rash on tattoo-help!

[barb159]

this is my second full color tattoo. its on my back and  somewhat large. its going on the 3 weeks old. it  itches-alot. skin not red if i dont scratch but it  gets these little bumps on it. i can feel them but can only see them when i scratch.skin not hot, no sign of infection. scabs are gone there is some scaring but that came after the scabs  dropped bc i scratched it. a friend  of mine told me it looks like a"dirty needle"rash but i watched him remove  the needles from an unopened pack. i was told to use  neosporin for 4  days  which i did then i used raw shea butter-which i use every day for my  face-the  itching  and  bumps started the day after the shea butter. im not  useing it anymore  but  itstill itches like mad. its way way worse when i get hot or sweat i am cleaning it now with an antibact.soap and applying cortizone 10 on it. i have an old script for prednisone should i use it? i've included a not great photo of the rash after i have scratched it. ty

[barb159]

ty  so much for ur  comment. its is  better now i have  taken Benadryl as well as useing cortizone 10 the rash for the most part is  gone. the weird thing is  it  keeps comming back. but only when i sweat! i was so thank-ful when it went away and then i noticed after i exercise  or work or anything  where i sweat  on my lower back it starts itching all over again then it  burns after i scratch it not alot of burning but enough. as soon as i shower or cool down it stops i talked to my doctor and he put me on prednisone for 30 days. other than feeling like ive drank a bunch of coffee it  s helping  but again soon as i sweat it comes back just not as bad idk maybe im a mutant :) ty again for ur help

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it looks like an allergic reaction to the inks of the tattoo. Take some antihistaminic like Benadryl or Claritin and apply some calamine lotion or mild steroid cream on the rash. If the symptoms are severe then please get it evaluated from a dermatologist as oral steroids may be needed.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.