Tattoo Infected?

Hi all, i got my new tattoo about 3 weeks ago and it has now come out in very itchy/sore red bumps on the grey area of the tattoo only.
After searching on google i have found lots of articles about contaminated ink causing nontuberculous mycobacterial infections. ''There was a recent outbreak in New York of infections that showed up as red bumps (known as papules) on grey-colored areas of recently acquired tattoos, like the image above''

http://www.businessinsider.com/mysterious-tattoo-infections-outbreak-running-rampant-2012-8

Im now really worried and wondered if any of you have any idea what this could be?

Please excuse the quality of the pictures as i took them on my phone and dont currently have another camera take them with. The red areas are all actually individual red bumbs/blisters.

photo10_zpsf5573840.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0

photo11_zpsba63ccee.jpg.html?sort=3&o=2

photo12_zps981aef4f.jpg.html?sort=3&o=3

Thanks

Replies

  • Sorry, im not sure why the photos arent working.

    photo10_zpsf5573840.jpg

    photo13_zpsb6a1b967.jpg

    photo12_zps981aef4f.jpg
  • IronSmasher
    IronSmasher Posts: 3,908 Member
    Sorry, im not sure why the photos arent working.

    photo10_zpsf5573840.jpg

    photo13_zpsb6a1b967.jpg

    photo12_zps981aef4f.jpg

    lowercase img

    Edit to add, use smaller pictures, and put your glasses on to check focus.
  • Cheers for the input, can you tell me how to resize the pictures? and i know the quality of the pictures is awful hense the ''please excuse the quality of the pictures'' - not a focus issue, its a crappy camera issue.
  • Hopefully these pictures will be smaller

    9c62ee7e-6dc3-4070-82e2-9fe99ab199eb_zps328641a3.jpg

    c85080b6-c7bf-406e-8225-cd55c3e8fbb6_zps8cb80c6b.jpg

    d9e0013a-06b8-431a-b756-16f0c983c96d_zpsef102075.jpg
  • IronSmasher
    IronSmasher Posts: 3,908 Member
    Your floor is in focus. See if your camera has a macro mode, it is sometimes represented by a picture of a flower.

    I can't actually tell if it's bruising or an infection from the pictures. Best off seeing a doc, nurse, or the person how did it to you.
  • ok thanks, the tattoo had fully healed and all bruising had disappeared before these bumps came up. All the red areas are raised bumps although i know you cant see this on the pictures. Thank you
  • nomeejerome
    nomeejerome Posts: 2,616 Member
    1. Go see a medical professional if you are that concerned about it
    2. There should be no bruising with a new tattoo
    3. Skin irritation can occur from allergic reaction to the pigment (which should happen immediately after receiving tattoo)
    4. Skin irritation can occur if you had been out in the sun and direct sunlight hit the new tattoo
    5. If the tattoo healed...most likely it is not an infection...and only irritation (but go see a doctor anyway since you are concerned)
  • Thanks, went to see my GP today and have been given antibiotics for 3 weeks, skin ointment and an urgent referral to a dermatologist for a skin swab and skin biopsy.
  • IronSmasher
    IronSmasher Posts: 3,908 Member
    Oooooo...
  • XtyAnn17
    XtyAnn17 Posts: 632 Member
    Those pictures are way to blurry to tell anything
  • skinnybitchbarbie27
    skinnybitchbarbie27 Posts: 306 Member
    NO ONE HERE IS A DOCTOR. For the love of christ if you even suspect or think it is infected then GO SEE A DOCTOR. Yikes. I wouldn't trust my body to a bunch of people on the internet. Your doctor can tell you 100% of what you need to know.
  • Pixi_Rex
    Pixi_Rex Posts: 1,676 Member
    If it is 3 weeks old I would almost put money on it you did not get contaminated ink.

    Did you do your research before getting it?
    Did you go to a reputable shop?
    Did you ask questions?

    I have had one of my tattoos for going on 7 years now and everynow and then I get a rash in the same area, and have since i got the tattoo. It turns out I have VERY sensitive skin and its not the tattoo or the ink that is causing the issue its the lotion I used (they changed something in it) so it may not even be related to your tattoo it could just be something that happened due to an allergy. The possibilities are endless.

    If you are concerned go talk to the shop that did it - seriously my artist and other artists in the shop are more than willing to help if you have any questions or concerns. If you do not want to go back to the shop, go see a Doctor.
  • IronSmasher
    IronSmasher Posts: 3,908 Member
    The OP has stated that they have seen their GP. GP= General Practitioner = Doctor. This doctor has also referred the OP to a skin specialist, who is going to examine further, take tissue samples and test them for a thorough, medical investigation.

    Was that clear enough?

    The original poster has now reported that they have seen a doctor.
  • SRH7
    SRH7 Posts: 2,037 Member
    Thanks, went to see my GP today and have been given antibiotics for 3 weeks, skin ointment and an urgent referral to a dermatologist for a skin swab and skin biopsy.

    Hope it clears up soon. Such a shame when you should be enjoying your new tattoo. Hopefully the antibiotics will do the job.

    Take care.