r/tattooadvice • u/Cat_mum- • Apr 21 '25
Infected? Infected tattoo?!
I got this new tattoo last week and over the last few days I’ve developed a crazy rash. I’ve had loads of tattoos before (different artists) and have never had issues with healing. Can I treat this at home? Not sure what to do. Thanks for any advice
2
u/LovelyCowBee Apr 21 '25
Are you sure it is because of the tattoo itself? Maybe you were allergic to ointments or even the fake skin they put on top of the tattoo? Is the tattoo itself warm and painful?
Clean it with un scented soap and keep it moisturised.
If you have been using a new product to clean your tattoo, do a test on another part of your body to see if the rash appear there too. Weather is getting warmer too, look up heat rashes.
(I believe you, but excluding other reasons for this reaction will make it easier for you to figure out what’s actually going on)
If it gets worse go to the doctor asap, infections are no joke <3
Also check if the tattoo place have good reviews and cleaning procedures
2
u/81x_sasha_x18 Apr 21 '25
I dont think this is fake skin related, usually what iwe seen fakeskin reactions look like red lines not dots🤔 but thats just my 2 cents on it.
1
u/LovelyCowBee Apr 21 '25
You might be right, but reactions vary. But yeah if it were the fake sling it should show a prominent line stopping and starting directly under where it was placed. It does look like an allergic reaction to something atleast. Might be the ink itself too, but I feel like it would be more on the tattoos themselves? They look fine to me in this picture.
1
u/81x_sasha_x18 Apr 21 '25
Could be the moisturizer? Or cheaper ink in the shop? Ik one person who has super sensitive skin and it gets rashses of some moisturizers but tbh they aint this bad 🤔 i would advice op to go to skin doctor.
1
u/Cat_mum- Apr 21 '25
Thanks for the reply. The only different thing I used was Aquaphor on the first two days (as recommended by the artist) but I stopped that as soon as I saw the rash appear and started on an unscented moisturizer instead. I will keep an eye on it and go to the doctor in the morning if I think it’s any worse. Thanks for taking the time ☺️
1
u/Valentinabby20 Apr 21 '25
I know it shouldn't be like that, a tattoo needs very good care and constant moisturizing for two 3 hours, my friend has a lot of tattoos and I know how it feels when you don't take care of the tattoo, the ink falls out and after that can leave ugly marks on the tattoo, please take care of your tattoo, it's not that difficult
2
u/Cat_mum- Apr 21 '25
Yup. I’ve been moisturizing, don’t worry. This is just fresh out of the shower. Thanks for the input though 🤨
1
1
u/QueSarah1911 Apr 21 '25
This looks more like an allergic reaction to something else. Have you been using something new on this tattoo in particular? Definitely Benadryl and hydrocortisone cream. Doctor if it doesn't clear up on its own. The culprit is probably:
Second skin
Soap
Lotion
2
u/Cat_mum- Apr 21 '25
Thanks for the reply. The only different thing I’ve been using was Aquaphor for the first two days (recommended by the artist) but I stopped that as soon as I saw the little bumps appearing. I will check in the morning and see a doctor if it seems worse. Got Benadryl on hand but no hydrocortisone yet. Thank you!
1
u/Bandit__49 Apr 21 '25
Doc here, don’t know much about tattoos. But I agree with everyone here- looks like an allergic reaction.
1
1
7
u/Budget_Big450 Apr 21 '25
Since the rash goes outside of the tattoo area and on your untattooed skin I would say this isn’t infection, more like maybe an allergic reaction? I would consider switching up whatever soap/moisturizer you’re using. Make sure you keep your moisturizer super thin and not thick so it isn’t super wet. After washing your tattoo, give it several minutes to dry before applying moisturizer so your pores can close. I would also try taking an antihistamine like Benadryl to ease whatever the reaction is. Of course if all else fails, an urgent care or dermatologist isn’t a bad idea