Well, apparently it depends on the ink. Some inks can apparently have additives others don't. I seem to recall reading that reds were most likely to cause allergy issues (which, are, all said, uncommon with tattoos), and that black was the most neutral color. Of course, artists can alter their inks and perhaps its a good idea that she go back and ASK just what was in the ink used on her.
For now? If its just itching and swelling...I would think its been long enough that she could put some hydrocortisone cream on it, and perhaps swallow a couple bendadryl itch relief tablets. That might be enough to help.
I just wonder if its a real allergy though, or just a healing issue. I know that when my buddy got a backpiece it was difficult, red and angry for three months, while her other dozen tattoos healed quickly and easily. At any rate, I don't THINK the hydro cream and benadryl could HURT anything. if i'm wrong on that, someone please correct me

i think shes tried the antihistamine tablets anyway lol it seems to be a reaction to the white ink. the tattooist just kinda shrugged and said "yeah, it happens" *rolls eyes at tattoo man*

ohhhh. well, has she tried the creme? i think over the counter stuff isn't as concentrated as the 'scrip stuff, but it might still help more than the tablets.
eek. thats a sign to never go to that tattoo artist again i do think!

its very odd, its the same artist that done all my stuff and hes been great with me, but hes been a complete ass with my friend. i think she may have tried the cream too lol its gotten a bit better than what it was but it still itches her to hell. which sucks a tad cus i get the moaning about it being her best friend lol

hmmm. can't think of anything else offhand other than just bathing it in aloe and dealing! tis weird he'd be great then be an ass. oh well, for your sake, hope ti gets to feeling better for her!

yeah i was totally shocked when she told me his attitude. i want to say it was just an off day cus the guy is usually fantastic. hes won a tonne of trophys etc so hes not some hack or anything. makes me not want to get tattood by him now though lol

thankings for your input mmi!

any other suggestions or anyones experiences with similar situation would be much appreciated too

You know, some artists just don't deal well with negative results...especially when 99% of the time the results are positive.

Is your lesbian respectfully requesting information and assistance or is it possible her attitude was confrontational and accusational? (I don't think accusational is a word).

Anyway, I'd expect a professional artist to be there for his customers..good or bad. Unless that customer gets in his face or otherwise threatens the artist in some way.

Hopefully it was just an off-day or something.

Nope, she wasnt nasty with him. She'd be too scared, the guys a huge hairy biker lol she was utterly off with his response though, as i would be.

I had a friend that went through the same thing but with red colors he tried to deal with it by using over the counter cremes but finally ended up going to a dermotoligist once he got a prescription the problem cleared up in no time.

I myself have also had an issue, about 8 years back I had a tat done one my right shoulder (can see it in my pics)anyway a year ago I had dates added to it in black and every now and then after I spend prolonged time in the sun the numbers in the date actually seem to swell up and get very itchy...I assume it had something to do with the sun along with the type of ink used because I had the dates done by another artist

I fare fine with MOM ink. There is a shop I had 2 of my tattoos done at that uses an ink with no name on the bottles, so for all I know they mix it themselves. Those 2 tattoos itched like mad for about 3 weeks.

Last year, when I got the memorial tat for my dog the main tattoo was fine, but the name contains red ink (my only red) and it gets very aggitated and itchy when I am too warm.

ooo i may suggest that to her then *nods* thanking everyone again for input