Very disapponted first timer!

So, I've been reading the posts on here for about 3 day now and it seems that I did everything right. But, my tattoo looks horrible! It’s blotchy and is slightly infected. My story/rant I got my first tattoo 12 days ago. I did everything I was told. Leave the bandage on till I got home then wash it very well pat dry and put on a thin (very thin) layer of antibiotic ointment. I then continued to wash it at least 2-3 times a day sparingly applying lotion after. I had horrible pitting in my tattoo so I knew I was badly butchered. I also ended up with horrible scabbing. Almost the entire tattoo scabbed. I am a considerably fast healer so I didn't expect to take very long and I was right. I am mostly healed except for a few select spots. I had 3 spots get infected (I have no idea how). One spot popped about 3 nights ago and the top of the scab fell off! I am now left with a completely empty spot where my skin literally FELL OUT and it is a small pit right in the middle of my tattoo! To help get rid of the infection I have been spot treating with the 3 antibiotic ointment. I cannot afford to go to the doctor in seeing my policy changed at the beginning of the new year and I now have to pay full price for doctor visits and I just cannot afford that. Tonight I was taking my jeans off and I hit one of the scabs causing it to fall off. It revealed a very disturbing image. The color is pretty much gone (from scabbing I suspect) and I have a deep pitted line where it looks like my artist dug in pretty deep. Needless to say, I am getting a new artist and I will no doubt in my mind have to get the whole thing redone. It really sucks that this had to be my first tattoo experience. Well, if anyone has any ideas of something I could do to help the last few spots not turn out so horrible please feel free to comment. Even criticism is welcome. Everything helps!

Go back to your artist right away. Was this done at a legit shop by a legit artist? there are several posts here regarding this same topic. Scroll Down.

Yes. He was very perfesional and very very clean. I watched him take out all new needles and all. All he did was butcher me.

sorry to hear this! did he have a portfolio? how long been tattooing? strongly recomened you keep up the care wash at least 2x a day let air dry after wash for 10 minutes apply thin layer of your ointment. depending on size and such let the scar areas heal for some time 3 to 6 months. lots of other areas to look at here also. have or did you 1 change diet 2 vacation or work out of country 3 change any meds perscriptions 4 have any new food products lately different laundry soap body soap shampoo 5 get a dog or cat lately do ya see where im going with this? if he was a good rep artist and solid work get back to him we need to know these items from you the client so we can make notes and take action and do our best to avoid this from next time we tattoo on you.2 way street you and the artist need to communicate. best iof luck and wishes don

Thanks and yes he had a very well done portfolio and a lot of pics in it. I also know someone who got a tattoo from him as well and they did fine. I haven't change anything in my life recently except for getting the tattoo. I think it's just because I have horible luck.

You may have been victim of an allergic reaction to some of the ink he used. Or your tattoo got infected after being done.

Well from what I've been reading I believe it got infected after it was done but don't hold me to it, I'm no expert. It just didn't show the signs of being an allergic reaction. I have been spot treating with antibiotic ointment and it seems to be getting a little better. I am going to continue to do this and try my darndest to keep the last 3 spots of scabs from getting pulled off prematurely.

Well from what I've been reading I believe it got infected after it was done but don't hold me to it, I'm no expert. It just didn't show the signs of being an allergic reaction. I have been spot treating with antibiotic ointment and it seems to be getting a little better. I am going to continue to do this and try my darndest to keep the last 3 spots of scabs from getting pulled off prematurely.

I wanted to give an update in case anyone ever stumbles over this and wanted to know how to help a little infection and for everyone who might want an update. From what I can tell my infection is gone. I washed it 2-3 times a day and let the infected area dry out (completely). In about 3 days of doing that it is no longer red, itchy, swollen, or oozing so I assume it is either gone or getting better and better. Thanks for everyone’s help.