What Medicine Should I Take For Enlarged Lymph Node Behind Neck After Scalp Micro Pigmentation Treatment?

Posted on Sun, 22 Dec 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 22 Dec 2013 Answered on

Mon, 13 Jan 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I've just had a scalp micropigmentation treatment done which basically looks like a hair ffollicles tattoo on ny head, and following the two sessions of 'pigmentation'/ tattooing I have noticed that my lymph node behind my left ear is substantially enlarged. I'm worried. Could it be that my immune system is fighting the intrusion ? Also, what medicine should I take to help my system recover. Thanks for a quick reply.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer: details below Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for the query. Tattoo pigments are injested by white blood cells and hence the lymph nodes get inflamed. Please take some anti inflammatory medication for a week. You will get response with that. Let me know if you have any other doubts. Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (10 hours later)

hi Dr XXXXXXX thank you for your reply. I was worried because the lymph node behind my ear is substantially larger following my second tattooing session in that area last Saturday, but I'm taking ibuprofen + codeine and hopefully this will get rid of the inflammation. I also wanted to ask you whether alcohol consumption may have a negative effect on the lymphatic system. it's Christmas now and I'll most probably have a drink here and there. And finally, I was also reading up on lymphedema. Could the head tattoo (scalp micropigmentation) trigger this sort of illness? many thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (14 hours later)

Brief Answer: details below Detailed Answer: Hello Actually tattooing is harmful as you are introducing foreign pigments in body. You are correct it can cause lymphatic block and hence lymphedema. You are taking a good anti inflammatory now and I hope this resolves. Don't worry about alcohol. You can take it, there won't be any effect on lymph node. Let me know if you have any other doubts. Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar