A 25-year-old female asked:
I just developed an extremely itchy, red, bumpy rash on and around my week old tattoo what is it and how can i treat it? benadryl (diphenhydramine) helps mildly
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Ryan Phasoukanswered
Family Medicine 20 years experience
Itchy rash: What you may be describing is something called "cellulitis", which is an infection of the skin by bacteria. It likely is a result of your recent tattoo. You will need to have a medical provider have a look at this as it may need treatment with oral antibiotics.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. J. Lawrence Dohananswered
Dermatology 59 years experience
See a dermatologist: Not cellulitis, an infection with pain & pus. May be allergy to tape used as dressing. Often Bacitracin or neosporin are used on fresh tattoos. This is not good because they often cause allergic reactions and are useless anyway. Allergy to the ink will be seen in the color of the offending agent. Stop Benadryl (diphenhydramine) as it will not help but makes you accident prone due to sedative effect. You need a pre.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Aug 23, 2017
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