tattoo gone bad

Hello. First let me say>> i have had many tattoos.... About a year ago I had a tattoo put on my ankle. Turned out great. You can go to flickr.com and serch noelle82 to seee the tattoos there. second. I had it touched up with different colours about two months ago. Now. The artist touched it up with magneta red from scream. Sum new ink. I have sensitive skin. So didnt think to make him spot test it. How ever.. about 1 week later. I noticed that the ink was turning a lighter pink.> (that may be normal) but my tatto was looking 3 d like.. The pink was rasied out of the skin.>> My ankle swlled up.> I have yet to notice any redness around it or puss.. But I have been to the doctor... first few times the god damn doctors though thats the way a tattoo should look... there morons. \and the guy that did my tattoo didnt know what to say or do. SO im on my own on this one. SO.. I have spent about 300 bucks on different medicines.. And what sucks is that Im so paranoid about losing my leg or sumthing because the past few weeks the muscles on my l.ower leg where the tatto is is just hurting me so bad. I dont know what to do.. and im super scared and the doctors are just dumb... But as i said... I do not have any puss..>> Just raised skin in the butterfly area where the pink is... I think he also may have went to deep on my tatoo cuz of all the ones i have.... he pushes hard.... Could I have blood poisening? could i lose my ankle? LOl am i over parnoid. please help. thanks.

I Have seen this only 4 times before, I dont know what it is but all 4 of them died. Sorry Dude Kiss your Momma Goodbye.

Aside from the fact that few expierienced tattoo artist would even use Scream inks, what you describe does not sound 'normal' and does sound like a possible pigment reaction. If you could post a good,clear close-up (but not TOO close) it might be easier to offer a suggestion/comment. I'm a bit concerned that the 'artist' who did your tattoo didn't know what to say or do but that's not the issue here I guess. As to your concern about blood poisoning, I doubt that is the problem as there's usually swelling and/or visable 'red lines' when there's blood poisoning, it's far more likely the ink that was used. Again, a photo would help...Doc

how bout finding another doc??? this would be my first and best suggestion! maybe a dermatologist??? or perhaps we can send you in the direction of another artist in your area who might be able take a peek and give you a better answer, where do you live??? cartainly post a pick if you want as I am sure doctor john has seen MANY strange and icky reactions but first find another doc RIGHT AWAY

josey>>> im a girl.... what guy would put a buterfly on his ankle lol second thanks for that>>>> im not looking to dye. im rather worried. \im in toronto ontario.> i have been to 4 doctors who think it is normal. and nothing is wrong..... they actually think a tatoo that looks 3d is normal.>>>> i have seen a dematalogist or how ever you spell it I am on antibiotics and taking dermavate.. steroid scream which seems to be helping the swelling go down quite alot. the thing i get worried about is that the tattoo artist told me that is was from that new ink he used. and i had a ink reaction since it is only happening on the colour he added with that colour. what happens if it is what he said? what are my options. will the meds the doctor gave me make it go away? am i going to dye. like josey said?? Im worried about this. I have never had this happen. and the thing that sucks is i have been tattoed by this artist before and never had this problem. except when he added that red ink from scream... so. im stuck on thought and what to do. does anything bad really happen from this? there is no puss.... just sweeling around ankle... and raising of the skin where the ink was applied. i will try to upload a photo soon if i cn get my camera charged up. thanks.

Noelle, ignore the moron's comment about dying, I seriously doubt that will result from this tattoo. I'm a bit concerned as to the part where you said you've been to what sounds like a number of 'doctors' and none thought there was anything to worry about. Ain't sure whether to wonder if you are over concerned or if any of the 'doctors' you saw really know much about tattoos. Again, I do not think it's a 'health' problem per se so much as I suspect a pigment reaction, which does not really put your health at risk as a rule. The meds will help relieve the symtoms but won't really 'fix' it if it is in fact, a pigment reaction. Did it 'seep' more than usual after it was done and is it healing kinda 'puckered looking'? (both are signs of pigment reaction) Again, don't pay any attention to that stupid comment by 'Josey', it's a troll who lurks here and doesn't warrant credability. Sure, you're going to die-someday-but not from this, hopefully along time from now from old age.Try to post that pic I mentioned, hopefully that will make it easier to know more. In the meanwhile, relax, you aren't going to die from this nor are you going to lose any body parts, at worst you'll be stuck with pretty much what you see...Doc

ok. i have problems with loading photos here.. I am uploading all the photos i took of my foot to www.flickr.com please go to serch for photo option. You do not have to be a member. the photo names were noelle82 type that in and my photos of this horrible touch up of a tattoo will show up. i did my best job on my camera to get a good look. As i said the raised area is the only part screwed up... pink.. argg you will notice them.. they are labled 351 352 353 354. I will write a caption with them.. bad tattoo lol

ok. i have problems with loading photos here.. I am uploading all the photos i took of my foot to www.flickr.com please go to serch for photo option. You do not have to be a member. the photo names were noelle82 type that in and my photos of this horrible touch up of a tattoo will show up. i did my best job on my camera to get a good look. As i said the raised area is the only part screwed up... pink.. argg you will notice them.. they are labled 351 352 353 354. I will write a caption with them.. bad tattoo lol

