Cellulitus

Hi everyone. I got my foot/ankle/calf tattoo done nearly a week ago now. After a few days my foot almost doubled in size and started weeping bloody pus. The partner being him decided a trip up to the emergency room where I was diagnosed with cellulitus. Now, I've been keeping my foot up, and taking my antibiotics as told by the doctor. There's a couple of things I'd like to ask. 1. How did this happen. I don't have any problems with the rest of the tattoo, just the foot and lower ankle part. Was it the tattooist, or did I pick up a bug while walking around? 2. How is my tattoo going to look when I'm healed?It is covered with a thick scab, and some of the skin around the tattoo has split. I'm so scared that this is going to happen again if the scab splits so I'm barely walking around. I'm really gutted as it is such a beautiful tattoo and the work is amazing on it. After spending all that money on it,and time designing it, I don't want it to look like a total mess lol. In a way, I feel a bit put off getting inked again, which is such a horrible feeling. This is my third tattoo, so although I'm not an expert, I'm not a total beginner either. I've been looking after my tattoo like I did with my others, and I have made sure that nothing has been rubbing on it, ie. shoes or clothes. I was just curious if anyone else here had had this problem, or know of it. Any advice will be greatfully received. Thanks very much :)

Although very rare cellulitus can be triggered by a tattoo. Cellulitus is basically an infection on a cellular basis and can be very serious. There is no way that your infection can be positively attributed to your tattoo. Although it COULD have been caused by your tattoo, its very rare for a tattoo to actually be the cause of infection if the artist is well trained and experienced and follows normal preventive measures.The infection probably came from some source outside of the tattoo studio. Almost all these infections are on the lower leg/ankle area due to the poor circulation in that area, and the proximity to causes of infection ie pet hair and germs etc etc. Yes you will probably need a touch up, no way around that!

Thanks for your reply :) At least it wasn't the tattooist, just have to bite the bullet so to speak and go back in once it's healed lol Thanks again!