r/tattoo

* Disclaimer: I am NOT seeking medical advice, or naming my artist. Just looking to vent. *

I’m a little bummed, to say the least. I traveled out of town and decided on a whim I wanted a tattoo. I have five already, and never have had a problem with any of them. I researched a few shops, found one that could take me last minute, and excitedly showed up for my tattoo. The shop was super clean and I had no concerns about cleanliness or hygiene whatsoever.

My artist was 45 minutes late, barely apologized, and didn’t have anything ready to go. I’m a very understanding person, and admittedly a huge people pleaser, so I decided to be nice about it and not make a big deal. We finally got started an hour after my scheduled appointment time, they overworked the shit out of my tattoo, wrapped it in plastic wrap instead of saniderm, and now its infected. My skin is literally split open and I did not once pick at the tattoo or scratch it to cause the splitting.

I’m really pissed, because I took great care to wash it and follow standard aftercare procedures post tattoo. 90% of the tattoo looks fantastic, its just one part that got infected. A touchup is the least of my worries at this point. I’m upset, because I messaged my artist privately to share my concerns with photos of the problem area a week ago. They told me I have nothing to worry about, apply neosporin, and make sure I kept it clean. Today, they checked in with me for an update. I responded with some information and a current photo, to which they replied “oh, yeah, that was definitely infected. :(“

I have diagnosed OCD, and already am sensitive regarding diseases and infections, so I’m particularly really bothered by this situation. I had a feeling it was infected, but I talked myself out of going to urgent care because I trusted my artist to give me professional advice. I wish I listened to my intuition instead. My other tattoos were done by such caring, professional, wonderful artists and I wish I waited to book one of them instead of going with a stranger.

I feel guilty even writing this, because I’m not trying to trash an artist or their business. I have no intention of writing a public review of any kind or mentioning them by name. I’m just sad that I’m in this situation.

tl;dr listen to your gut

Pohjustuksena minulla on ennestään neljä tatuointia. Ne on parantuneet hyvin. Viikonloppuna olisi tatuointimessut ja pienen leiman ottaminen houkuttaisi. Minulla on ollut atopia aina mutta oireilee nykyään silloin tällöin. Tällä hetkellä iho kutisee ja on ihottumaa siellä täällä kaulasta alaspäin. Aikaisempia leimoja ottaessa iho ollut normaali mutta kuiva. Onko kokemuksia muilla atopiasta ja tatskoista. Pienen kuvan haluaisin käsivarteen joka ei ole kutissut, tai korvan taakse jossa ei myöskään ole ollut kutinaa. Kokemuksia haen nyt muilta, en neuvoja.

Whenever I scratch or rub my skin, the exact area I scratched becomes raised and swollen in a line. My skin is completely normal when I don’t touch it, and the raised lines usually go away afterward.

I’m wondering if this could be dermatographism/dermatographic urticaria, but I haven’t been formally diagnosed.

I’m planning to get a large back tattoo and I’m worried because tattooing involves repeatedly irritating the skin.

For anyone who has dermatographism or a similar reaction:
Have you been able to get tattoos normally?

Did your skin swell/raise during the tattoo?

Did it affect the healing or final result?

Did you use any medication such as an antihistamine beforehand?

Is there anything I should know or do before getting tattooed?

I would appreciate advice from people who have actually experienced this.

Do you think it's okay if I get an Elvis Presley tattoo? Or is his public image too problematic at this point?

I don’t know if this kind of post is allowed here but I wanted to hear others opinions on this. I’ve been with my tattoo artist for a decade. He got a new girlfriend and next thing I know I’m unfollowed and he will not reply to my messages. Sure I have no proof she set some sort of boundary in their relationship but I noticed he unfollowed other female clients and we’ve never had any problems with each other. I’m kind of bummed out as I have about 45% of my body done by him and now I need to find a new artist who will be willing to touch up his work.

Is this normal?

Hello, I am just curious and maybe someone has an answer. I ordered 4 tattoos from inkbox on July 31st. three of them were custom and one was not. on their website it says their custom processing time for custom tattoos is 5-7 days. I have sent like three or four emails to their customer support asking about my order because I haven't heard anything since I placed my order and got my confirmation email. (I also sent them a DM on instagram) and haven't heard anything. its almost been like three weeks and i'm wondering if I am ever going to get them. I ordered from them before with no problem. Maybe i'm worried about nothing, Idk. if I could call them I would.