Infection NOT in the tatoo...

New shop for me, nice tat on my right shoulder. Usual instructions specific to this shop: don't listen to friends or other shops; wash with antibactial soap and apply small amount of non-scented lotion for specific amount of time (don't have the instruction sheet in front of me). 1 week later, I have dozens (literally) of red spots in and around the tat, but not on the tat itself. Some in the follicles, some not; some with white heads, some not. Very painful and annoying. I stopped everything but washing with a VERY mild soap and I'm now on antibiotics and a topical script cream. Very good info here, but I want this to heal ASAP with no scarring on my upper arm/shoulder. Should I skip the script ointment and just use the oral antibiotics? All my friends are joking about a flesh eating virus. Not funny. Thanks.

When they gave you your tattoo they should have shaved the spot before they sterilized ect... Depending on skin type and how they shaved (carelessly or not) it would not be unheard of to have a bad reaction to the hair regrowing. Obviously if it's something that is bothering you it's wise to get into the doctors office and find out if there is a real problem. Ingrown hairs last a few days up to a few weeks depending on how bad they get. If it turns out there is a problem, make sure to notify your artist and their shop of the situation so that they know whats up.

Yes, it was shaved, although I can't recall what if any lotion was applied prior to shaving. I shave my upper arms because of a tatoo on the other arm and because I am vain about my biceps LOL and have never had any issues. Any thoughts on the topical script antibiotic the doctor prescribed and if it will clog the infections any further? Again, the tat itself is intact and looking fine. Just plain weird. My wife suggested something like shingles, which is a bacteria inactive in the body that can trigger at any time.

1) Possible allergic reaction to whatever lotion is being used 2) Possibility of too much said lotion being used, clogging pores I know every tattoo artist has their own healing instructions, and I disagree entirely with the healing method given to you, but the best bet is to go back to the artist that did the work and get their take on what to do.

Your body may form bumps called granulomas around tattoo, especially if your tattoo includes red ink. Something to keep in mind, inks are metal base and some humans are allergic to it. The bumps may have been a reaction, I've seen that problem before on another man I tattooed, after he discovered he was allergic to red ink. He kept on getting tattooed but with no red, he never got a bump again. I am not a Dr, but prescribed oral antibiotics treated his problem.

You people are all idiots! Its a staph infection, the staph is normal on the skin when the hair is shaved the hair is pulled out slightly picks up the bug and snaps back into the skin taking the staph with it. Take/use the antibiotics as directed and it will go away, duh!