This doesn't look normal

[Trish]

Good morning, 

I have a quarter sleeve and recently went back for additional color. However, I don't think this is normal. I have have scabbing in some areas. Is this normal? See pics

[oboogie]

It looks like you are putting way too much cream/Aquaphor/whatever on it. You are smothering it. If there is no pus and it isn't hot to the touch, it probably isn't infected.

Just keep it clean and let it heal. Stop putting so much stuff on it.

[Trish]

Oboogie,

 

That’s the thing. I am barely putting any on it. I don’t think it is infected but I did notice that this area oozed a lot the first day. I have had several tattoos before but never had this happen. Out of the entire colored portions those sections are the only 2 that look this way. I am careful when washing because that part only gets soft again. Also, the one in my elbow crease may take longer to heal I guess. 

[Hogrider]

When did you get it done?

[Trish]

Hogrider, I got it 3 days ago. This last Saturday. I have never had scabbing like this. The rest has slight scabbing that just started to scab. 

[Trish]

I think he was definitely heavy handed in these areas too. 

[Hogrider]

As @oboogie said, if it's not hot to the touch and there's no pus, you're probably OK. Not much you can do at this point except wait for it to heal. Scabs that thick will likely take a couple of months, so pour a drink, light a bowl and relax. Your skin is shiny, and that usually means there is too much lotion. If I had scabs like that I'd probably let it dry heal.

[Trish]

Thanks you guys. Yes, I was thinking that as well. Just letting those to areas dry heal and deal with the fallout later. 

[SStu]

22 hours ago, Trish said:

I think he was definitely heavy handed in these areas too. 

That's the situation that often produces heavier scabs. 

[Trish]

SStu yep. This morning the scab came off completely and it took off a few layers of skin. 

[Trish]

Had my doc hubby look at it and he said it’s down to the dermis. I am a nurse so I know how to take care of wounds so, I don’t think it was anything I did. 

[oboogie]

11 minutes ago, Trish said:

SStu yep. This morning the scab came off completely and it took off a few layers of skin. 

Did you remove the scab, or did it actually fall off?

[Trish]

Oboogie, scab came off. I think because it is in the crease every time I bend my arm the skin was separating. Again, I’m a nurse I definitely know better than to mess with scabs on wounds. 

[Trish]

The other scab is just fine and I think that area will turn out okay. 

[oboogie]

1 hour ago, Trish said:

Oboogie, scab came off. I think because it is in the crease every time I bend my arm the skin was separating. Again, I’m a nurse I definitely know better than to mess with scabs on wounds. 

Not judging you. Nurse or not, people pick at tattoos all the time.

[Trish]

Oboogie, I agree with you. They certainly do.