Noelle, I'm sorry but having looked at the pics, it does indeed appear to be a reaction to the pigment (ink) used. Unfortunately, there's not a whole lot you can do, continue to take the meds which should help reduce the puffiness and perhaps try putting Mederma on it to reduce the scarification that resulted from your body trying to reject the pigment and just wait to see how it finally comes out. And be super sure not to allow sunlight (or tanning rays) to hit it as that frequently causes it to raise up again/more, if you do go into the sun or tanning booths cover that tattoo with a high factor sunblock. I'm not sure 'why?' but most pigment reactions are worsened by sunlight, probably due to the ingredients used in the particular ink and it will remain 'sensitive' to sunlight since that pigment is now a permenent part of your body. I truly wish I had better news for you or could offer a 'cure'. I'd hope the artist who did it will try to make amends and be alot more careful about what inks to use in the future...Doc

Doc's given you great advice, sorry for the bad news. If the reaction happens for more than 6 months you might want to consider hitting the bad ink with a laser, I bet zapping that ink out...

lasering the bad ink out?? then what .. the ankle would look groos...... is there any way to fix this? it seems to be going away sincei been using that steroid cream the doctor gave me. but i would rather keep it looking a bit 3d as long as there is no harm then to pay for laser to have the ankle look disgusting... i dont know... im so sad..... before the touch up it looked amazing... now im just sad..... sigh.

hey there, I checked out your picts, and what you have is a very old school real pigment reaction. The swelling of the ink is your body litterally trying to push the pigment out. One way to help aleveate this, and speed the process up (because it most likely won't go away on its own), would be to find a compitent tattooist (prefferably someone whos seen the likes of this before), and have them run a tattoo needle over the area. Preferably a magnum, and with a saline solution. This will help open up the effected area, and allow the pigment to escape. I recomend a compitent tattooist, so that little or no scaring happens. Best of luck. JOE

Christ is this the reason why scream red was taken off the market or is her reaction something that's just pretty uncommon? I have done roughly a thousand tattoos or better and have never seen anything like this, not too mention all the horror stories you hear from people, I"ve just never seen it. Also is this something hre artist could have avoided? If not the scream ink would any color of red have had this effect on her? Scary stuff.

What you have going on is an allergic reaction, probably to the ink although it could be something that was used to clean the skin, dilute the ink (added by the artist), or something used as aftercare. Red inks in general are more likely to cause allergic reactions regardless of brand. Allergic reactions are a personal thing that the artist could not have known about ahead of time as until you have one you don't know you are going to have one. Now you know you are allergic to at least that brand of red ink, with any red ink however you should probably do patch testing in the future. Steroid creams will decrease the inflamation, as will Benadryl creams. Basically it's the same type of reaction some people have to bees, wasps, poison ivy, etc. The only difference is that the ink is in the skin and until the body gets rid of it you will probably have some inflamation. With time it will decrease however. A GOOD dermatologist should be able to help you with it. Perhaps call around and find a tattooed doctor (there are some out there).

Princess Jer, yes, I'd certainly suspect it is why Scream inks have been taken off the market, as they obviously should be. As to your question ' is this something the artist could have avoided? -while it's just my personally opinion, I do think so, as I believe any artist/shop has a responcabilty to be sure their inks are SAFE to use before they ever use them on anyone and not be too quick to use the 'latest and so-called best' until they've been proven to be safe. As I've stated before, I've NEVER had a pigment reaction and I've been tattooing for darn near 42 years but I've never been one to rush into trying 'new, unknown pigments', I always wait 'til it's been out for a minimum of 2 years, then contact the maker, request names of artist who use their product, then contact them for their opinion. I refuse to put my rep or clients at risk 'trusting' any company that has not been around awhile and known to have safe products. I've only personally seen about a dozen pigment reactions, every one of those from reds (or mixes of) so those are what I've always been especially suspicious of and would think any conscientious (sp?) artist would also be, considering the 'facts' and how it can/does ruin a tattoo and the sad fact that the damage is pretty much permenent and not something you can 'easily' fix. KajinRose, you are right that it could be something added by the 'artist' although I question what 'artist' would use potentially dangerous stuff in the first place and it could feasibly be from improper 'aftercare', although, at least in this 'case' I doubt that, it's a 'classic' pigment reaction. While anyone who's 'expierienced' has seen all the various things that can go wrong with a tattoo and knows what can/did 'cause' it, they each have their own 'look', signs and symtoms. As to what you stated 'Allergic reactions are a personal thing that the artist could not have known about ahead of time as until you have one you don't know you are going to have one.' while I do agree with that, to some degree, again, I believe most, if not all, such 'problems' could be avoided if 'artist' were more cautious of the brand of pigment used, again, especially with reds. To the best of my recollection, I don't remember any known/reputable ink to have caused this. As to what you said 'The only difference is that the ink is in the skin and until the body gets rid of it you will probably have some inflamation.' the point is the body can't get rid of it on it's own, the pigment has become part of the body and will cause varying degrees of 'problems' as long as it remains there, various meds can relieve the symtoms but will not remedy the problem. If nothing else, I certainly hope this will make some 'artist' alot more careful about which inks they use- it could be your work looking like shit, too...Doc

