Suggest Treatment For Red Swollen Stretch Marks On Arms After A Tattoo

Posted on Sat, 21 Nov 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 21 Nov 2015 Answered on

Tue, 8 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have stretch marks on my arms from years of gym. Occasionally they appear to get infected. Yesterday i was tattooed over them and they are very swollen and red. Is this an infection?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Not an infection, it is inflammation and irritation

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for being at healthcaremagic.
No the stretch marks are not infected. The swelling and redness is due to irritation and inflammation because of tattooing. It can be either due to mechanical causes or because of chemicals such as dyes.
If I was your treating doctor I would have suggested you to apply corticosteroid like cortisone cream to reduce redness and swelling. This will help in resolving the symptoms in few days.
I hope to have answered your query.
I would be happy to clarify any further doubts.
Regards
Dr Asmeet

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T