Tattoo problems

[cptkamikaze]

I got a tattoo when I turned 19. It's a plain black ink symbol on my upper right arm. It is completely black. It's been just about 3 year and I'm starting to think something may be wrong. It will randomly get puffy,itchy,the swollen parts get kinda hard,randomly burn,randomly sting where it feels like needles are stabbing into it(which is happening now),or any combination of those things. It's starting to drive me nuts. I've heard anything from allergies to heat(which is unlikely as I'm cold and it's been rather chilly lately)to scarring to diseases lol. I dunno I would just like some advice :/

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms are suggestive of allergies. Take some antihistaminic like Benadryl and apply some calamine lotion. If the symptoms persist then please get an evaluation done by a dermatologist. you may need topical and oral steroids.

I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[cptkamikaze]

Unfortunately I dont remember the name of the guy that did it. It was at Buddhas in Erie, Pennsylvania though.

[emsybaby]

google the tattoise who did it. if they have been done for anything (i know one who has used carpet dye in the past!) then you will know. the only other thing i have heard is the heat, my tattoo is raised in hot weather but doesnt bother me