tattoo rash

[chcott748]

Hi,
So a couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine purchased a tattoo gun, and was givingout free tattoos. I was his sixth tattoo he has ever done, I got it on my ankle, and he was completely clean, he used a new, clean needle, ink, he wore gloves. he did a very good job on the tattoo, and it has been healing fine up until recently. about a week ago I took a trip down to san deigo, and while I was there a rash started to form around my tattoo, I forgot my soap and lotion at home, so I couldnt wash it either. the rash is itchy and red, but it only itches when I wash it, or i brush up against it. it has started to spread down my ankle and the top of my foot. I would really like to know how to treat it without having to go to a dermatologist, something i can not afford. and I would also like an idea of whats wrong.
thanks for the help!

[UpstateAlison]

It's a Yeast Infection. Try a oral medication.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination butit looks like contact dermatitis or an allergic reaction. Take some antihistaminic like Benadryl or Zyrtec and apply some calamine lotion on the itchy areas. If the symptoms persist then you may need topical and oral steroids. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.