Hello XXXXXXXXXX,
It sounds like your granddaughter has created an abrasion by rubbing too aggressively to remove the tattoo. Abrasions tend to become infected very easily, and then can cause some scarring. You need to promote healing of the area without further damaging the delicate tissue.
Right now, the best thing to do is to cleanse the area very gently with a normal saline solution and a gauze pad that you can get at a local pharmacy. Then cover the area with an antibiotic ointment. Ideally there should also be a dressing applied over the abrasion to keep out unwanted bacteria. The best type is a non-stick, or non adherent type of dressing. Ask your pharmacist if you can't find what you are looking for.
Do this twice a day. If the area starts getting very red, warm to the touch, develops drainage (pus), causes more pain or gets swollen, your granddaughter should be seen by a physician for evaluation for possible infection.
Yes, saline solution is water and salt. If you want to make it, use 1/4 teaspoon to 1 cup of water. Boil the water first, then measure out 1 cup and add the salt. Store this in a clean covered container.
Antibiotic ointment would be Neosporin, Triple antibiotic ointment, or Polysporin.
To allow the tissues to heal properly the wound bed should be kept moist. If you let it "air out" it will scab over and may cause scarring or get infected.
Personally, I use aloe vera on most skin breaks and burns, so I can tell you I have had good experience with it. However, because this abrasion is on her face, and because abrasions get infected so easily, I would opt of the gently cleaning, antibiotic ointment and covering for a few days. Once it looks like it is starting to heal well, then airing with aloe vera would do well.
Oh, and make sure she washes her hands well before treating the wound.
Nurse (RN)
35+ yrs nursing experience; Dir of Nursing Skilled Nursing/Rehab; Elder Care Consultant