ptcruzar

Well I’ll definitely not use Cetaphil again.  Aveeno was also recommended, so was unscented lubriderm.  I use Cerave unscented lotion on it now with no complaints. 

Just a thought: did you use a scented lotion?
Tattoo friendly lotions should not sting. The only time that happened to me was when I ran out of my usual and the new shipment was delayed. I tried using lotion that was just lying around. It was supposed to be for sensitive skin and I reckon that should work fine. Turns out I was wrong. My tattoo started stinging, itching, and generally giving me grief.
Started developing bumps, itched like crazy and I was forced to dry heal the rest of the way. Ended up healing fine but a tad faded. After that incident, I made sure I kept a steady supply of tattoo aftercare lotion available whenever I got a tattoo.
I'm not saying that caused the lotion is the source of your woes but you might want to steer clear of that lotion in future in your aftercare routine. And any scented lotion, for that matter. 

Considering how awful it looked, it’s healing so nicely now. Time heals all ❤️ Tattoo is 17 days old now. I highly recommend going to the dr right away if you think something weird is going on. 

Considering how awful it looked, it’s healing so nicely now. Time heals all ❤️ Tattoo is 17 days old now. I highly recommend going to the dr right away if you think something weird is going on. 

Considering how awful it looked, it’s healing so nicely now. Time heals all ❤️ Tattoo is 17 days old now. I highly recommend going to the dr right away if you think something weird is going on. 

Good news, the antibiotics are done as of yesterday (7 days of 500 mg Kephlax 3x a day).  Today’s pic is day 10 after the tattoo and day 8 after starting antibiotics).  
 
The tattoo looks like it’ll be ok 🤞🙏 once it got infected I stopped putting anything on it and washed 2x a day, letting it air dry.  I did cover loosely it at night and if it was oozing with nonstick pads.
just sharing in case anyone else had a similar issue. 

so, can we get a picture of this thing or what? too many words and not enough images! 
😀

i don't think i would have bothered tbh, but i don't think you or anyone else should be too hard on your/yourself for asking. you were uncomfortable and spoke up. it's good that he obliged you, it's part of the tattooers job to make you feel comfortable while making you the best possible tattoo. especially if it is your first tattoo interaction with them.
technically it would be sterile, especially since a fresh bottle of ink.
i get more concerned with the number of tattooers i see accessing their phones mid-tattoo (with gloves they are using on you). phones are disgusting. don't lie, everyone checks their instagram or twitter while sitting on the toilet ! 

Good news, the antibiotics are done as of yesterday (7 days of 500 mg Kephlax 3x a day).  Today’s pic is day 10 after the tattoo and day 8 after starting antibiotics).  
 
The tattoo looks like it’ll be ok 🤞🙏 once it got infected I stopped putting anything on it and washed 2x a day, letting it air dry.  I did cover loosely it at night and if it was oozing with nonstick pads.
just sharing in case anyone else had a similar issue. 

A tattoo artist can help you. Go to talk to a good one.

I wouldn't wrap it when sleeping, either, especially since it isn't weeping anymore. It is looking better for sure.

Yep. You don't even need to wash it twice/day after it's dry. 

Yeah, I think so. It may look fine after it heals. If not, you might be able to find someone else to touch it up if you tell them what happened.

I've never seen that, but the skin looks over moisturized. I'd stop putting anything on it and just let it dry out.

You're just going to have to wait it out and finish your antibiotics. Sorry that happened to you.

You are basing this on what?
 
 
No, I can't say I have. I am covered in tattoos, and I had one get infected, but other than that, I've head pretty easy healing.

Thanks for sharing. I hope it heals okay in the end.

I've never seen this before. Imho I'd let it dry heal. 
It's entirely possible it'll end up just fine, too.