Why are there red dots around my new tattoo?

Question

A week ago I got a new tattoo on my hip and had my old one reworked (they are next to each other). Both are healing fine but the new one is still sore. The new one is larger so I suspect it will be sore for a while since more skin is wounded from the tattoo. My concern is there are small red dots around the area of the tattoos but none on the tattoo itself. I used the vitamin A & D ointment they gave me for the first few days then used Lubriderm when it was getting itchy. Also until yesterday it was still oozing plasma and giving off color on my clothes. Could the dots be a reaction to latex and the healing taking longer because of placement? Where it is located it is folded up on itself when I sit. Thanks.

Answer 1

To be completely honest, it sounds like too much moisturizing, the red dots (small pimples) from excess lotion spread past the bounds of the tattoo.  You're not a "tattoo virgin" is the problem, and even though veterans sometimes do too much I don't want to leap to any conclusions.

That still might be something to consider.  The location is one that doesn't sound like it needs that much lotion, so maybe try using less after a day or three of none at all.

I tend to think latex isn't the problem as it's more than a few days later, and it's only the surrounding skin - pointing to something about the tattooed versus untattooed skin.

If all else fails, drop a line to the artist.  They're familiar with you & the tattoo, so maybe a quick visit & scoping out of the affected area will help.

Best of luck to you.

Answer 2

I would call your artist and ask. It's kind of hard to say without seeing it and all that. Your artist should know what's going on and be able to advise you best. Good luck!  

Answer 3

some people, (more and more frequently now a days) get nasty reactions from A & D ointment. It has been known to cause little red spots and in those areas the color will bleed out. my suggestion is to stop using th A & D as it really has no value unless infection is present, plus its an ointment, which doesn't allow your skin to breathe as well as with something not petroleum based.... try using a fragrance free, alcohol free lotion instead... I prefer curel fragrance free and use it on all of mine, I like it best because the main ingredients are glycerin and water. =) hope this helps.