Why does my tattoo randomly puff up?

Author: Donavon Klein  |  Last update: Thursday, January 22, 2026

Older tattoos may be raised due to scar tissue 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.

Why does my tattoo swell up?

Healing Process: After getting a tattoo, the body reacts to the trauma of needles piercing the skin. Swelling is a natural part of the healing process as the body sends more blood and immune cells to the area to repair the skin.

Are tattoo blowouts normal?

Blowouts are a part of tattooing. They happen, it's okay.

Why do tattoos bulge?

When the skin is punctured during the tattooing process, the body's immune system responds by sending white blood cells to the area to fight off any potential infection. This can cause some inflammation and swelling, which may result in small, raised bumps around the tattoo.

Why does my tattoo keep puffing up?

The combination of swelling and the body working to encapsulate ink in deeper layers of the skin may cause your tattooed skin to appear red or a little puffed up.

Why is my healed tattoo bumpy?⚡CLIP from The Tat Chat (12)

Why did my tattoo turn into a blob?

SANDIDERM / TEGADERM / TATTOODERM / SECOND SKIN:

During this time, the tattoo may look blurry due to excess blood and/or plasma that may leave the skin. It may look like a blob of ink, but this is totally normal!

Does over moisturizing a tattoo cause blowout?

Over-moisturising can lead to inflamed tattoos and potentially infection. Excess moisture can clog your skin's pores which prevents it from breathing, something that's important for your skin to heal. This can lead to breakouts on the skin that can damage the tattoo.

Do tattoo blowouts fix themselves?

In some cases, a tattoo blowout may resolve itself as the tattoo heals. But if, after your new tattoo healing, it is still looking funky, you may need to have it removed by a specialist. It's often the best way to get rid of a tattoo blowout.

Why is my tattoo raised and itchy years later?

If you're having an allergic reaction to your tattoo, you might get a rash that's red, bumpy, or itchy. These symptoms can crop up in the days after you first get your tattoo or can appear months or years later. You can most likely treat the area with a steroid ointment.

What does a bubble tattoo mean?

Solo Bubbles: A single bubble tattoo can be a subtle yet powerful symbol of individuality and the unique moments that define us.

How do you fix a puffy tattoo?

Apply a cold pack. This can help reduce swelling, bruising or itching. Never apply ice directly to the skin as it can cause tissue damage. Instead, put a layer of fabric between the cold pack and the skin.

What causes a tattoo to bubble up?

Tattoo bubbling is when these scabs don't heal correctly due to excess moisture. In most cases, tattoo bubbling occurs when your new tat isn't thoroughly dried after getting wet. Lotion or ointments can also make matters worse by trapping water inside the scabs.

Can your body reject a tattoo years later?

Yes, you can be allergic to certain brands of tattoo ink. Allergic reactions generally occur due to ingredients in the ink, such as pigments or metals. Symptoms can include itchiness, redness, swelling, or rash at the site of the tattoo, and can occur immediately or years later.

Why do tattoos randomly swell up?

If you've got a bit of tattoo bruising or tattoo swelling, it's just a sign that your body is healing by sending more blood to the affected area, it's not usually anything to worry about and it's very rare to have an allergic reaction. If you're concerned, go and see a doctor to put your mind at ease.

What is a tattoo blowout?

Blowout occurs when the ink extends beyond the intended boundaries of the design, resulting in prominent spots. More often than not, this situation arises due to poor execution of the tattoo.

How to tell if a tattoo is infected or just healing?

What Does an Infected Tattoo Look Like?
  1. A rash that can be itchy with scaly, raised, or swollen bumps.
  2. Excessive redness or discoloration, where the skin beneath the tattoo becomes darker instead of lightening up as it heals.
  3. Pus that oozes from blisters on the skin.
  4. Open sores that may have crusting.

What areas are prone to tattoo blowouts?

Delicate Skin Areas

Certain areas of the body, like wrists, ankles, fingers, and toes, are more prone to blowouts due to their thin skin.

What happens if I put too much Aquaphor on my tattoo?

A thin layer is strongly suggested, too much aquaphor can pull out the ink and damage the quality of the tattoo, which results in a higher chance the tattoo will need a touch-up.

Why is my tattoo bulging out?

Older tattoos may be raised due to scar tissue

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.

How to avoid tattoo blowout?

If you are worried about tattoo blowouts, avoid areas where the skin is particularly thin – such as the wrist or the top of your foot. And go for a tattoo location with thicker skin – like the upper thighs or the calves. Finally, be sure to continue a thorough aftercare routine.

Why does my tattoo look like it has a film over it?

Tattoo Aftercare with Second Skin

The following morning (i.e., before the 24 hours has passed), the second skin will be filled with excess ink, blood and plasma and your tattoo will probably look like it is covered in black goo. That is completely normal, so do try to keep the second skin on for the full 24 hours.

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