Why has my old tattoo gone bumpy?

Author: Prof. Uriel Borer  |  Last update: Saturday, November 15, 2025

"Even years after getting the tattoo, some people can develop lumps or bumps at the site as a reaction to the pigment in the tattoo," Dr. Marchbein explains.

Why does my tattoo have bumps years later?

Older tattoos may be raised due to scar tissue 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.

Why is my 20 year old tattoo raised and itchy?

Allergic Reactions

The area around your tattoo might itch or swell, or you could get a rash. It can happen right after you get the tattoo, or years later. If it's mild -- itchy skin and a few bumps -- treat it with a steroid cream. If your reaction is worse or if doesn't go away in a couple of weeks, call your doctor.

Can your body reject tattoo ink years later?

Allergic reactions to tattoos are often caused by an immune system reaction to tattoo ink. These reactions can occur immediately after getting a tattoo or years later. Common symptoms include itchiness, redness, swelling, and the formation of bumps around the tattooed area.

Why do my old tattoos bubble up?

Why is my old tattoo bubbling? Your old, fully healed tattoo shouldn't be bubbling. If it is it could be because of an infection, a burn such as sunburn or allergy. You should see your GP or dermatologist as soon as possible.

What To Do If Your Healed Tattoo Is Bumpy Or Itchy

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!

Why do old tattoos get puffy?

A raised tattoo occurs when the skin around the tattoo becomes swollen, bumpy, or elevated due to irritated scar tissue and/or histamine response from the body. This can happen shortly after getting a tattoo, or it can develop over time. The raised area may be itchy, painful, or feel uncomfortable.

What are a granuloma tattoo symptoms?

Granulomatous reactions

A foreign body reaction to pigment may cause raised red bumps at the site of the tattoo that are made up of epithelioid cells, lymphocytes and a few giant cells.

Can tattoos cause problems later in life?

That means skin infections and other health problems can develop afterward. The risks include: Allergic reactions. Tattoo ink can cause allergic skin reactions, such as an itchy rash at the tattoo site.

What is sarcoidosis on a tattoo?

Tattoo-associated sarcoidosis with severe uveitis is a condition where inflammation is usually restricted to the tattooed area and the uveal region but lung involvement, including lung nodule and lymphadenopathy, is also reported. This sarcoidosis phenomenon was first published in 1969 with three case reports.

How to get rid of tattoo bumps?

A few tips to help you get rid of acne on your tattoo include applying a topical product with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, keeping the tattooed area clean, and minimizing sun exposure.

Is Aquaphor good for tattoos?

Eucerin Aquaphor's gentle and non-irritating formula helps to alleviate discomfort, itchiness, and redness associated with brand new tattoos. By providing a soothing and calming effect, it allows the skin to heal undisturbed, promoting a smoother and more comfortable recovery.

Why is my 4 year old tattoo raised and itchy?

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.

Can a tattoo trigger autoimmune disease?

In conclusion, a growing body of evidence suggests a possible role of some tattoo ink compounds as triggers for the immune system, and the lack of extensive studies on different autoimmune diseases does not allow physicians to advise patients with consistent data.

What are the little lumps on my old tattoo?

Signs of a tattoo infection may appear across the entire tattoo or only within specific colors. They can include: Bumps on your skin (papules) that sometimes contain pus (pustules). Nodules, bumps on or below your skin that are larger than papules.

What does a granuloma bump look like?

The most common symptom is small circular patches of pink, purple or skin-coloured bumps on the skin. The patches can appear on 1 or more places on your body. They tend to affect bony areas such as the back of the hands, fingers, elbows and feet. The patches are usually raised and grow slowly to around 2.5 to 5cm.

Can your body reject tattoo ink?

One of the most common side effects of a tattoo ink allergic reaction is loss of ink. Your skin will reject the tattoo, leaving the area patchy. Your dermatologist may be able to help you with laser tattoo removal to clean up the area of tattooed skin after the reaction has healed.

Why is my tattoo raised?

As the body heals, it encapsulates the ink and holds it in place within deeper layers of the skin. That's why it's perfectly normal for a new tattoo to appear raised.

What is a blastover tattoo?

A blastover is a tattoo over a tattoo: it is different from a coverup because it does not cover the older tattoo completely. Upon first glance, the blastover looks striking and confrontational in the way it overlaps with older ink.

Why is my tattoo bubbling years later?

An ink allergy is usually characterized by itchiness and a few other things. "Even years after getting the tattoo, some people can develop lumps or bumps at the site as a reaction to the pigment in the tattoo," Dr. Marchbein explains.

Can a badly healed tattoo be fixed?

The above badly healed tattoos can be fixed through retouching it again. However, it's hard to restore its original beauty. We keep track of all the tattoos done by us, try our best to make sure things are going well and tattoo care is followed.

What happens when tattoos get old?

Tattoos inevitably fade. Tattoo fading originates either from light induced decomposition in tattooed skin or from pigment transportation to other anatomical locations in the body via lymphatic system. Migration of pigments via macrophages may explain why lines become blurry.

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