Tattoo Infection: Signs, Causes, Treatment & Prevention (2024)

FAQs

Tattoo Infection: Signs, Causes, Treatment & Prevention? ›

Mild discomfort and skin irritation are pretty normal after getting a tattoo. But some symptoms like a bumpy rash, pus, pain, or fever might be the sign of an infected tattoo. 1 This can happen when bacteria or other germs are transmitted through the skin via unsterile tattoo tools, products, or sanitary practices.

Inappropriate hygiene measures in tattoo parlors and non-medical wound care are major risk factors for tattoo-related infections.

No, in almost all cases, an infected tattoo won't heal on its own, and an untreated infection could worsen and lead to more serious health complications.

Typically speaking, tattoos can get infected anywhere from a few days to a couple of months after they are finished. This is because healing times vary, and, as long as there is still skin to heal, infection is possible.

Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin™ Zinc Oxide ointment, Neosporin™ or Vitamin A&D ointment. After 5 days, substitute a gentle fragrance-free and color-free body lotion. Repeat the above washing/ointment procedure at least 3 times a day for 1–2 weeks.

Topical Creams: Topical creams such as Aquaphor healing ointment and petroleum jelly are best for keeping the tattooed area hydrated and reducing infection symptoms such as redness and inflammation.

Moisturize: Treat your tattoo like a skin wound and keep the area clean and covered with a water-based moisturizer and bandage. Don't use petroleum-based lotions like Vaseline or Neosporin as these can trap moisture and bacteria, which can lead to infections and scarring.

Tattoos and body piercings provide an opening in the skin that may allow germs to enter your body and cause infections. These infections could cause sepsis. It is for this reason that anyone who receives a tattoo or piercing must take special care to reduce the risk of contracting an infection.

If a skin condition that appears, you'll likely see signs of the disease within 10 to 20 days of getting the tattoo. The disease can also appear as early as three days after getting inked. Sometimes, it shows up years later.

What do the beginning stages of an infected tattoo look like? ›

Signs of a tattoo infection may appear across the entire tattoo or only within specific colors. They can include: Bumps on your skin (papules) that sometimes contain pus (pustules). Nodules, bumps on or below your skin that are larger than papules.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if: You lose feeling in the area near the tattoo, or it feels numb or tingly. The skin near the tattoo turns pale or cool. The tattoo starts to bleed, and blood soaks through the bandage.

"Once it's cleared up, the tattoo can always be touched up if necessary." The important thing is to wait until the skin has fully recovered, because when you have an infection it can hinder the healing of the original tattoo. "This may mean that tattoo pigment is not properly retained in the skin,” explains Dr.

Bad infections may result in long-term antibiotic care, but usually they won't cause any long-lasting health problems. However, though rare, it's possible to get a condition such as hepatitis or HIV from a tattoo needle. In these cases, you might require more intensive, long-term treatment.

If equipment used to create a tattoo has infected blood on it, you can get diseases that are spread through blood. Examples include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. To lower your risk, get vaccinated for hepatitis B before you get a tattoo.

Some people feel psyched about their new tattoo, while others might feel sick. If you're feeling a bit under the weather after getting some new ink, you might be experiencing “tattoo flu.” Usually mild and quick to pass, this post tattoo flu-like illness is a common result of your body's natural defenses saying “Whoa!

Moisturize: Treat your tattoo like a skin wound and keep the area clean and covered with a water-based moisturizer and bandage. Don't use petroleum-based lotions like Vaseline or Neosporin as these can trap moisture and bacteria, which can lead to infections and scarring.

Takeaway. Vaseline isn't the best choice for tattoo aftercare. Petroleum jelly traps moisture and bacteria, which can lead to infections and scarring if your tattoo doesn't get enough air while it's healing. You may be able to use Vaseline on old tattoos if your skin is dry.

Tattoo Tip #3: Don't use antibacterial lotion

Although you don't want bacteria infiltrating your tattoo, you should avoid products like Neosporin, Triple Antibiotic, and CURAD. Dr. Jagdeo says these can lead to skin becoming more sensitive, and again, creating the conditions for inflammation.

Using Dr. Bronner's Baby Unscented Pure-Castile Liquid Soap for tattoos is perfect for this step! Most tattoo professionals recommend the Unscented variety so that you are not putting any potentially irritating essential oils on your sensitive skin.