what should I put on an infected tattoo that won't heal?.

How’bout seeing a doctor, or the person who put the tattoo there in the first place. How long has it been infected? If it the tattoo only 3 weeks old, it could very well be directly related to the creation of the tattoo, and therefore I’d definitely seek out some proper medical advice (honestly, the web is a good place for information, but not for this sort of thing; doctors exist for a reason!).
Good luck!

I totally agree with the guy above me. If that doesn’t work just put a bunch of butter on it!!!

I don’t think you should wait untill the 11th to see a doctor. The infection can only get worse in that time, and may leave you sick and disfigured. I disagree about putting butter on it. That could make it much worse! You could try using a little neosporin or another antibiotic cream, keep it clean, dry and covered with a bandage, but only do that as a measure until you can see a doctor, not as an alternative. With all the super infections going on these days, it’s not something to take lightly. You don’t want to mess around and risk getting MRSA!

The 11th is a long time away. I would apply hydrogen peroxide to it, and try to keep it as clean as possible. Can you please describe the infection. How its manifesting, how superficial, etc.

In the mean time, I would definitely see or at least call the person who I got the tattoo from. Infections can spiral out of control very quickly.

antibiotic cream immediatly, you probably need oral antibiotics go asap infections not to take lightly

This is serious stuff. You better get to the doctor right away. You could have a staph infection. A whole lot more common with ink than people think. Does it look and feel like an ingrown hair? Nevermind, just get to the doctor!

this is exactly why you never go to a scratcher. You’re going to lose most of your ink because of the infection so stop caring about it and just get to a doc. You can get a coverup later (hopefully from someone reputable)
Also as something to note, its very common to have allergic reactions to colors like red and yellow and have it come our in a full infection. If that’s the case next time get tiny test dots a few weeks before the ink.

Otherwise just get to a doc asap. The ink will be ruined no matter what so forget about protecting it and take care of yourself.

this is my 6th and smallest tattoo. Ive never had a prob before. but thanks, I guess I’ll call the doc tomorrow. :(

I call staph infection on this one. I got my first colored tattoo on my ankle a couple months ago and scared the crap out of myself when I noticed my ankle swelling. Turns out I’m a bit allergic to red and yellow. Swelling went away in less then a week but, frightening all the same.

Ew. Maybe a skin graft.

I really hope you do go tomorrow. Several people have mentioned staph. that is really not the harmless type of infection it used to be. There are strains of it that can be quite dangerous. Please don’t wait. Better safe than sorry, KWIM? You don’t want to take a chance of getting MRSA, which could be deadly. I hate to be such a downer, but MRSA can travel quickly and you take the risk of losing more than your tat. Here’s some info on MRSA: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MRSA

So, did you see a doctor yet? How is your infection?

no, I think its healing. maybe it wasn’t infected and just really really irritated. I’m still gunna ahve it checked out next week. thankssss

Glad to hear it’s doing better!