All tattoos are large, shallow wounds. If they are not cared for, or are applied without sufficient cleanliness, they may become infected. Most of the time, infections are superficial, easily treated, and the greatest risk is that your artwork needs a touch up.
However, infections that become severe or spread beyond the tattooed area can be very serious, even life threatening. If you are immunocompromised, have a heart condition, or are taking antibiotics, you should consult a doctor before getting a tattoo. You should also notify your artist so they can help you assess the risks of a tattoo.
Normal Healing:
Redness
Tenderness
Itchiness
Dryness
Swelling for 2-3 days after application
secretion of blood, excess ink, and plasma within 24hrs of being tattooed
Click here for a play-by-play of what to expect (Day-to-Day of a Healing Tattoo)
Signs of infection are:
Bumps on skin that may contain puss
Redness
Swelling
Heat
Pain that worsens over time
Soreness
Fever
Hot / cold flashes
Shivering
Extreme thirst is a sign of a staph infection
Minor infections can be treated with antibacterial ointment, proper cleaning, and rest. A minor infection might look like a small point of redness and heat on the tattoo, without full body symptoms (fever, chills). If the infection does not clear in 2-3 days, or worsens even with ointment and proper cleaning,
Sometimes normal reactions look like infection. In these cases, swelling redness, soreness, and fatigue might be totally normal in the first few days of healing. You may experience Tattoo Flu, which is not an infection but a response to the physical trauma of after a tattoo You may also develop in-grown hairs or razor burn from being shaved before the tattoo.
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, reach out to your artist, treat for a minor infection if necessary, and watch for any worsening signs of infection.
When to see a doctor
If symptoms worse do not clear within 2-3 days or get worse, see a doctor
If you have any of the following symptoms, seek medical help and notify your artist:
Abnormal oozing
clear plasma, ink, and blood in the first 24hrs after being tattooed are normal. Discoloured secretions, excessive bleeding or bleeding that lasts more than 24hrs, or smells fowl
Severe pain
Intense swelling or swelling that does not lessen after three days.
Your tattoo feels hot
Fever, chills, nausea or vomiting
Red streaks around the tattoo
Numbness or tingling in the area of the tattoo
Excessive bleeding that soaks through a bandage
Treating Minor Infections
If you suspect an infection, notify your artist for the best advice. If you have symptoms of a severe infection or if the symptoms don’t clear within 2-3 days or, seek medical help immediately.
For minor infections, wash the infected area twice daily with antibacterial soap and apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment, as you would for a minor infection in a cut.
DO NOT use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol
Take an anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling
What to Expect if my Infection Needs Medical Attention
In most cases, you doctor will prescribe antibiotics in the form of a pill or ointment. If your doctor tells you how to care for your infected tattoo, follow your doctor's instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice:
Wash the tattoo with a mild, unscented soap and water 2 times a day
Gently pat the tattoo dry after you wash it.
Use a mild, unscented moisturizer to avoid scabbing and dryness. Apply moisturizer in thin layers that your skin can easily absorb. Do not leave the tattoo wet.
Take anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce pain and swelling. These include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). Read and follow all instructions on the lab
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