Sarcoidosis, an autoimmune disease that can affect the skin and other organs, sometimes first appears with bumps at the site of a tattoo, she says. Infections are more common within the first couple of days or weeks of getting a tattoo, Dr.

Superficial and deep local infections, systemic infections, allergic reactions, photodermatitis, granulomatous reactions and lichenoid reactions may occur. Skin diseases localised on the tattooed area, such as eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, and morphea can be occasionally seen.

The ink that isn't taken away by the white blood cells (macrophages), then remains in the dermis within trapped white blood cells and becomes absorbed by skin cells known as fibroblasts. The dye in the ink of the cells is what shows through and what keeps it settled in and permanent.