Ok i took three more pics today.... the sweeling has dramtically gone down... i can almost feel my own skin with out it feeling 3d like. man this whole thing sucks.... yeh the tattoo guy told me when i got it.... hey i got this brand new ink in... just got it and i heard it was amazing magneta red by scream. so me not knowing which ink is good or not. figured i would trust him since he did my other tattoos great. and it turned out horrible. I was wondering.... i can handle pain.. SO if i steralized a needle and kinda poked at it. to squeeze anything out nad put polysporin on it would that be safe? or would that make worse problems? please let me know.... I dont want a nother person poking at my ankle.... that was my third time on that tattoo there and my last... it turned bout for the worst. go to flickr.com and serch noelle82 photos there you will see 380 381 382 are the newst from tonite. tell me wha you think

Noelle, tried to find the latest pics, couldn't find, wish I could, would like to see how it's going. However, as to what you said about the use of that ink 'yeh the tattoo guy told me when i got it.... hey i got this brand new ink in... just got it and i heard it was amazing magneta red by scream. so me not knowing which ink is good or not. figured i would trust him since he did my other tattoos great. and it turned out horrible.', personally, I do not think that was a very professional way to do it, it's my belief that an artist should know what inks he/she is using and you should be able to trust your artist to be using safe and tested products, which certainly includes the inks. I'd never even heard of 'Scream Inks' until I started hearing about the problems people were having with it , so I seriously question what reliable supply company it was bought from, most of what I find when I Google it is 'internet/mail orders' and it's sold on the same site that advertises 'custom made tattoo machines, 3 for $1000 bucks that look like prison rigs', and the company is originally in Australia. I haven't had time to research it further but I would have never even tried it in the first place and figure most knowledgable tattoo artist wouldn't either. As to your idea of poking yourself, please don't do that, it's not really going to help at this stage and you could make things worse and could certainly be risking an infection. If, as you say, you can deal with pain, if you're willing to do that, do as Joe suggested a few posts back, have it done by a professional who has experience with 'bad pigment'. I have heard of that 'procedure' but don't know how good the outcome was so I can't honestly say whether I suggest it or not. Perhaps someone else knows more about that procedure and could comment on it. Kindly bear in mind, the ink is now a part of your skin, it's not like there's little balls of liquid color hidden under your skin waiting to be 'set free'. Check with the artist who did the recolor (problem) if he's a 'stand up' guy I'd think he'd pay for the 'procedure' and/or should be able to recommend someone who does have the expierence doing it. But DON'T do anything yourself that could make it worse, don't compound your mistake..Doc

Excuse me ! John you have called me Troll, Stupid & Moron, You have dared me to a fight, Then you bare witness that my opinions deserve no Credibility. You are one very hostile man, Reads to me like Noelle knew how to take a Joke, maybe you should lighten up ? Its attitudes like yours that’s keep a biker gang image in tattooing. Anyway John just because I don’t join in on circle jerks doesn’t mean I’m against you. Enjoy the forum & life :)

Josey, I was merely voicing my opinion on how I see 'em, based upon your various posts. As to you saying what you'd posted was a joke, I don't think the lady came here looking for humor, she was worried enough without your feeble attempt at 'humor'. As to your 'You are one very hostile man' and 'Its attitudes like yours that’s keep a biker gang image in tattooing. Anyway John just because I don’t join in on circle jerks doesn’t mean I’m against you.' I am what I am but I'm usually only hostile to those who warrant it, you are one of those, deal with it or just leave me alone or prove me wrong. As to the 'biker gang image' (it's biker CLUB, asshole) and I'm not sure I understand 'where' that came from or means. As to the 'circle jerk' comment, I don't recall anyone asking how you came to be so what is that supposed to mean or is that just another of your vague references or feebleattempts to be 'funny'?.Don't remember you ever having tried to help anyone or offer any intelligent information/comments. If I'm wrong, show me, prove me wrong, if not, simply leave me alone and deal with what I say. I'm quite certain that if Gabe thinks I'm getting 'out of line' he will let me know about it...Doc

