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Tattoo Skin Problems

Hi,
I got a tattoo in November of last year. About a month after I got the tattoo, when I wash the area (my ribcage) with soap it itchs like crazy and the skin is raised, like an outline of the tattoo. But when I just wash with water it is fine. Putting lotion on still somewhat helps, but it doesnt stop the itching. Can someone tell me what could be going on or what I can do to help stop it? Any info is helpful, thanks.
-Lcpl Allen, Usmc
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Avatar universal
Im having a red rash bumps on my new tattoo about 10 days old.... Its realy itchyy what should i doo
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,

It could be eczema, sweat dermatitis, allergic reactions or eczema.

You need to wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites.

Apply calamine lotion at the site of the lesions and see if it helps. You could take some oral antihistamine medications like cetrizine or loratadine. You need to maintain a good personal hygiene .

Anti-itch drugs, often antihistamine, may reduce the itch during a flare up of eczema, and the reduced scratching in turn reduces damage and irritation to the skin.

For mild-moderate eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone or desonide), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Moisturizing is one of the most important self-care treatments for sufferers of eczema. Keeping the affected area moistened can promote skin healing and relief of symptoms.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eczema

Let us know if you need any further information.

It would be advisable to consult a skin specialist for your symptoms and a proper clinical examination.

Let us know if you need any other information and post us on how you are doing.

Regards.
Helpful - 0
648381 tn?1223987687
Hello there... I also got a tattoo on my ribcage about a year ago. It never itched when i was healing, but lately it has been itching like crazy. Usually happens at night and i have no idea what could possibly be causing it. My healing process was quick and i had no problems or irritation. Any help would be great :) And this is 12 MONTHS after i got it.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,

The chances of getting a repeat allergic reaction would indeed be very high , since the previous episode just proves that you are susceptible to develop such reactions.

It would be best to consult your skin specialist about this before you go ahead with another tattoo.

Let us know if you need any other information.

Regards.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you. I'll start trying that and see what happens. If I get another tattoo, say on my arm or back, what do you think would be the chances of me having the same problem on a new tattoo?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,

This could be an allergic reaction to the tattoo, dermatitis or eczema.

Allergic reactions to tattoo pigments are uncommon except for certain brands of red and green. People who are sensitive or allergic to certain metals may react to pigments in the skin with swelling and/or itching, and/or oozing of clear fluid called serum. Such reactions are quite rare, however, and some artists will recommend performing a test patch.

For those who are allergic to latex, many artists are using non-latex or will use non-latex gloves if asked.

There is also a small risk of anaphylactic shock (hypersensitive reaction) in those who are susceptible, but the chance of a health risk is small.

You could take some oral antihistamine medications and apply calamine lotion at the site.

If the symptoms do not resolve, consult your doctor.

Let us know if you need any other information.

Regards.

Helpful - 0
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