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Had A Tattoo Done. Causing Pain. Took Valtex. Became Worst And Pus Came Out. Infection?
i had a tattoo done on my back about 3 weeks ago. there has been one spot that has been painful like little needles stabbing it. at the end of last week i started to see it have a head and scab at the top. i took one valtrex thinking it may have reactivated my shigles on my back it seemed like it helped. i had no more and had to wait until monday to call my dr. he prescribed me some more thinking i had an outbreak . after two days of taking them it got worse really large and last night it broke open and pus came out. i seemed to push it all out but it still fills hard underneath and is very painful. since the pus is pretty much gone do you think i can just keep putting a hot compress on it and neosporin or may do you think it may be infected?
Thu, 7 Mar 2013
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.
Since you have mentioned that the swelling became large, very painful and broke open spontaneously, draining a lot of pus, it is indeed infected. As you say that it still feels hard underneath, I would advise you to have a proper physical examination done by a doctor to assess the severity of the infection.
You would need a course of antibiotics or sometimes, the residual infected material needs to be drained out surgically. So, I would advise you to see a doctor as early as possible
Regards,
Dr. Sheeba Stephen
Emergency Medicine Specialist
Since you have mentioned that the swelling became large, very painful and broke open spontaneously, draining a lot of pus, it is indeed infected. As you say that it still feels hard underneath, I would advise you to have a proper physical examination done by a doctor to assess the severity of the infection.
You would need a course of antibiotics or sometimes, the residual infected material needs to be drained out surgically. So, I would advise you to see a doctor as early as possible
Regards,
Dr. Sheeba Stephen
Emergency Medicine Specialist
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