OMG i think its infected, someone help!!

i just got a tattoo yesterday, and its on my inner lower arm and its swollen, red and it hurts like hell. its warm to the touch and im really worried about it. i kept it bandaged for 1 1/2 hours and washed it, put lotion on it and washed it about an hour later, ive been keeping an ice pack on it like my artist told me to, but its still really bad, the swelling hasnt gone down and it hurts bad... anyone know whats going on with my arm???

We need to know what kind of soap and lotion first thing ...and scroll down and check the other posts on this subject...T

Try liquid dial soap and vitamin e oil 3 times a day. You can get the oil where the vitamins are in any grocery store or supermarket. Wash your hands first, then your tattoo. Let it air dry then apply the oil sparingly. The ice pack is a great idea, just make sure you have clean papertowels or saran wrap between it and your tattoo. Motrin may help with the pain and swelling. Your artist might just have been a little too heavy handed for such a sensative area. I am very fair skinned and sometimes swell on my inner arms so just give it a few days and all will be fine. If after a week you still have problems or huge scabbing, then there is an infection. And you probably know this already but try to keep your clothing off of it. The detergents are very harsh and the rubbing from clothing may irritate. Hope this helps hon! --Cherry

Oh yeah, I forgot. Make sure your lotion has NO fragrance. Simple vasaline and lubriderm brand are pretty good after about day 4 for me. Your soap should be dial or store brand equivalant, no fragrances or extra lotions. Later

If it's only been one day I'd say some redness and swelling were to be expected....the only person who can really judge will be your artist and in order to do that they'll have to look at it in person.