Getting a tattoo and skin infections

Hi and welcome to the forum! I am glad that I can help you.

You want to know the cause of the symptoms that you experience.

During the procedure of getting a tattoo the skin is injured and there is a possibility for bacteria to get in the skin and cause infection. Skin infections are characterized with redness of the skin, visible or invisible edema, pain, elevation of the skin and pus or discharge from the change on the skin. Individuals, especially those who are prone to allergies, may have an allergic reaction on the colors used in tattoos. An allergic reaction on the skin is characterized by redness of the skin, itching and elevation of the skin (small or bigger).

Given the data that you decribed, you may experience one of the conditions listed above. See your doctor for further diagnosis. You may need to take antibiotics if you are diagnosed with a skin infection. Avoid body lotions or butter to avoid the spread of possible skin infection.

Please keep in mind that I provide medical information only. I am not able to diagnose medical conditions online. Please contact your doctor for further advice and information about diagnosis and treatment options.

Hi, Ive had sorta the same problem my first tat i was told to use cocoa butter. I wasnt able to put it on my self(cause it was on the back of my shoulder)so i went without the butter for half the day, after i was able to get it put on about 3 hours later it started seeping out ink. I went back to my tattooist and the entire tat was leaking enough that when he wiped it his hand was covered in ink. He told me to quit using my bodywash and the cocoa butter it healed up fine. When I got my second tat I didnt use the cocoa butter and used baby shampoo to clean the tat, I went to see tattooist to let him check up on it(something he likes to do)and he got made cause i was letting it dry heal like my shoulder and told me to use cocoa butter. About 3 hours after he applied the butter it started to bubble up like a blister and the next morning it popped and ink oozed out my arm was swollen, red, and sore enough i couldnt really use it. I visted my tattooist and showed him and told me not to use the butter anymore. After i quit using it my tat stoped blistering, the pain, redness, and swelling started to go away. I dont think its an infection i was the tat asleast 6-7 times a day to keep clean and alittle moist. Applied to unbroken skin dosnt cause a reaction like that of the tattoo. Basically my question is were the symptoms caused by a reaction to the butter or something else entirely. Thank you for you time.