John I was merely Voicing my opinions & making jokes, Just because you didn’t like either doesn’t give you the right to be so rude & disrespectful. And if you need Gabe to remind you how to treat others that in itself is sad, I could carry this negative discussion on by asking how you judge who warrants your hostile attitude or how a little joke derailed this girls medical advice. But I would have to care about your old fashion thug mentality. No ones picking on you Doctor only laughing at you being so serious as if Noelle was in real danger & you was yet again being some sort of super hero. Do you need Gabe to remind you that you are not a hero nor a doctor ? Noelle Let me openly say that I intended no harm to you with my comment that you may or may not have found funny. I hope your deadly rash finds a cure. Peace

The more you talk (type) the less I feel like wasting any more time trying to explain anything to you. And, for your information, I don't need Gabe or anyone else to 'remind' me how to treat people, my point, ASSHOLE, was that if Gabe thought I was being 'unfair' to you, I'd think he would 'step in', but, once again, you missed the point. As to your ' No ones picking on you Doctor only laughing at you being so serious', well, laugh away asshole because I AM serious about tattooing and I might point out that if either of the 'artists' who had caused the problems you are bitchily accussing me of being a 'super hero' about had been nearly so serious, the problems they had would not have happened. As to the 'disrespectful' crack, respect is a 2 way street and I'd love to hear of how you are involved in tattooing, how old you are and how long you have been involved, all I've heard from you is a subtle inference that you are somehow involved but no details. So how am I to know I'm even talking to anyone who deserves respect, certainly not by anything you have posted. Even your so-called apology to Noelle confirms what I think about you, that stupid 'I hope your deadly rash finds a cure' wasn't necessary but I suppose that's more of your 'humor' and meant to confort someone who was mis-treated by a 'tattoo artist', your compassion is amazing. I've put my 'credentials' out for everyone to check, where's your's?...Doc

John you are such a humorless Neanderthal. Since when does an Opinion have to be accompanied by any type of credentials ? Here I thought everybody had one & it was free. I don’t need your approval for any part of my career. I haven’t looked at anything you have done, What would that have to do with my opinion of you ? I am suppose to give Gabe all the respect of an artist, While the rest must prove themselves ? ( No Offence Gabe just Proving a point ) Get it John , It is only my opinion I offer to you here. Here is another Opinion John : Even if a persons work was sub-par it still wouldn’t be as negative toward tattooing as your hostile cussing & name calling. Who am I ? LOL Maybe you should read Karmas Code book

Okay I just went Flickr and saw your tat and im really worried about you i have never seen anything like that! Since all the doctors you go to thinks that is normal,you might need to go to extremes and hire a lawyer and speak w/ him or her on how to get someone to listen to you and maybe get a tattoo artist to go w/ you to the doctor and say "hey this isnt normal" we need to find out what is going on. Fist of all im surprised that you went to a dermatologist and they that it looked okay...Dont stop looking for help or you might regret it...Take care.

Uh the problem Josey is that this lady came looking for help and all you had to offer was some bullshit sarcastic remark. which leaves two possibilites. either A. You simply don't at all have any idea or knowledge to help this lady with her problem, in which case why post. or B. You do have sound advice to offer to this lady and your not helping because you simply just dont care, in which case why post. John and Joe and Gabe ALL were helping this lady and all you have to offer is prickish remarks and longwinded defenses of yourself. which really seem to make up the bulk of your posts. Enough about you and now i'll try and help this lady as best i can. After looking at the picture i really think that John and Gabe and Joe have given you some really good advice. Unfortunately the person who gave you this tattoo has put you in a really bad place and i do hope that hes prepared to foot some of the cost of the treatments that you might need. Because it was his irresponsibility in trying an ink that he hadnt tested. dont give up all hope though. it always bums the shit out of me when i hear someone have a bad tattoo experience like this because it always leaves the person feeling like getting a tattoo in the first place was a bad idea. and its really not. just dont give up on having something beautiful on your ankle.

