be disturbing, but it is normal for this to happen occasionally. But why does it happen at all?
If your tattoo is very new, it is likely that the lines feel raised and swollen simply because they are a bit swollen. Your new tattoo is an open wound, and the impact of the tattooing process will usually result in some swelling. After a month or so, your tattoo should begin to settle in, and you shouldn’t be able to feel such a difference between your new ink and the rest of your skin.
If your old tattoo still occasionally feels raised and swollen, this could be due to scarring. Thicker lines, and more pressure applied during tattooing, can cause some scarring. It’s nothing to be concerned about, but it can sometimes raise up, and this is generally caused by changes in body temperature or weather conditions, as well as general health.
Tattoo Aftercare Tips To Avoid Infections
Many people notice the swelling happens during the summertime, when weather is warmer and humidity higher. This can cause the skin to swell slightly, including your tattoo. It may also feel slightly itchy, but applying some body lotion or a cooling aftersun can help calm the itch. Other people may notice the lines feel more raised in the winter, when their skin is drier and retracts a little bit. We’re all different!
Another reason your tattoo may swell could be a reaction to the pigments in tattoo ink. It’s very unlikely to be the case, as allergic reactions are rare, but if your tattoo feels itchy as well as swollen this could be the cause. Allergic reactions are not always immediate, it could crop up for an older tattoo just as easily as a new one. If the itching feels very localised and raised only around particular colours, it could be worth getting allergy tested.
Allergic reactions are more likely to feel irritated constantly, rather than the come and go swelling that some people experience with their tattoos. A topical ointment can usually help with any minor itching, but if the itching persists or gets worse you may need medication, or even tattoo removal in extreme cases.
Bump On Tattoo: Is It Normal?
If your tattoo is new, follow our ultimate healing guide here , and soon enough the swelling will calm down. If your tattoo is old, try applying body lotion regularly to keep the skin moisturised. This can help to prevent swelling related to humidity changes in the air, especially in the winter when skin dries out quicker. And if you feel the swelling is a result of an allergic reaction, try a topical allergy relief cream, and contact your gp if you feel it’s not improving at all. As you may know I recently got a large lower leg tattoo. Unsurprisingly it swelled a touch the day after. Then it swelled a but more and spread into my foot. Needless to say, I was a little disconcerted, so I of course 'googled' it. This is where I hit a wall. There is loads of information on how to reduce swelling in your feet and ankles if you are pregnant. Or if you have a sprained ankle. But not a lot specific to tattoos to placate my nervous mind, until I found this forum.
So I thought I would post my findings, so I can share some knowledge on how to deal with swelling in the feet and ankles after a lower leg tattoo.
This might not happen to you at all. I have a small tattoo on my ankle from my 18th birthday. (Yes I got inked on my birthday and the studio sang to me too!) And from memory, it didn't swell much at all and I do not remember being in any particular discomfort during the healing. However, it was relatively small. Especially compared to my newest piece, which covers 90% of my outer calf.
Your Guide To Tattoo Aftercare
Remember you are looking after a wound, a beautifully crafted wound. It needs to be looked after. Tattoos take around twp weeks to heal on the surface, but up to three months to fully heal under the surface, so take care.
And if you are reading this prior to having your tattoo, it is worth considering only having one leg/foot done at a time. You are going to need the other leg to compensate, especially when you get up from sitting or laying down. You know that rush of blood feeling you get when you've cut the circulation to one of your feet by sitting on it too long? You get the same feeling with a swollen leg tattoo. Do you want that in both legs? I thought not.
Everything above is perfectly normal. Swelling and pressure is a likely outcome from a large tattoo, and isn't something to worry about. Do the above and you will be fine in no time.
Tips For A Healthier Tattoo
You should only worry if the swelling doesn't go down after a week, or of the skin around your tattoo starts going red. This could be a sign of infection, and if you are worried, please see your doctor (I am not medically trained in anyway, which is why I am saying could and should, rather than will - if you have questions, go back to your tattoo artist or see your GP, especially if your symptoms persist for over a week or you are in a lot of pain even whilst resting.)
Don't get me wrong, I love my calf tattoo. And despite the discomfort and the 'cankles', I would do it all again on the other leg. I will just be starting my anti-swelling techniques a little sooner next time.
Read about popping your tattoo cherry here, how I prepare for a tattoo session here and tips for healing tattoos with Palmers Cocoa Butter here for beautiful colour-popping healing.
Tattoo Aftercare Rules For After Getting A Tattoo
Remember you are looking after a wound, a beautifully crafted wound. It needs to be looked after. Tattoos take around twp weeks to heal on the surface, but up to three months to fully heal under the surface, so take care.
And if you are reading this prior to having your tattoo, it is worth considering only having one leg/foot done at a time. You are going to need the other leg to compensate, especially when you get up from sitting or laying down. You know that rush of blood feeling you get when you've cut the circulation to one of your feet by sitting on it too long? You get the same feeling with a swollen leg tattoo. Do you want that in both legs? I thought not.
Everything above is perfectly normal. Swelling and pressure is a likely outcome from a large tattoo, and isn't something to worry about. Do the above and you will be fine in no time.
Tips For A Healthier Tattoo
You should only worry if the swelling doesn't go down after a week, or of the skin around your tattoo starts going red. This could be a sign of infection, and if you are worried, please see your doctor (I am not medically trained in anyway, which is why I am saying could and should, rather than will - if you have questions, go back to your tattoo artist or see your GP, especially if your symptoms persist for over a week or you are in a lot of pain even whilst resting.)
Don't get me wrong, I love my calf tattoo. And despite the discomfort and the 'cankles', I would do it all again on the other leg. I will just be starting my anti-swelling techniques a little sooner next time.
Read about popping your tattoo cherry here, how I prepare for a tattoo session here and tips for healing tattoos with Palmers Cocoa Butter here for beautiful colour-popping healing.
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