learning to tattoo

I've just started tattoing and done a couple now, i've got all the tools and a ultrasonic but im using a baby bottle steriliser to sterilise. The problem is I did I reasonable size trible piece on my mates calf a week ago and it's still tender and swollen. He's been using a lot of cream on it and been on his fet quite a bit. I'm really worried now incase it's infected. It's scabbed quite a bit and I do know I was using the gun at to high a speed and to deep a throw so I know its churned the skin and will be saw for a while. It isn't pussing but is swollen and red. I've told him to stop using creams and wash it with warm water twice a day and told him if the swelling and redness doesn't start to subside to go see his doctor. Just wondering if my advice is correct or should I be more worried. Regards phil

This won't be good. My question is that you just listed all the things you know you are doing wrong. So why are you doing them? Now I understand why artists are constantly telling us to look for a real apprenticeship.

I've been getting some help and have been shown and told what i've been doing wrong and instantly corrected this. Dont know if it's a fault of mine or just a reaction as i've been told calf tats can be a pain especially if not rested for a day or two and to much use of creams not allowing the tat to breath.

Your asking questions you should know before you even think of tattooing someone.. however, If it is extremely raised, darkening red, and forming lines, unparallel to the tattoo, in a long streaking, straight manner that is early stages of infection, and when infection occurs, make a dr. appointment because its high grade dose of antibiotics or off comes your mates leg, and if he goes far enough and infection travels in his body, it has a potentially high risk of D E A T H. But either way, to answer your question in the best of my knowledge, if you are concerned about it, you shouldn't be on a message board! Get a doctors visit in. In the chance that it is an infection, the earlier you catch it, the less damage it will do. Josh~

i've seen my friend today he's left it for the past couple of days without any cream and it healing fine now. he's also now told me it's his bad leg and has problems with it now and then it still has a bit or red to the lower part of the tat near his ankle but its only a week old. 75% of it has healed now with no scabbing left. i think i was just a bit too ambitious to start and should of stuck to smaller tattoo's as i was told to. thanks for any posts

Hey Pal, Like everyone said it in here, you are doing exactly why you shouldn't be doing. An ultrasonic washer is not an autoclave, it simply washes, it doesn't sterilize. The part that concerns me the most is not the outcome of the tattoo, instead the tools that you have to keep the environment safe. Remember that people are not dead pigs. You can give someone a trip with no return to death. Get an apprenticeship pal, and start like a pro from day one. Bad tattoos + lack of professional sterilization gear can give you lots of headaches and why not a good trip to jail with all expenses paid. Think again, your customers will appreciate it.