is my tattoo infected or scarred?


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cee_jay

Basic
Joined
9 May 2023
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kansas
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ceejay
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i did multiple tattoos on myself and all of them turned out fine besides one of them. it's by my ankle. at first i had gotten some moisture bubbles because i didn't fully dry it off before moisturizing. so i did research and let it dry out so the bubbles weren't gooey or anything and they turned into normal, hard scabs. my tattoo has fully peeled now and most of the color is gone besides patches here and there and the spot i tattooed is pink. there's one little part of the tattoo where there's a tiny yellow scab but it's not big. i was worried it was infected so i've been doing research and i don't really have the symptoms for it. it's not hot to the touch, it's not swollen, it doesn't really hurt, i don't have fever symptoms either. so i assume maybe i went too deep or my technique was bad. does anyone have any advice for my situation or what they think? i don't have health insurance so i can't go to a doctor rn.
 

Big Pete

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7 Sep 2021
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Australia
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Peter
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I would assume by your description that the tattoo is near enough to being fully healed if it has peeled. It doesnt appear to have an infection by your description so am assuming your problem is more than likely related to technique.
A photo of the tattoo would help greatly in diagnosing what is wrong with it, as you are a basic member you won't be able to post photos without using a program such as Flickr or similar or sign up for a premium membership.
 

MirandM

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20 May 2021
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Spain
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Miranda
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The skin around the ankle area is very thin as the ankle bone is right beneath it.
It's a difficult area to tattoo as it's very easy to get a blow-out.
Some blow-outs can appear as pink-ish spots due to the ink mixed with blood from the veins in the dermis.

If I were you I'd wait for at least a few weeks (skin recovery takes 3-6 weeks minimum) to see how it evolves.
By then all scabs should have come off and you'll be able to see better if there are any complications.
During this time maintain correct hygiene but do NOT moisten the area. Let the skin do it's job.

For sure, it's always a good idea to take photos at given intervals (like three to four days) so you can compare them later.
We humans have a tendency to "overestimate" our impressions for good or bad, to changes that appear.
A camera is a sure way to get the right evolution recorded.

If needed and you're unable to consult a doctor, try a pharmacist. They're usually able to say if you really need to see a doctor or not.
 

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