Bumps on a 2 day old tattoo with dermalize - infection or rash?

Hey all -

I got a tattoo all day Saturday - black only and it took about 7 hours. Everything went well, I was told to leave the dermalize sheet on for the first 3 days before washing/lotion every day twice a day.

I noticed Sunday night there were some pimple-like spots on some of the tattoo with white heads and the tattoo was red in some places. Monday morning, they are still there. I tell the artist and am told to remove the dermalize early.

So, Monday afternoon, I take off the dermalize and give everything a good wash (with Tattoo Goo wash) and am letting it dry out currently. It is mainly the lower part of the tattoo that has some bumps corresponding to the ink and redness. The white heads must have popped when I removed the dermalize covering. The redness feels a little warm and itchy.

I wasn't sure if this was the start of an infection or possible razor burn or irritation from the dermalize or irritation from a combination of razor burn, dermalize and the alcohol that was used to rub over the tattoo while it was being done. The redness is on the lower part of the tattoo, which is the first part of that tattoo that was done and was obviously wiped down many times over the proceeding 7 hours of tattooing.

Any advice appreciated - I absolutely love my new tattoo and just want to do the right thing to make sure it heals up nicely.

I have noticed that some of the red spots are in places that haven't been tattooed, so would assume that it isn't an infection, I would continue to apply lotion or cream that was recommended by the tattooist and just monitor the area. Sometimes people panic a little when things don't look right, just remember that your skin has been traumatized by the tattooing process and some redness, swelling ect is to be expected.

I’ve seen this before, my son often has a break out of pimples in and around a new tattoo, and it’s always cleared up in a few days. As Big Pete said, it doesn't look infected so don’t stress on that. Infection signs are swelling and sensitive to the touch, redness and hot to the touch…just keep an eye on that but seems unlikely.

The tattoo looks great and clearly done by someone with experience, which is also a good sign. I’d suggest that you contact the artist/shop, either go in or send the pictures, and see what that say. Personally I wouldnt be too phased and look forward to the full heal so you can show this bad boy off.

Big Pete said:

I have noticed that some of the red spots are in places that haven't been tattooed, so would assume that it isn't an infection, I would continue to apply lotion or cream that was recommended by the tattooist and just monitor the area. Sometimes people panic a little when things don't look right, just remember that your skin has been traumatized by the tattooing process and some redness, swelling ect is to be expected.

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Thank you, I really appreciate the advice. No real change today, still mainly irritated red bumps that look a little like blisters/rash. I still wash it with the Tattoo Goo wash and put the balm on it three times a day. I'll keep an eye on it over the upcoming days, I have antibiotics on hand to take if it does seem to be getting worse.

whippet said:

I’ve seen this before, my son often has a break out of pimples in and around a new tattoo, and it’s always cleared up in a few days. As Big Pete said, it doesn't look infected so don’t stress on that. Infection signs are swelling and sensitive to the touch, redness and hot to the touch…just keep an eye on that but seems unlikely.

The tattoo looks great and clearly done by someone with experience, which is also a good sign. I’d suggest that you contact the artist/shop, either go in or send the pictures, and see what that say. Personally I wouldnt be too phased and look forward to the full heal so you can show this bad boy off.

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Thank you, I really appreciate your advice as well. As I write above, no real change today, still mainly irritated red bumps that look a little like blisters/rash. I'm really looking forward to a time when I can show off the tattoo. <3