Red, sore, stiff week old tattoo

Question

Hello, I got a small inner wrist kanji tattoo one week ago and it is still very sore and tender. It is starting to scab, and is red around the edges. I hope thats not infection. I was told NOT to put any ointment on it, just to wash with antibacterial wash once a day. I am worried coz Ive had 2 other tats and neither did this. Help, its really sore!

Answer 1

Just keep it clean and apply the ointment.  I just go one a few days ago and it is healing well.  I bought a cd rom with thousands of flash art ideas.

Go to a website like http://www.theartoftattoo.net where they offer you thousands of designs for twenty bucks.  It is not free but it is pretty darn close.

Answer 2

Almost all tattoos are going to be red but if it is still red a week after getting it done then you may have an infection. Sore? depending on how much you had done at one time it could still be sore. I had a 6 hour tattoo session and I was very sore for quite some time afterward. I would say that the following would decide what's up:

1. Did the tattoo artist wear gloves and was everything sterile?
2. Have you cleaned the area twice a day with mild soap and water?
3. Have you put A&D ointment on it frequently to keep it somewhat moist?
4. Do you wash your hands well prior to applying ointment or lotion during the healing process.

Some redness and soreness is to be expected and if the healing tattoo doesn't get ointment on it 3-4 times a day especially to start, it can get stiff and infected.