Hey they. thank your for all of your help. I dont knwo what to do. so far it seems to be dramtically reduced in swelling.. and the raised is going away. the guy matt that did my tatoo.. wont cover any of the costs the place that i got it. said there was no way for him to know i would have a reaction and that there is noting that can be done except go to the doctor. So in that being said i just dont know what my legal rights are with a tatoo. cuz i belive you sign sum form in the begining that clears them of that no? im off to get girls to school.

okay i just looked at the new pictures you took of it. theyre a little dark but the swelling looks much much better. its extremely unfortunate that the guy who gave you the tattoo was such a low class little shit. it would have taken 2 minutes research to find out that Scream is infamous for its horrible reactions to its reds. I personally would have posted pictures of that tattoo around the pricks studio. and that he wont take any responsibilty for his carelessness says even more about him. from what i hear Scream Ink is sold for dirt cheap prices and that alone should have sent up a major red flag to him. so either he's foolish or just doesnt care as long as he gets a bargain. This guy really doesnt deserve or belong in a shop and i just really want you to know that experiences like you had with this guy shouldnt and dont at all normally happen in responsibly run studios. anyways im really glad to see thats it getting better and i hope that this is the last you have to worry about it. best wishes.

Dutch, both your recent posts have been 'right on' and I certainly agree with the various points you made. Naturally, I also agree with what you said about the 'artist' who did the work, what you said about Scream Ink and the 'This guy really doesnt deserve or belong in a shop and i just really want you to know that experiences like you had with this guy shouldnt and dont at all normally happen in responsibly run studios' because it's simply the truth. No responcible artist uses inks he hasn't tested-period, you just don't do that. And most responcible artist will try to do whatever thet can to remedy a problem or pay for the 'solution' if/when they caused the 'problem', it's just the right thing to do-period. Noelle, I read your most recent post and I'm sorry you had the misfortune to have trusted the wrong person in that he does not feel responcible. But, as to his comment 'said there was no way for him to know i would have a reaction' as Dutch already stated, that's b.s.and he knows it, so I'd suggest persuing any legal action you may have avilable. As to the release form you signed, most of those don't actually mean squat, their usually meant to make people think they have no legal recourse and discourages lawsuits. and it would depend a lot on how well writen up it was in the first place at to how 'legally binding' it actually is. I understand Canada does have a small claims court so I'd suggest speaking to a lawyer about your case and then taking it to small claims court where you do not have to retain/pay a lawyer and bear in mind you can also name the studio in the suit because they are responcible for the actions of their employees and any studio that allows an artist to play quinea pig (no offence) with their customers like that deserves to be held accountable (and ARE liable)...Doc

This is Tim from Painted Angel, yes I am using TAzs computer so don't even start that old stuff. Noelle, I have looked at your pics and I believe you did have a reaction to the pigment. I do believe that the reaction was not an acute reaction and I believe that, although your tattoo will will take a long time to heal, it will eventually heal. As for the shop or artist being responsible that is a question for the courts.If the artist was honest and told you it was a new pigment you should have refused it at that time. I wish you luck. Josey, I personally think your posts are funny but you have to understand that some people, especially ones who are having problems and are very anxious about them , may not see them as funny. I can see Johns point maybe just think a bit about how your words will sound? Doctor John, I respect you and see that you try your best to give concise answers to people in need and you seem to be one of the few on this forum that actually try to do so, kudos for that.I do hate that this forum has lost so many regulars though.And it seems that no one is replacing them.( I wonder where all the "big names" that someone said would be back after Taz left are?) There IS less drama, in fact there is less of everything on this forum including caring professionals here to guide people in need as there was just a short time ago.I find it thought provoking that the ananimous (sp)posters who where involved in attacking that certain someone don't appear on here at all anymore.It speaks volumes.

With all due respect Tim. But Noelles only fault was trusting her artist to be a professional. It's not her responsibility to know anything about tattoo inks. Its the tattoo artists. Nothing at all "Honest" about what this guy did. He used a new ink on a paying client without testing it first. He completely abused the trust of a client and I see no excuse for his behavior. For the courts to decide. You sound like a defense attorney. How about an expactation that if the artist makes a mistake, he'll man up and take responsibility for it. Lets have a parallel. Your the artist You have just bought a new ink. which you might or might not know is complete garbage, because you havent used it before. you tell your client you have some exciting new ink. she trusts that you wouldnt leave anything to chance concerning safety and lets you do the tattoo. a week later the tattoo reacts as badly as it did. Would You stiff this girl and make her have to hire an attorney and take you to small claims court for a slow agonizing process that will cost twenty times more than the price of the tattoo. Bad Busines man. thats all i have to say about it.

This is Tim again. I agree with you Mr Dutch 100%! I guess I did not word my reply properly my bad.. Personally I would never use a new pigment without first trying it out on myself or a fellow artist first. The artist should be held responsible at any rate

Oh no worries man. Im glad to hear you you say that, i should have known better that anyone working with Taz would do any differently.

