Tattoo FAQ 22: Why is the skin under my tattoo raised, what can I do about it?

Original question from our visitor: I have a tattoo on mt ankle. It is of Dopey. His hat is purple with a purple hat and a dark purple outline. The dark purple outline is raised. If I nick it with a razor it bleeds of course and it also bleeds purple ink. It itches and hurts. Why is it doing this and how can I fix it?

Answer:
This does not sound good. :(
The first question is: How old is the tattoo? Is it *completely* healed?
If the tattoo is not completely healed yet you should not touch the scab and you certainly should not have a razor near it.
Be aware that a tattoo *can* be slightly raised for weeks (in rear cases even months) after it was done, and you can't use a razor on it, BUT if your tattoo is older than 2 months and it is still raised, you have a problem.

In this case the person who did the tattoo probably went in the skin too deep (in the 3rd layer of skin, aka: Hypodermis) and you might have some permanent damage to your skin.
This condition can not be diagnosed via email or with a picture, so your best bet is to see a professional tattooist face to face and have him/her look at it, or consult your GP right away.

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