What to do about a Rotting Tattoo?

Question

My mom got a tattoo 3 weeks ago and it looks like it is rotting off of her body or has a second degree burn there. It is bare meat and pussing all over the place. Also it is all red and swollen with larger red line radiating out She went to the doctor and he gave her a antibiotic and some pain killers. It was done at a reputable shop. Any input if she need to go to another doctor or what to ask for?

Answer 1

Redness and discharge means an infection, most likely Staphylococcus.  If not properly treated, the scarring will ruin the tattoo, if it hasn't already.  She needs not only an oral antibiotic which has good distribution to skin; but a topical treatment with both antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory.  (Neosporin makes a good product with pamoxime which I would recommend trying.)

The radiating lines could indicate infection of the blood vessels under the skin; if so, this is a serious complication.  IV antibiotics could be required to treat that, which means a hospital visit.

Answer 2

I would definitely get her to call or go to the tattoo shop ASAP. If it gets any worse, and the shop isn't open she should probably go to the dr.

Answer 3

I had something similar happen like that a couple of months ago. It's terribly unpleasant. Going to the doctor was the right thing to do.

Whether or not some tattoo parlors will admit it, keeping your body out of infection is more important that keeping your tattoo looking nice. Make sure your mom does all that she can to take care of the infection before she even thinks about getting the tattoo fixed.

Answer 4

it could be an allergic reaction, did the infection all start in one color of ink or anything?

PS, Charlies Angel, why dont you go to another part of the Questions, we dont need your insults.

Answer 5

seek medical attention immediately !!!

Answer 6

Charlie's Angel is talking through her butt. It does NOT mean the needle wasn't sterile - a tattoo can get infected after leaving the shop. She should see a doctor immediately and once it is healed, go back to the shop. It might not turn out to look as bad as you expect.

Answer 7

Gross! It's obvious that the needle on that machine was not sterile.OMG! I can't even imagine how many peolpe used that same needle.Yuckers! I think she needs to go to the er as of yesterday!That should have been the first choice of where to go.That sounds really bad.Hope she gets better.P.S. I hope it's a lesson learned.Girls have no business getting tattoos, they make them look cheap!