What are the signs of an allergic reaction to tattoo ink?

The signs of an allergic reaction to tattoo ink typically manifest more locally and include redness, swelling, itching, and a rash around the tattoo site. These symptoms indicate that the immune system is reacting to the substances present in the ink.

Redness and swelling are direct responses of the blood vessels in the skin reacting to the allergen, while itching is a common sensation associated with skin irritations. The rash could appear as bumps or hives in response to the ink, which often contains various pigments and preservatives that can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Other options listed might describe symptoms of a different medical condition or reaction. For instance, fever and fatigue are more systemic symptoms that could indicate an infection rather than a localized allergic reaction. Severe pain and discoloration may suggest other issues, such as an infection or improper tattooing technique. Thus, the symptoms specific to an allergic reaction are more accurately represented by the localized signs of redness, swelling, itching, and rash.