just a question, can someone help me?

i just got my tattoo about a week ago (it's a small flower with mom written below it). i know that a little redness and some swelling is normal. here's the thing though. my tattoo didn't start to swell until about two day or three days ago. it was sore and hurt a lil when i walked for the first few days. although that has stopped i noticed that my ankle, below the tattoo is swollen. it's only a small area that is swollen, the tattoo itself is only sore to touch in the center of the flower. The guy who did it was an apprentice (sp?). This isn't my first tattoo it's actually the 5th time i've been tattooed. i've never hads a problem with my other tattoos before, they've all healed perfectly fine no heavy scabbing or anything. should i go to a doctor and seek medication for a possible infection or irritation? or should i just apply ice to the swollen area and continue care of the tattoo as i did the rest of mine? anyone have any ideas?

Definately visit a doc. don't risk infection, a course of antibiotics should sort it, just in case. Swelling can be a sign of infection. Good Luck nat-nurse

It sounds like it could be normal, but going the to DR is always the safest thing. Did you get a color you had never gotten before? I just got my leg tattooed involving a lot of red. Honestly my foot swelled quite a bit, and not until a few days after, probably from being on my feet a lot. Also it did get a little red and touchy which is pretty much "red reaction" certain colors can make the skin a little angrier then usual. But like I said, if you're nervous see a DR.

i would go to the doctor too! but sometimes u gotta remember that different tattoos won't always turn out the same. my tattoo on my foot was more sore and itchy and red than some of the other tattoos on my body. I wouldn't worry too much but go and see a doctor to put your mind at rest.