Well Tim I’m certainly glad not everyone here is tight as a 8 needle in a 3 needle tube. Just to point out Joe gave her the professional advice she asked for, John just Babbled on & on who the Fuck knows what point he is trying to make. Dutch whether you thought I was funny or not she was able to get her answers, Just wasn’t from me. I don’t know how much I was suppose to care ? Not like I had anything to do with what someone else done to her. Unlike you I don’t carry the sins of my fellow man on my shoulders. Hell I wouldn’t bet anyone is right without further investigation.

Its called compassion buddy. Apparently you can't learn or understand the concept. This girl has a pretty serious problem and you make a joke. It's not that I didnt find it funny its that it isnt funny. You might not give a shit at all what happens to other people but guess what other people do. We cant all be heartless. make fun of me all you want, but I try to be the best person i can be and i expect the same from everyone i meet. it just seems to me its the least we can do. but you dont seem to get that. you want to make dumb little jokes do it in a situation where it makes sense. or better yet go to comedy club and do some stand up. the audience will let you know just how "funny" you are. But do not make jokes when a girl is absolutely terrified for her health, as she was when she first posted. thats not not funny or at all a decent thing to do.

Ok. First I am new to this site. Second. Im not going to try to make a bad impression but i guess it is bound to happen now. I respect all of you for trying to help me. I know it is not easy not seeing my tattoo up close and personal. and sum are not doctors. but. as you can see.. I have been to a dermatalogist who just thought it was a simple allergic reaction and said hydrocortisone would clear it up>> i know when sumthing is wrong. Im not a dumb person... Now for trusting my tattoo artist.. I was foolish.> but. before i get a tatoo. I spend about months designing what i want and if it is what i want.. i guess my flaw was i didnt find out what ink is ok on my skin or not.. I have never had sumthing like this happen and i have alot of tatoo.>> I hate colour tatoos and this was the first one... Its a shame this happened on my part and the artist.... My husband is very pissed off he told me not to have that tatoo done . and we fought about it. but whats done is done. NOW here is where ill be an ass JOSEY WTF is your problem.>> You dont care about what happens to me or what ever you said.> SO bud.> why the F did you reply to this post..>>> Was i coming to this site in hopes of finding an arrogant pest to make sum pethetic lame what you think was a joke. but was rather annoying..... I asked for advice.... and thoughts..> i didnt need you to go on about how sorry your going to dye... You must be a very miserable person.. Anyways. im sure you will respond back with sum other lame arrogant joke... but now im prepared... To the rest of you>>>> Gosh>> ya'll helped me out big time... I am also greatful for the person who email me a bunch of things to serch up and a tatoo doctor.. Thanks. Noelle

LOL

Well said, Noelle and it's about time someone insulted by this troll put it in it's place. What happened to you was not at all humorous and I'm so glad to finally see someone lash back at one of these assholes. As I trust you understand, MOST of us here try to help not make matters worse or try to humiliate anyone for simply trusting a 'tattoo artist'. Kindly keep us posted on the progress of your tattoo...Doc

Hello everyone thanks for the advice. I Came here looking for help and received it again thanks. I knew posting on a message board there may be a reply or two that wouldn’t be helpful to me. No surprise. I`m not deeply hurt Josey tired to make a funny. Really he is nothing to me as I`m just a stranger to him. HOW MUCH are we supposed to care for one another ? Yes he could have been helpful but I didn’t have to wait long before someone was, I don’t think he meant anything Ill toward me. I even LOL`ed . I really wished he had been rude enough to warrant a group of haters, Cause I like being part of a team. But I just don’t read it, Maybe I missed it in another thread. Noelle

team of haters, blah! Its easy to let the bs roll off your back... Good luck with your tattoo. Joe is one of the most respected artists in the industry, I'd take his advice.

Well update is here. Im going to take more photos later and load them. Im starting to get white peeling around my ankle. if i smear it in lubriderm the white ... Hmmmm how do i word it. it feels and look like severe dry skin that is lacking moisture.. yet im using the medicine. the swelling has dramaticaly gone down. and it looks almost normal> Im just happy. i still get that itch though grr. And I make it swell a bit when iscratch it. i cant help it. but over all this cream works.>> its called Dermavate. I love it..> within one application i just noticed something was better.. So. Im so anxious to just steralize a pin and try to poke it my self. but you are right I risk infection>> im just not wanting to pay sumone to poke me and cause more pain>>> LOL I been there done that on this ankle three times. its annoying... Does anyone know a good tattoo shop.. Price im not worried about just because I would rather go to a person who charges his amount and uses high quality ink and has a nice shop. I have never been one to complain about the price of tatoos. So I live in west end of toronto.. Im looking to have two > hmm kinda like samorai swords. with a blue flower on each end done .> its going to be done so it blends IN to the rest of the tatoo on my tummy..> Im very creative hehe. So if you can recomend a great place. I would love it. I have been to artitoture>> On queen and sherbourne. ( selling may be wrong) Young street tatoos.> lucky 13 Lucky 13 seemed to have been the best place. I had a guy that was a temp there frfom cancoon do a crazy sword on my back>> man it hurt. Ok Ill stop talking. thanks for all thehelp. hehhe

