Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Got A Rash After Getting Tattoo. Was Using A And D Ointment. Is Lubiderm Lotions Better? Is It An Allergic Reaction?
Question: I got a tattoo a week ago. I was using A and D ointment for the first few days. I have now changed up to the lubiderm lotions. For whatever reason the tattoo has a few raised areas, red bumps, and it itches. I have eczema and I am thinking I got an allergic reaction. Any thoughts?
Hello and thanks for the query.
The two most common hypersensitivity reactions to tattoo pigments are allergic contact dermatitis and photoallergic dermatitis apart from skin infections like impetigo or cellulitis.
The reaction usually appears as an inflamed red rash or may sometimes be scaly and flaky (exfoliative dermatitis). Red tattoo pigments cause the most reactions, particularly those made from mercury sulfide (cinnabar). Hypersensitivity reactions to pigments used to make black, blue, purple and XXXXXXX tattoos are much less common.
However you must be following some general instructions for aftercare like
Remove the bandage after 24 hours. The site should then be left uncovered to fully heal, with antibiotic ointment being applied to the tattooed skin throughout
The healing process.
Make sure the tattoo site is kept clean. Simple soap and water can be used to cleanse the tattooed skin.
Moisturize. A mild moisturizer should be applied to the skin several times a day like you are using Lubriderm lotion.
Avoid water. You cannot swim or soak the tattoo in water for at least two weeks afterwards.
Limit sun exposure. The tattoo site should be kept out of the sun for at least a couple weeks following the procedure. This means no sun bathing or tanning.
Don’t touch. Complete healing can take up to two weeks or more. It’s important that you do not pick at any scabs during this time to avoid the risk of infection, damaging the design, or causing any kind of keloids, or permanent scarring.
I have seen your photograph and it appears to be a simple hypersensitivity reaction.
I think you must wait and watch for one week more and in the mean time observe the general care tips as described above.
If the inflammation doesn't resolve or if there is infection in it or if it aggravates,then you must consult you doctor to have a proper look and treatment.
I hope to have answered your query however you may revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks
The two most common hypersensitivity reactions to tattoo pigments are allergic contact dermatitis and photoallergic dermatitis apart from skin infections like impetigo or cellulitis.
The reaction usually appears as an inflamed red rash or may sometimes be scaly and flaky (exfoliative dermatitis). Red tattoo pigments cause the most reactions, particularly those made from mercury sulfide (cinnabar). Hypersensitivity reactions to pigments used to make black, blue, purple and XXXXXXX tattoos are much less common.
However you must be following some general instructions for aftercare like
Remove the bandage after 24 hours. The site should then be left uncovered to fully heal, with antibiotic ointment being applied to the tattooed skin throughout
The healing process.
Make sure the tattoo site is kept clean. Simple soap and water can be used to cleanse the tattooed skin.
Moisturize. A mild moisturizer should be applied to the skin several times a day like you are using Lubriderm lotion.
Avoid water. You cannot swim or soak the tattoo in water for at least two weeks afterwards.
Limit sun exposure. The tattoo site should be kept out of the sun for at least a couple weeks following the procedure. This means no sun bathing or tanning.
Don’t touch. Complete healing can take up to two weeks or more. It’s important that you do not pick at any scabs during this time to avoid the risk of infection, damaging the design, or causing any kind of keloids, or permanent scarring.
I have seen your photograph and it appears to be a simple hypersensitivity reaction.
I think you must wait and watch for one week more and in the mean time observe the general care tips as described above.
If the inflammation doesn't resolve or if there is infection in it or if it aggravates,then you must consult you doctor to have a proper look and treatment.
I hope to have answered your query however you may revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
