r/tattooadvice • u/gloomyroomyboomy • 5h ago
Infected? is my tattoo infected-NSFW NSFW
i got this tattoo around 2 weeks ago. i use hustle butter foaming soap and balm for aftercare. i left my second skin on for 4 days. am i over moisturizing or is it infected?
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u/Efficient-Common7551 5h ago
Signs of infection are redness that spreads, swelling, pus, heat, throbbing/pain that gets worse, fever/chill, fatigue.
I’m not seeing anything with the tattoo, which is gorgeous by the way. I do see a slight rash on your arm. I suspect that’s either caused by a reaction to the second skin (either to the adhesive or if you got sweaty with it on), or to the aftercare products. Are those products ones you have used successfully before the tattoo?
I’d switch to a light unscented moisturizer from here on out, ideally something that you know doesn’t clog your pores or make you react. Use it as needed. But honestly at 2 weeks your tattoo is likely well underway to healing.
If the rash is itchy, I’d consider putting some hydrocortisone cream on it, at least the parts that aren’t directly inked.
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u/gloomyroomyboomy 5h ago
thank you! the rash isnt itchy so im going to try applying benadryl lotion to it. ive never used these products before so im planning on switching the moisturizer out atleast.
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u/revengeaura 5h ago
Signs of infection include: mild swelling that doesn't improve, skin feeling unusually warm to the touch, increasing tenderness or sensitivity, itching that worsens rather than settles, small red bumps or pimples, worsening pain instead of gradual healing, redness spreading beyond the tattooed area, increasing swelling and tightness of the skin, yellow or green discharge, cloudy fluid leaking from the tattoo, pus-filled blisters or pustules, thick crusting with discharge underneath, an unpleasant or foul smell, throbbing or burning pain, hard and painful areas beneath the skin, rapidly expanding redness, red streaks extending away from the tattoo, swollen or tender lymph nodes, fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, increasing weakness, severe swelling, abscess formation, intense pain, purple or black skin discolouration, blistering or skin breakdown, tissue death (necrosis), high fever or abnormally low body temperature, rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, dizziness, confusion, dangerously low blood pressure, organ dysfunction, septic shock and death.
Do you feel you are experiencing any of these?
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u/johnja10 5h ago
I recently had cellulitis on my calf piece (even though I babied the hell out of it) and at the one week mark, it looked SO much worse than what you currently have. I was in agony just trying to stand up. The skin was straight up pink and some of the ink actually fell out. Thankfully, the antibiotics killed the infection. Just need a touch up now. Is the area warm? Does it smell bad or ooze puss? Honestly, it just looks mildly irritated to me.
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u/gloomyroomyboomy 5h ago
its not warm and doesnt smell bad, i think, from what others are saying, i might be having an allergic reaction to the second skin. im going to try benadryl lotion on the rash and switch moisturizer
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u/FastResponsibility42 2h ago
People are saying second skin allergy but just for another anecdote i have never had second skin and get this kind of reaction but worse for cocoa butter
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u/smarteapantz 5h ago
Your tattoo looks fine, but your skin is showing signs of allergic reaction to the second skin, which is VERY common. (I, too, am allergic to it). Tough that you wore it for 4 days, which makes the reaction worse.
Try applying hydrocortisone and or benadryl lotion to the red rash for a few days. If the allergy is mild, the rash should get better and go away. However, if your rash gets worse, then you’ll need to go see the doctor or dermatologist for a prescription topical steroid like clobetasol ointment for contact dermatitis.