Bumps on Tattoo

I had my tattoo done in November or December of 2007. It is the Chinese symbol for Peace. I had a neighbor in my apartment complex do it for me. I made sure that he used a clean needle and everything. The tat healed fine and I really loved it. But then just recently I started noticing these little bumps and they itch like crazy. The funny thing is that usually if I put some lotion or some Cortisone cream, on the tat, they go away. But then they come back the next day. I do not have health insurance, So I cannot see a doctor, and unfortunately the guy who did my tat moved out. So I could use some advice on what to do.