New tattoo issues..help.

the_devil_made_me_do_it

Had new new tattoo last Tuesday and it's so very sore. Had to take ibrufren the first couple of days as my arm was swollen and aching. Now it's all red and peeling.

Any ideas what is up with it and what I can put on it to help it heal. Been back to see the tattooist & he rekons it's irritated by something.

NJW69

When I had mine done years ago they recommended putting Preparation H (the haemorhoid stuff) on it. It's like vasoline in consistency and it has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial in it.

Is it catching/rubbing on anything?

the_devil_made_me_do_it

it's not really catching or rubbing on anything. I've been wearing short sleeved t-shirts, so only when I've had my coat on or been in bed has been touching other materials.

I have quite a few other tattoos and none have reacted like this one. Have always used Tattoo Goo as it's natural.

Vixie_Pixie

its not recommended normally but i did this with my first tattoo and had no problems - use savlon cream for the next couple of days and see if that stops the irritation and then after that use bepanthen (baby nappy rash cream) n see how you go

poorly_scammo

You might have had an allergic reaction to the dye this time?

I'd think about seeing the doctor.

Toothsmith

Holding something cold against it is good for reducing inflammation. A cool pack, or frozen peas.

Do it little & often.

But there are loads of different types of ink, so just because you've been OK before, doesn't mean you'll be OK very time. Plus, the more you're exposed to something, the more chance you have of triggering an allergic response.

I too would recommend seeing your Dr if things persist. How you get rid of the allergens if it turns out you are allergic to it is a different problem altogether though!!

ladyfalco

Sounds like it may be a reaction. My tattooist tells me to use bepanthen over everything else, so maybe try that

coco1980

was advised to use e45 with my last tatoo, this may help if it is itches

sparrer

I was advised to wash the site gently by patting, not rubbing, rinse and pat dry, apply Bepanthen...do it two/three times a day for the first week then decrease as the scars heal. Also to keep it covered witrh a soft cotton dressing for the first day or two if it was sore. Fortunately I didn't have to and had no problems.

the_devil_made_me_do_it

I've never had problems before & have always followed the same regime.

It's not itchy, it's very sore & peeling. Looks like I could even end up loosing some of the colour too. I'm quite concerned about it & am hoping it heals ok.

I'll be staying with my usual tattooist in the future. So much for supporting local business.

jenhug

i'd get the doc to check it in case of infection.