Suggest Treatment For Swelling At The Site Of Tattooing On Forearm

Posted on Mon, 10 Aug 2015

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

Mon, 10 Aug 2015 Answered on

Fri, 28 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I just received my ninth or so tattoo on my left inner forearm, the fleshy part near the outside elbow, and it has been 44 hours, approximately and I still have significant swelling in the traumatized/affected area. I'm taking the XXXXXXX dose of ibuprofen OTC, 1600 and 800mg of goldenseal to ward off infection and no signs or symptoms of infection are present. could the swelling be permanent?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
should not be

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome. Swelling should persist maximally for 4-5 days and if longer then this may be sign of subcutaneous infection,cellulitis. Even if there is no redness,it may still be an infection,but in case of redness,fever or pain you should take antibiotic amoxicilinum for 7 days and immobilisation should be applied. Also,keep your hand elevated, apply cold compresses and take ibuprofennum 3x400mg. WIsh you good health. Regards

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