Noelle, as for using the scream ink, your not the only one who made that bad choice. You should really go find a lawyer. I found one, and they aren't going to like the outcome after all is said and done. Did the dermatologist take a biopsy of the area? After they stole a piece of my skin, they just said it was a lichenoid tattoo reaction and they had never seen such a bad problem like this before. They even took a photo for textbook purposes. I am going to be going to some specialized tattoo doctors and a carcinigist because the doctors think something else could happen with such a crappy ink. After 10 months, the tattoo of mine just gets worse and worse. I've said a few things on here a couple months back and nothing has helped. If you want to see some photo's just email me at [email removed]. Good luck Noelle!!!

First off I'm glad your tattoo is improving. The creams you are using are powerful steroid creams which can cause some skin changes that are usually temporary so that may be what the dry skin is from. They should go away when you're able to stop using the creams. You can contact the FDA about reporting the reaction you had to the ink. They may keep a database about those sorts of things. If you are contemplating a lawsuit you might would have a case against Scream ink themselves and they of course would have deeper pockets than the artist himself. As Dr. John suggested you might also take the case to small claims court to try and recoup your medical costs from the artist himself but if you signed a waiver that may not be possible, just depends how the judge looks at it. I do hope it continues to improve, I just hoped to ease your mind about the skin changes a bit as a nurse.

I had a reaction to some red ink pigment that had mercury in it. my skin raised for a bit, and pushed the ink out. had the red redone and all is well.... There are a couple of artists who use scream ink where im at and the tattoos stay bright and have had no skin reaction problems.....

dude dont freak out, this sounds weird but the red pigments from scream tend to leave a swollen look and generate some heat during the healing process, this is most likely to happen with a heavy handed tattooest or simply some one that dont need to be inking in the first place. i have personal experiance with scream ink. i started out with this ink and i did the same thing that your doing. but even worse my client. i went as far is to phone the maker of the ink and speak to one of the creaters of the ink, surprisingly they stand behind there ink. there red is a more natural clay based and some people have this slight reaction to this natural pigment. itll go away in about a week. you can use a cold pack on the area, and dont over moisten the area this helps to contain the heat. and dont use alcohiol based lotions. use a light coating of a and d ointment and let breath as much as possibal.

my boyfriend had the same problem.use nipple cream and wrap with cling film,,3 hours on,3 off and all night leave it on.the ink will fabe over time and will end up looking like a brand.looks lush.takes a few weeks of the cream/cling film to see a difference.you will be fine but good luck

it looks to be red reaction, i have also seen reactions like this back in the day from who ever built the needle bar neglecting/forgetting to deactivate the flux used during the build process ...... just my 2 cents

Hello there I was searching through the "tattoos gone bad" on behalf of my mom and came across this and thought I'd put in my 2 bits. lol. About 6 months ago my mom got a tattoo, it is now her 3rd (what is left anyways). It got really infected, and took the scabbing/healing process about 2 months, maybe even 3. it is alot worse than it sounds. Well anyways my mom had a severe chemical reaction to the green ink the artist had used, and till this day she is still unable to walk, and has multiple joint, and skin problems (due to the tattoo), on nov. 27th she is going to see a rheumatologist to see if they cant figure it out, she has been to multiple specialists and doctors, and they cannot figure out the problem. for pain however she is taking Ibeprophen gel caps, and over the counter tylenol with codeine. So by the sounds of it kid, you dont have it all that bad. I cannot offer you any advice, but to let ya know you aint alone. And that it is not life threatening or else I think you would already be gone. :) Good luck

here's something you could check on. Despite the cream is your leg still slightly swelled and is it have red blotches on the skin away from the tattoo that seem to give off intense heat? If so go to the hospital IMEADIATLY and have them check you for Cellulitus. Cellulitus is a bacterial infection that can travel to your lymph nodes and into your bloodstream, it can be obtained through a break in the skin, like you would get durring a tattoo, it can be life treatening if not treated and may actually kill the cells in your legs. It won't hurt to have them check to see it you have it.

