Can I get some advice about my new tattoo?

Question

I got a tattoo about a week ago. Most of the "scab" has fallen off. It still seems a little red and swollen on side. I am a little worried that it might be infected under the skin. I was drunk when I got it and uncovered it a little too fast. Sooooo....since the dry top layer has come off can I put something like Neosporin or aloe or something on it besides the lotion and ointment that the artist recommended? I just want it to heal up nicely!!!

Answer 1

*try using some antibiotic ointment. it all depends on how big your tattoo is. the size determines the time it will take to heal.

Answer 2

Do you get Bepanthen where you live? It's a nappy rash cream and excellent for healing tattoos. It keeps the tattoo moisturized and acts as a barrier to protect it whilst allowing it to breath.

Answer 3

Well your tattoo artist was a dumb-*** to tattoo you when you were drunk. Most places you have to be sober to get anything done. Use vaseline cream on it, not neosporin.  

Answer 4

PLEASE listen to Danielle S.

Answer 5

You can use Neosporin but if you do don't combined it with the lotion.  Wash it a few times a day and put the Neosporin on it severl times a day.

Answer 6

To be honest, you were stupid to get it done drunk as the blood in your system is weak when you're drunk and that's why most tattooists DON'T tattoo you when you're drunk... why don't you want to use the lotions the artist recommended? its probably a good idea to use them as they are the artist... although... if they tattooed you when you were drunk its probably not a good idea...

Answer 7

My artist told me to use shea butter after the first 3 days.  Mine is now 3 weeks old and looks great.  The reason you shouldn't get tattooed drunk is b/c the alcohol thins your blood, causing you to bleed more and then the chance of you scabbing is greater~which in turn when the scab falls off so does the ink!!

Answer 8

NO!!   Do Not put ANY antibiotic ointment on your new tat....the purpose of an antibiotic ointment is to remove any forgien things from your skin AKA Tattoo Ink!!!   Your skin sould also react and cause little bumps to come through your tat and when the finally go away...it will leave polka dots.  If you do in fact have an infection....use BACTIRIN it wont force the ink from your skin....however, it may not be infected....just irritated so don't jump the gun just yet.  I prefer a dry heal with just a little skim of vasiline if it gets too "crusty"

Answer 9

I have a couple of tattoos and piercings and one of the first things my artist told me was to NEVER EVER apply neosporin or any antibiotic to any of my tats or piercings....it will cause it to try to heal too quickly and it will scar ugly and can make your tattoo scar all bumpy instead of flat. Just make sure you wash it well atleast twice a day w/ warm water and soap...and apply lotion...try to use lotions with no scents b/c they tend to have less alcohol in them...lubriderm has been the best lotion i've used so far...when you sleep try to sleep with your tattoo out in the open so it can get some air rather than having your clothes rub up on it and irritating it. It's only been a week since you got the tat it's not going to be healed yet...i doubt it's infected and don't expose it to the sun for about another 2weeks. Remember a tattoo is like an open wound pretty much that has to heal on its own...it's not just ink on your skin..you got something engraved onto it and it has to heal...

Answer 10

its been a week already so all you need is lotion. if you really want to use an ointment then use only a&d cuz it lets your skin breathe like it needs to but really all you need is a good moisurizing, non-scented lotion (curel works the best).