Rash around new tattoo

[sidneymt]

I got a tattoo 8 days ago on my left forearm. I had some initial problems with it, including swelling around the tattoo, for which I got prescribed antibiotics. 2 days ago I noticed a rash starting to form inside of the tattoo that looked and felt like poison oak. Now the rash has spread around my forearm toward my elbow, but is no longer inside of the actual tattoo. It itches very badly and does not seem to be getting better. I will be done with the antibiotics in 2 days. I used A&D Ointment on the tattoo for two days after I got it upon advice from the tattoo artist, but I have not used any topical creams since then.

Basically, I am wondering if I should drive the 2 hours it would take me to see a dermatologist or if I should just let the rash spread and wait for it to clear up? I am also wondering about how long that would take (just so I don't keep worrying about it!) And of course I'd love to know what caused it in the first place (allergy to the ink?)

Thank you.

[hannahmabe12]

its been week since i got my tattoo and i used a & d oitment but its only around it other then that its fine its healing good just a rash around its bugging me what can i do to get this rash away

[Angeleyes1985]

I got a tattoo and while I was getting it I was bleeding a lot more then normal and it also welted up more then normal it has Been 5 days its been painful and I have a rash  on it and all around it itches and stings what could it be

[Angeleyes1985]

I got a tattoo and while I was getting it I was bleeding a lot more then normal and it also welted up more then normal it has Been 5 days its been painful and I have a rash  on it and all around it itches and stings what could it be

[Brookebray1022]

The rash around tattoos is from over-using A & D ointment or Aquaphor. If you use more than a thin layer, and apply it repetitively throughout the day your pores in and around the tattoo will get clogged causing the break out. Wash the tattoo/area with non-scented antibacterial soap and try applying THIN layers of the ointment for the remaining days directed by your tattoo artist. It should go away once you are done treating you're healing tattoo.

[marlana210]

I got a tattoo last week and two days later started getting red itchy bums around and in tattoo I tried benadryl and Allegra creams nothing is working , don't know what it is or what to do

[Doriandb90]

I recently got a tattoo from a friend of mine who is a licensed artist and everything was good up until I switched from using cortizone on my tat to a&d ointment.  Turns out in severely allergic to a&d ointment. My whole arm was swollen and so were my lymph nodes. I had a rash all over my tat and a foul oder coming from it. I went to the hospital and was prescribed amoxicillin and some pain pills.  The first thing people often think is its the tatoo artist who made a mistake when most of the time it's poor after care.  

[alexa1587]

I have the same white head like itchy rash. These answers are not helpful. If you found something to help you please let me know!!!!!!!

[jazzycat4]

The same thing happened to my newest tattoo, which I got done 2 weeks ago. I have nine other tattoos and never had this happen before. I got the new done on my forearm from a new tattoo shop where I live. His portfolio looked great and recommendations were good too. The day after I got it, it was red and swollen around but not on the tat. The swelling and redness spread. I had some leftover antibiotics from an infected scratch I had from a student at work. It helped. Then after a day or two, the actual tat became red and inflammed. It was hot tothe touch and painful. Since then, it's gotten a little better then came back with avengeance. Right now, two weeks post-tattoo, it is red, itchy and has bumps throughout the tattoo. The tattoo is mostly white (not what I asked for at ALL!!) and there is no red. I went to a notable tattoo shop and was told it was not an allergic reaction to the ink, that he had never seen such a reaction before and to get it checked out and be concerned about possible staph infection in the near future.

[Trust315]

But what could it possibly be caused from?
I did my girlfriends tattoos and they didnt swell much and she got 3 done. One is about 7 inches wide by 6 inches tall on her hip and then on her side she has the Lily about palmed size and that one has the rash that started in the tattoo and then spread out and is now spreading down her leg and onto her butt..  It cant be the ink because i used the same ink on her other tattoos. and the needles i always use new ones. Sterilized and everything.
And the look like white head pimples...

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It sounds like an allergic reaction to the ink of tattoo. Take some antihistaminic like Benadryl or Claritin and apply some calamine lotion on the rashes. If the symptoms persist then topical or oral steroids may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[tilly2017]

hi ave got a new tattoo 3 weeks ago and its starting to get a ichy rash underneath it.and my arm is really hot.