How does one diagnose an infected tattoo?

Question

Here's the jist: I've gotten my other 4 tattoos from the same guy. Always uses sterile equipment. Well, a couple days ago I had another piece of work done, this one from just below my armpit to just below my pantline. There is just a little bit of yellow-ish colouring to my skin on the top to the side and in the middle of the tattoo. I've looked online and I don't show any signs of infection -- redness, streaks, puss, doesn't hurt to touch (I work a factory job and went to work the same day with no problem), etc -- but judging from my other four, I can tell this is probably not normal (lol) ... any hints?

Answer 1

It could be a bit of residual bruising from the actual tatooing, or simply the aggivated skin of the underarm area. If you used deoderant and it got into the newly tatooed skin, it might have aggrivated it. Also, the underarm area is a moister area in people most of the other parts of the body. Well, not including a few places normallly kept under cover- and feet. Could also be irritated from whatever chemicals float around your place of work. It doesn't sound like a reaction to the dyes, in fact it doesn't sound infected. Infected tatoos usually don't leave you asking the question, and a reaction would usually cause blistering and sloughing of the skin. When I was stationed in the UK, I actually saw a tatoo go bad, when the guy reacted to the dye. Wasn't pretty, and there was no doubt the tatoo was in trouble. I have seen others with the residual yellowish color, and was always told it was just local skin irritation. If it doesn't clear up in a few days, or you start to see anything suspicious, or it gets tender, definitely go see the doc. If they treat it early enough, sometimes they can save your tatoo and your hide. Otherwise, if it gets away from you- it's a hard cure. The guy I mentioned ended up with a derm shave and laser treatment, and one ugly scar. He had other tatoos before, and they never did figure out what went wrong that time. I personally am too chicken to get one- I'd rather be on the other side of the needle! But hope yours gets pretty, and good luck.

Answer 2

Sounds like you know your tattoos, but just to be careful, get a good antibiotic cream or gel, and see your family doctor. I am sure that you paid quite a bit for your artwork, so you want to keep it healthy. I have one (luckily a small one) that stayed kind of scabbed over for a year. I was really bummed, because I wanted to show off my tat! I went to the doctor for another reason, he prescribed antibiotics, and it cleares up in 3 days. Unfortunately, I had to pay to have some of the color refreshed, but other than that, my tattoo and I are enjoying a beautiful relationship.

Answer 3

the bumps are most likely just a reaction to the ink. i get it every few tats or so. it'll be okay, just make sure you keep it moisturized, but too much that it coats the skin, it needs to breathe to heal. plasma's fine, but if it gets coated in a kind-of sticky goo, feels warm to the touch, or smells bad(almost like wet dog!) than it's infection. you can triple-antibiotic ointment it and it will help a lot if that's the case. but don't use it unless you have to, it will clog pores and cause bumps.

Answer 4

You should have it looked at. It is possible that it could be infected or that could just be some residual bruising that is going away. Have it looked at to be sure though.

Answer 5

I'd go to the doctor, better safe than sorry imo. Also, you say it seems different to the others you had... this is a warning sign.

Answer 6

go back to your 'guy' and have him look at it...it may be as simple as the coloring. He will tell you what steps to take.