Tattoo Concerns for Second Tattoo Ever

Hi there!

I'm having some serious concerns about a new tattoo I had colored in on 09/30/2022. This is my second tattoo that I've had done now, and it's reacting in a completely different way than my first tattoo. For better explanation, I took the Saniderm bandage off on Sunday evening (10/02/2022) as it had been 48 hours since the end of my appointment [per the aftercare instructions card]. That day, I cleaned the tattoo gently with water and generic, non-scented soap by hand to remove any gunk and bacteria. After washing, I then dried it by dabbing it with a paper towel, then applied non-scented, generic lotion hours later and dabbed off any excess. On Monday (10/03/2022), I applied CVS brand cortisone cream once to help with itching as the tattoo was starting to peel and scab. The next day, I didn't apply any creams or moisturizers to it and allowed it to breathe. On Wednesday (10/05/2022), around 6PM EDT, I applied Aquaphor to the tattoo as that what helped me through the healing of my first tattoo and the outlining of the second tattoo. It was around 8PM EDT that I noticed that my tattoo was bleeding, so I went to take care of it with a damp washcloth. After removing the blood by gently pressing, I noticed that parts of the tattoo looked like chunks of my flesh was missing and I was left with raw colored flesh. I shot my tattoo artist the photo of my tattoo and asked if it was normal for this to happen. They explained to me that I'll need to keep it dry and have it covered with saran wrap for a few days and see how it goes. I was also told that I'm going to want to wait at least a day or two before applying anymore Aquaphor as the tattoo needs oxygen to breathe. They then said that the healing process for me is different this time as it's a heavier set of shading.
I've already gone ahead and wrapped it as they advised, but I was wondering if this was a normal thing to happen at all? I'm still very much a newbie to the tattoo world and extremely concerned with the outcome now. I'm scheduled to go back in two weeks for a touch up, but now I don't know if my skin will even be ready for the touch up. I'm not mad at my artist whatsoever, cause for all I know, this is very well my fault and I wasn't careful enough.

Let me know your thoughts!

Thanks.
-ThrowAwayMcGee

I don't know why they would say to cover it with Saran wrap if they want it to breathe. I sometimes think that people over do the aftercare of a tattoo, worrying about how it's healing etc, all I do is apply a small amount of lotion (bepanthen Nappy (diaper) rash cream) for a few days until the tattoo starts to scab, then I just leave it to heal naturally. Sometimes overcaring for a tattoo with creams and lotions will stop it from drying out, you don't want the scab to be mushy as it will wipe off when touched by clothing etc and the ink will come off with it.
By the looks of the tattoo in the photo, it looks very overworked or could even be infected, especially above the eye in the purple and at the bottom...leave it be for a couple of days and see how it progresses...if it gets red and sore, then it is infected and you will need to go see a doctor for some antibiotics. If it scabs up severely then it has been overworked.
Don't take what I've said as gospel, it's just my opinion and I may be incorrect with my assessment of what I see, here's hoping that it all works out well for you.