I HAVE HAD THE SAME REACTION TO SCREAM INK ...I STILL SEE IT ON THE MARKET (SCARY) ...HAVE HE ARTIST DRY NEEDLE IT TO OPEN THE AFFECTED AREA AND THEN USE AN OINTMENT LIKE OZENOL OR SOMETHING THAT WILL DRAW OUT THE INK THIS WILL SPEED UP THE BODY TRYING TO GET RID OF THE OFFENDING INK... I WAS TOLD THAT EXCESSIVE HEAVY METALS WAS THE PROBLEM WITH THE INK. THEN ONCE THE REACTION IS OVER AND THE SKIN HAS CALMED DOWN ....HAVE IT FIXED WITH A TRIED AND TRUE BRAND OF INK.

AS FOR RESPONSIBILITY ....I HOLD THE MANUFACTUROR RESPONSIBLE ....MY TATTOO HEALED PERFECTLY, IT WAS BEAUTIFUL, THEN 1-2 MONTHS LATER IT STARTED TO RAISE UP, BECAME ITCHY AND IRRITATED...DRIVING ME INSANE...UNTIL THE REACTIONS STARTED TO HAPPEN THE ARTIST HAD NO IDEA THERE WAS A PROBLEM AND HE IS DOING EVERTHING HE CAN TO GET US THROUGH IT.... AND HERE IS ANOTHER THOUGHT........ IF IT TOOK 1-2 MONTHS BEFORE THE REACTION STARTED(PROBABLY AT LEAST 6 MONTHS BEFORE ANYONE FIGURED IT OUT) AND SCREAM INK IS DISTRIBUTED ALL OVER THE WORLD(ONLINE I HAVE COME ACROSS DISTRIBUTORS IN 4-5 COUNTRIES THAT WILL SHIP ANYWHERE) HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE TATTOOED WITH THIS INK. DOES ANYONE THINK THAT IT IS TIME TO PROTECT THE INDUSTRY AND HAVE INK REGULATED....I NOW THE THOUGHT MIGHT NOT BE TO POPULAR BUT THINK ABOUT IT. WHAT WOULD A BAD BATCH OF INK DO TO YOUR REPUTATION ......HONESTLY.....IT COULD HAPPEN TO ANYONE...REALLY...FROM THE RESEARCH I HAVE DONE INK CAN BE DRAMATICLY DIFFERENT FROM ONE BATCH TO THE NEXT NO MATTER WHAT BRAND YOU ARE USING.

Find yourself a homeopath and they can tell you about what's happening to your tattoo.

there are a lot of people who I have know to have a bad rection to red ink, as well as pink.

there are a lot of people who I have know to have a bad rection to red ink, as well as pink.

You are reacting to red pigment. Alot of people do. Use an antihistamine and some ibuprofen. Your artist might want to tattoo you using distilled water to release the pigment. Let it heal, and never get red pigment again. Red contains min. amount of nickel which causes the reaction.

First of all, you need to learn how to spell and type. Second, I think you need to see a specialist. Either you got some bad ink or the needle was dirty. I think I would go see the tattooist again.

ok here goes, I have been suffering from a scream ink tattoo for over 2 yrs. I was really stupid to have the tattoo done by a scratcher. It's like the saying "if I only knew now whatI didn't know then" type thing. I first went to my family Dr. who suggested to use neosporin, vitamin E oil and A and D ointment.Then she thought it could be impetigo, she prescibed Batroban, another kind of ointment. I still had the raised itcthy iritated scabby symptoms of the tattoo. It was the red ink in scream that did this. she then prescibed Cleocin pills, again no luck. I have used benadril, steriod cream hydrocotisone and that didn't work either. I saw two different dermatologist on 2 different occasions and they injected me with a liqiud steriod called Kenolog. This did help for a few weeks but then it was back again! I went to a tattoo shop ( which I should have gone to in the first place.....DUH! he opened up my tattoo with a dry needle and saline solution to get the red ink out and that didn't work either. I am on my 7th laser surgery. They burn right over the already hurting infected spot( no numbing the area at all) IT HURTS LIKE HELL!!! Also the laser surgery is $360.00 a visit! It is something so incrediby irritating. It wakes me up at night with "the itch" to the point of insanity!!!! I can't go in the sun or even take a really hot shower. It is extremely sensitive to heat. For the 2nd yr. in a row this summer I will be spending my time in the shade while all my friends will be in the sun at the lake. The current condition is still inflamation, severe dryness and intolorable itching. I have learned a hard lesson here. After all I only have this one tattoo and I swore it to God I will never get another dot of ink on me again. I have also looked up the symptoms of "licken dermatosis" since it may have something to do with the metals that were used in scream ink. If I have any more info on this I will post it. GOOD LUCK TO ME AND ALL WHO ARE SUFFERING FROM THIS CRAP!!!!!!