How to Identify an Infected Tattoo

All tattoos cause mild discomfort within the first few hours and days, but distinguishing common discomfort from more serious signs of infection can be difficult. Once you know the signs to look out for, your recovery will be much less grueling. Learn how to recognize signs of infection, determine treatment, and keep your tattoo clean.

Table of Contents

Recognize signs of infection

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/a3/Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px- Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/a3/tell-if- a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Wait a few days before concluding. On the day of the tattoo, the entire tattooed area will be red, slightly swollen and very sensitive. New tattoos will be relatively painful and red like a severe sunburn. For the first 48 hours after getting a tattoo, it’s not possible to know if the tattoo has become infected, so don’t jump to conclusions. Take care of the tattoo according to the instructions and wait for a while. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Pay attention to the pain. If the tattoo causes severe pain for more than three days after getting it, return to the salon and have the tattooist check it out.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/62/Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px- Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/62/Tell-if- a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Watch for severe swelling. Large or complex tattoos will take longer to heal than small and simple tattoos, but if the new tattoo is swollen and painful for more than three days, it could be a sign of an infection. New tattoos are usually a little swollen but should go away within a few days.

Feel the heat of the tattooed skin area by hand. If you feel the area being tattooed is hot, it could be a sign that the tattoo is seriously swollen.
An itchy sensation, especially if it spreads from the tattoo, is also a sign of an allergy or infection. Tattoos usually cause mild itching, but if you’re itching a lot and for longer than a week after getting your tattoo, you should get it checked out.
Redness of the skin can also be a sign of infection. The tattooed area will be slightly red where the lines are, but if the redness becomes darker instead of lighter, and you feel more pain instead of less, that’s a sign of infection. ^{[2] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/f3/Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px- Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f3/tell-if- a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Watch out for severe swelling. If the skin in or around the tattoo becomes unevenly swollen, it could be a sign of an infection. Blisters or pustules in this area are a sure sign of infection and need to be treated immediately. If the tattoo is swollen and raised instead of going down, get it checked out right away.

Discharge with a strange odor is also a serious sign. Go see a doctor immediately.
Notice the red lines radiating from the tattoo. If you see this, see your doctor right away because you may have a blood infection.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/47/Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px- Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-4-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/47/Tell-if- a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-4-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Temperature. Whenever you are concerned about the risk of infection, you should take your body temperature and make sure it is not too high. If you feel hot like you have a fever, it could be a sign of an infection and you should get treatment soon.

Treating an infection

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/8f/Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-5.jpg/v4-460px-Tell-if- a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-5.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/8f/Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected- Step-5.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-5.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Show the tattoo artist the infection. If you’re worried about your tattoo but aren’t sure if it’s infected, the first person you should see is your tattooist. Show them the current status and ask them for an assessment.

If you are experiencing severe symptoms such as strange-smelling discharge and pain, skip this step and see your doctor right away for proper treatment.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d2/Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-6.jpg/v4-460px-Tell-if- a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-6.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d2/Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected- Step-6.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-6.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

See a doctor. If you’ve talked to your tattooist and taken care of your tattoo as best you can and still have symptoms of an infection, you should see your doctor as soon as possible for an antibiotic prescription. Usually, your doctor won’t treat the tattoos locally, but a prescription will help fight the infection.

Start taking antibiotics as directed as soon as possible to help your body fight the infection. Most local infections are easy to treat, but bacteremia is a serious condition and needs to be treated early.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/97/Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-7.jpg/v4-460px-Tell-if- a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-7.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/97/Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected- Step-7.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-7.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Use a topical ointment as directed. Your doctor may prescribe a topical ointment for you along with antibiotics to help the tattoo heal. Apply ointment regularly and keep the tattoo clean. Wash the tattoo gently with clean water twice daily, or as directed by your doctor.

After treatment, you may need to cover the tattoo with a bandage, but it’s also a good idea to expose it to air to prevent further infection. Tattoos need to be breathable,

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/5b/Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-8.jpg/v4-460px-Tell-if- a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-8.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/5b/Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected- Step-8.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-8.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Keep the tattoo dry while the infection heals. Wash the tattoo regularly with fragrance-free soap and clean water, then pat dry completely before dressing or letting the tattoo “breathe”. Do not cover or wet an infected tattoo.

Prevent infection

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/c/c6/Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-9.jpg/v4-460px-Tell-if- a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-9.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/c6/Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected- Step-9.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-9.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Get tested for allergies before getting a tattoo. Although uncommon, many people may be allergic to certain ingredients in tattoo ink, causing them pain when tattooing or creating an unsightly tattoo. It’s best to get an allergy test first if you’re planning on getting a tattoo.

Typically, black ink does not contain allergenic ingredients, but other colored inks will have additives that cause reactions in some people. If you want to get tattooed with Indian tattoo ink, you will have no problem even if you have a sensitive body.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/81/Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-10.jpg/v4-460px-Tell-if- a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-10.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/81/Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected- Step-10.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-10.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Tattoo only at reputable establishments. If you’re going to get a tattoo, take the time to research reputable tattoo parlors and artists near where you live to make sure the tattooist is a licensed person, and that the tattoo parlor has a good reputation for cleanliness. birth and customer satisfaction.

Avoid self-tattooing methods at home. Even if your friends are “extremely good” at tattooing, it’s still a good idea to make an appointment with a licensed skilled tattooist.
Once you’ve made an appointment, if you arrive and find that the facility is acting in a non-transparent manner or the environment is not clean, cancel your appointment and leave. You can find another better tattoo establishment.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/ab/Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-11.jpg/v4-460px-Tell-if- a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-11.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/ab/Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected- Step-11.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Tattoo-Is-Infected-Step-11.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Make sure the tattooist will use a new needle for you. A good tattooist will put cleanliness first, and they’ll make it clear to you that they’re unpacking new needles and wearing gloves. If you don’t see this, ask them. Good tattoo parlors will clearly explain and respect your safety concerns.

Advice

If you are not sure, see your doctor. Safety first.
If more than one symptom of infection appears after getting a tattoo, you should seek medical attention. Infections can be harmful and affect your life. See a tattooist before seeing a doctor, as they have more experience with tattoo care and will know how to assist you accordingly.

Steps

Recognize signs of infection

Treating an infection

Prevent infection

Advice

Related Posts