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Warning-sign checks

Ink poisoning: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services now if you or someone else has:

    • Trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, or severe wheezing
    • Collapsed, had a seizure, or cannot be awakened
    • Severe confusion or rapidly worsening drowsiness
    • Sudden vision loss or severe eye pain
    • Swallowed ink during an act of self-harm and remains in immediate danger

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact a poison information service promptly after swallowing an unknown, industrial, solvent-based, or large amount of ink.

    Do this even if symptoms have not started.

    Have the product container or label nearby if possible.

    Seek urgent medical advice for persistent vomiting, worsening dizziness, coughing after inhalation, eye symptoms that remain after rinsing, or a painful chemical burn.

    A tattoo should be assessed promptly if redness is spreading, pain or swelling is worsening, pus is present, red streaks are moving away from the area, or you develop a fever or feel unwell.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine medical follow-up is appropriate for a mild but persistent rash, a raised or itchy tattoo reaction, or symptoms that are improving slowly.

    These situations are not usually emergencies unless they are accompanied by breathing difficulty, facial swelling, faintness, or rapid worsening.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Ink poisoning. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.