HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Mushy, Leaking Tattooed Skin, Tender, Warm, Tightness, Bruising, No Pus, No Foul Smell, No Deep Pitting. Infection?

default
Posted on Sun, 3 Jun 2012
Question: I got a tattoo six days ago (approx. 7" long, 2" wide, shading and coloring). I noticed that some of the tattooed skin appeared mushy, and leaked (plasma?) longer than the rest. The mushy parts have not healed properly and are tender to the touch, occasionally warm (though not always), and are scabbing badly. My skin feels tight and like I have a bruise. The scabs no longer leak, except right after I get out of the shower (when they're wet for a length of time), and then only for a few minutes (barely noticeable, except when patting with a paper towel) - it's like the crack for a minute. The rest of the tattoo is healing fine. There is minimal redness around the sore areas. I have had an infected tattoo before and this doesn't look quite like that - no puss, no foul smell, no XXXXXXX pitting. However, I am worried - does it seem to be an infection?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (22 minutes later)
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us.

The symptoms described by you are often found due to inflammatory changes. Superficial infection is a possibility and needs to be ruled out here.

Some times there can be mild amount of soakage is seen upto 3-4 days and is normal. Try to keep the area dry as much as possible.

You can apply neosporin powder or other OTC available topical antiseptic powders for early relief. Taking an antiinflammatory drug orally will help.

If the symptoms do not improve in 5-7 days or fever develops then you need to have oral antibiotics to control the infection. Consult your primary doctor in such cases to help you.

I hope my answer and recommendations are adequate and helpful. Waiting for your further follow up queries if any.

Regards.

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. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal

OBGYN

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 14047 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Mushy, Leaking Tattooed Skin, Tender, Warm, Tightness, Bruising, No Pus, No Foul Smell, No Deep Pitting. Infection?

Hello,

Thanks for writing to us.

The symptoms described by you are often found due to inflammatory changes. Superficial infection is a possibility and needs to be ruled out here.

Some times there can be mild amount of soakage is seen upto 3-4 days and is normal. Try to keep the area dry as much as possible.

You can apply neosporin powder or other OTC available topical antiseptic powders for early relief. Taking an antiinflammatory drug orally will help.

If the symptoms do not improve in 5-7 days or fever develops then you need to have oral antibiotics to control the infection. Consult your primary doctor in such cases to help you.

I hope my answer and recommendations are adequate and helpful. Waiting for your further follow up queries if any.

Regards.