A raised tattoo is an area of tattooed skin that feels elevated or bumpy. While temporary raising is normal during initial healing, persistent or newly developed raised areas can indicate various underlying issues. This article explores common reasons tattoos become raised and outlines options for addressing them.
Why Tattoos Become Raised
Tattoos can become raised due to the body’s reaction to ink and the tattooing process. A common cause is an inflammatory or allergic reaction to tattoo ink pigments, especially red and yellow. These reactions may appear weeks or even years after the tattoo is acquired.
Scar tissue formation is another frequent cause. Hypertrophic scars are raised scars within the original injury boundaries, often appearing red or pink and firm. Keloids, a more severe form, extend beyond the original wound and can continue to grow, appearing lumpy, shiny, and reddish-brown. Both result from excessive collagen production during healing.
Infection during or after tattooing can also lead to raised areas. Bacteria or other microorganisms introduced through unsterile tools, contaminated ink, or improper aftercare can cause symptoms like pus, worsening pain, excessive redness, warmth, or raised bumps. A tattoo is an open wound, and infections can range from superficial to deep bacterial issues.
Poor tattooing technique, such as overworking the skin or going too deep, can cause trauma leading to scarring and raised lines. Sun exposure can reactivate inflammation in healed tattoos, causing them to become raised and itchy. Tattoos can also exacerbate or trigger skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, presenting as raised, itchy rashes. Changes in body chemistry, such as during illness, can temporarily raise tattoos as the immune system reacts to ink particles.
Professional Solutions for Raised Tattoos
Addressing persistent raised tattoos often requires professional medical intervention. Laser therapy is a common approach for reducing scar tissue and inflammation. Lasers can break down scar tissue and reduce redness. While effective, multiple sessions may be necessary, and the cost can be a factor.
Corticosteroid injections are another treatment, especially for hypertrophic scars and keloids. These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the scar tissue, reducing inflammation and flattening the area by breaking down excess collagen. Side effects can include skin thinning or changes in pigmentation.
For severe keloids or hypertrophic scars unresponsive to other treatments, surgical excision may be considered. This procedure cuts out the raised scar tissue. However, there is a risk of the scar reforming or growing larger, particularly with keloids.
Cryotherapy, which freezes raised tissue with liquid nitrogen, can reduce the size of smaller keloids and hypertrophic scars. Multiple treatments may be needed, with potential side effects including blistering, pain, and loss of skin color.
Dermabrasion, a mechanical exfoliation technique, smooths the surface of raised scars by removing outer skin layers, encouraging new, flatter growth. Combining different professional treatments, such as laser therapy with corticosteroid injections, is sometimes recommended for optimal results.
Managing Raised Tattoos at Home
For less severe raised tattoos or as a complement to professional treatments, several home care strategies can help. Keeping the skin adequately moisturized is important, as emollients improve hydration and suppleness, which may help with minor texture irregularities. Choose lotions without artificial colors or fragrances to prevent further irritation.
Gentle massage of the raised area can help flatten scar tissue over time by breaking down collagen fibers and improving circulation. Silicone sheets or gels create a protective barrier that helps regulate collagen production and maintain hydration, reducing scar height and redness.
While some over-the-counter topical creams contain ingredients like vitamin E or onion extract, their proven efficacy in significantly reducing raised tattoos or scars is limited. These products may offer moisturizing benefits but are generally not as effective as medical-grade silicone or professional treatments. Protecting the raised tattoo from sun exposure is also important. Sunscreen prevents UV light from exacerbating inflammation and causing further elevation or discoloration.
When to Consult a Professional and Prevention
Knowing when to seek professional medical advice for a raised tattoo is important. Consult a doctor or dermatologist immediately if a raised area shows signs of infection, such as increasing pain, warmth, pus discharge, spreading redness, or a fever. Persistent raising, rapid growth, significant itching, or a cosmetic concern that impacts quality of life also warrant professional evaluation.
To minimize the risk of a raised tattoo, several preventive steps can be taken. Select a reputable and licensed tattoo artist who adheres to strict hygiene standards and uses sterile equipment. Proper aftercare, as instructed by the artist, is important for healthy healing.
This includes keeping the new tattoo clean and moisturized, avoiding picking or scratching, and protecting it from excessive sun exposure. For individuals with known allergies or sensitive skin, patch testing with specific ink colors before full application can be considered, though reactions can develop years later.