Tattoo Problems

Home Treatment

Most minor swelling and redness (inflammation) from a tattoo can be treated at home. If your tattoo artist gave you instructions, follow them carefully.

If you did not receive instructions for skin care of the tattoo site, try the following:

• Stop any bleeding. Minimal bleeding can be stopped by applying direct pressure to the wound. It is normal for the tattoo site to ooze small amounts of blood for up to 24 hours and clear, yellow, or blood-tinged fluid for several days.
• Apply a cold pack to help reduce the swelling, bruising, or itching. Never apply ice directly to the skin. This can cause tissue damage. Put a layer of fabric between the cold pack and the skin.
• Take an antihistamine, such as Benadryl or Chlor-Tripolon, to help treat hives and relieve itching. Be sure to read and follow any warning on the label. Do not use strong soaps, detergents, and other chemicals, which can make itching worse.
• Protect your tattoo with a bandage if it might become dirty or irritated.
  • Apply an antibiotic ointment, such as Polysporin or Bacitracin, to a non-stick bandage, such as Telfa.
  • Apply the non-stick bandage with the ointment on it to the tattoo site. The ointment will prevent the irritated skin from sticking to the bandage. Putting the ointment on the bandage first will be less painful. If a skin rash or itching under the bandage starts, wash the ointment off and don't use that type of ointment again. The rash may indicate an allergic reaction.
  • Apply a clean bandage once a day and change the bandage if it gets wet. If the bandage does stick, soak the tattoo area in warm water for a few minutes or take the bandage off under running water in the shower.
  • Leave the bandage off with the skin open to air whenever you can.

Medicine you can buy without a prescription

Try a non-prescription medicine to help treat your pain:
Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol or Panadol Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil or Motrin ASA (also a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), such as Aspirin or Bufferin

Safety tips

Be sure to follow these safety tips when you use a non-prescription medicine:

Carefully read and follow all directions on the medicine bottle and box. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Do not take a medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past. If you have been told to avoid a medicine, call your doctor before you take it. If you are or could be pregnant, do not take any medicine other than acetaminophen unless your doctor has told you to. Do not give ASA to anyone younger than age 20 unless your doctor tells you to.

Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment

Use the Check Your Symptoms section to evaluate your symptoms if any of the following occur during home treatment.

• Signs of an infection develop.
• An allergic reaction develops.
• Your symptoms are not improving after 1 to 2 weeks of home treatment.
• Your symptoms become more severe or frequent.

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Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: November 9, 2006
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
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