Is this normal?

[MacGuffin]

I've had a medium-sized tattoo on my lower back for a little over two and a half years now. I like it a lot and think it's beautiful. I get a lot of compliments on it when people see it. I'm happy with it and think it was a good decision, etc. etc. etc. That's not the problem.

The problem is that this past weekend one of my friends noticed that the tattoo was peeling. She put some lotion on it, but I was still really concerned. When I told my boyfriend about it, he said he has noticed it peeling for the entire year and a half we've been together, especially after I exercise or after I take a shower. He didn't want to tell me because he thought it would alarm me.

Well, it did. Is this normal? Is something wrong with my tattoo? Can I fix it by just continuing to put lotion on it? Do I need to see my artist? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[lacylovebugg]

I just recently got my first tattoo about two months ago. It peeled a little while it heeled and that was it. Then, I got it touched up about two weeks ago and it heeled perfectly. I haven't heard anything about this. I will ask my boyfriend when he gets home. He knows a lot more about tattoos than I do. Hopefully you have your answer by then though (:

[thefirstlady]

If it's been about 2 1/2 years it should not still be peeling at all. It should stop all that after about 2-3 weeks depending on how quickly your body heals. I'm a tattoo artist and have never heard of this happening before. Could it just be dry skin of sorts? I wouldn't be overly concerned unless it gets red, hot, oozing, etc. Since that's all signs of infection. Your best bet would be to stop into the shop you got it done at to have them take a look at it.

[tilldeath]

there's a difference between peeling and shedding your skin.

Because that skin in "newer" it's more sensitive. keep your skin well moisturized.
If you notice and blotching, or obvious fading, go see your artist.

[Nicole!]

I would get a good moisturizer (Eucerin is a good brand) and if it doesn't get better in a week then you should go see your artist about this.

[wonderbread]

I have had most of my tattoos for for more than two years and the only time they have EVER peeled was after I got it and I can get really dry skin at times. My brother is a tattoo artist and I have never heard of anything like this. I personally would go see your artist and just see what he thinks just to be on the safe side.

Is it your only tattoo, if it is, it could be that your body doesn't like the ink and is trying to reject it, if it has been going on ever since you had it done.