How Do I Know If My Tattoo Is Infected?

Newly done tattoos are like newborn babies. You know how delicate newborn babies are and what sort of special care they require, right? Likewise, newly done tattoos are super delicate and require special until they heal completely. Until tattoos heal they can get easily damaged by direct sunlight, submerging into water, scratching, etc. Not to mention healing tattoos are prone to infection as well. But how would you know if your tattoo is infected or not? Because a healing tattoo provides a bit of discomfort in general, it might be a bit tricky for your to know if the discomfort is normal or a sign of infection.

Healing tattoos can throw some tantrums and you could say it is part of the healing process. But how do you differentiate between a normal tantrum and an infected tattoo? In this article, I will be elaborating on ways to know if your tattoo is infected or not and more.

Key Takeaways

• It may take around 14 days to heal the first layer or epidermis layer of your skin to heal after getting a tattoo. Until then the tattoo is prone to get infected.
• Tattoo infection can be of two types, one is superficial tattoo infections and the second is deep bacterial tattoo infections.
• To prevent your new tattoo from getting infected is to choose a professional tattoo artist, choose quality tattoo ink, take proper aftercare, avoid getting it dirty, use antibacterial soap, healthy diet, and boost the immune system, wear loose-fitted and breathable clothing.
• Signs of a healing tattoo are weeping ending within the first 48 hours, mild irritation or burning, scabs, mild itching, and blurriness.
• Ways to know if your tattoo is infected or not are swelling, increased pain and irritation, redness, puss, fever, overly moistness, and rash.
• 4 ways that a tattoo may get infected are using contaminated tattoo equipment, using contaminated ink, coming in contact with germs and bacteria, and weak immune system.
• If your tattoo gets infected you should see a doctor, consult with your tattoo artist, keep the tattoo clean, apply healing ointment, wear loose clothing, choose breathable clothing, eat a healthy diet, etc.

Types of Tattoo Infection

Wondering about the types of infection? Well, there are many sorts of tattoo infections out there. But to simplify things, I have divided them into two types. Which are:

Superficial tattoo infection

This is one of the most common tattoo infections out there. In this type of infection, only the surface of the tattooed skin gets infected. A few examples of superficial tattoo infections are impetigo, staphylococcus, etc.

Deep bacterial tattoo infection

This type of tattoo infection can occur if your tattoo artist uses unsterilized tattoo equipment or contaminated ink to make your tattoo. These infections could be nasty and may potentially cause permanent scarring if not treated in time. Examples of these types of infection are Cellulitis, erysipelas, and sepsis.

4 Ways Tattoos May Get Infected

Curious about how the tattoos get infected? I have listed ways a tattoo can get infected below:

1. Using contaminated tattoo equipment

Tattooing requires a sterile environment and sterile pieces of equipment just like a medical surgery. If the environment or the tattoo equipment are contaminated then it can cause tattoo infection.

2. Using contaminated ink

Tattoo ink is one of the most crucial parts of the tattooing procedure. As the quality of the ink determines how good and vibrant the tattoo would look and for how long it would last in crisp condition. But if you go for cheap tattoo ink to save some bucks or use contaminated ink to get tattooed then there is a high chance of getting a tattoo infection.

3. Coming in contact with germs and bacteria

If you expose your tattoo or come in contact with germs and bacteria then your tattoo will most likely get infected. Avoiding situations where the tattoo might come in contact with germs or keeping the tattooed area clean could keep the possibility of a tattoo infection away.

4. Weak immune system

Our immune system keeps us safe and protects us from infections and other harmful elements. But if the immune system itself gets weak for some reason and if you get a tattoo during that time then the tattoo will be even more prone to infection.

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7 Signs to Know Your Tattoo Is Infected or Not

Now that you know the signs of a healing tattoo, it will be much easier for you to understand the signs to tell if your tattoo is infected. In this portion, I have listed all the signs or ways that you can evaluate to know if your tattoo is infected or not.

1. Swelling

An infected tattoo will most probably get swollen. If your new tattoo gets swollen all of a sudden then it could be a sign of tattoo infection. Do not try to tape on the tattoo to reduce the swelling, by taping on the area you will only make matters worse. The swelling will not go away by taping and the irritation or pain would increase.

2. Increased pain and irritation

As I said in the previous portion, a healing tattoo may provide mild irritation. But if the irritation or the pain is too much to handle then your tattoo is most likely infected. Instead of trying to be a hardcore who endures pail with ease, go see a doctor to get that infection treated and consult with your tattoo artist.

3. Redness

I am not saying a healing tattoo would look normal, no. A healing tattoo may look crusty and blurry but it should not look red. Red skin is a sign of an issue. When infection occurs your immune system tries to fight the invaders and the battleground or the infected skin appears to be red. So, if your healing tattoo looks red, it is time to be concerned.

4. Puss

Some puss may come out from a newly done tattoo for the first few days, and the puss would look clear or white. If the tattoo keeps leaking puss even after a few days of getting the tattoo and if the puss is discolored like yellow or red and has a bad odor to it, then most definitely your precious tattoo is infected. Do not try to squeeze your tattoo and get all the puss out. It won’t cure your infection and it may harm your healing tattoo.

5. Fever

Fever is a common sign of an infection. If your tattoo gets infected you may get frequent fevers. Do not go for regular over-the-counter fever medicine to get better. You have to fix the root cause and take medicine prescribed by your doctor only.

6. Overly moist

Mildly moist tattoo heals faster but if the tattoo appears to be overly moisturized then there might be an underlying issue here. Infection can cause the overly moist tattoo that becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and germs.

7. Rash

A mild rash forming after getting the tattoo is fine. But if the rash does not go away and it keeps increasing beyond the tattooed area then it is most probably because of an infection.

7 Ways to Treat A Infected Tattoo

If your tattoo is infected, do not fret. I have provided a list of things you can do if your tattoo gets infected below.

1. See a doctor

The first thing you need to do is get that infection treated as soon as possible. So, instead of trying out DIY techniques that you have learned from youtube to fix the infection, go see a healthcare professional. They know what medicine you need to get rid of that nasty tattoo infection. And make sure you take the medicine or ointment your doctor recommended and use it accordingly.

2. Consult with your tattoo artist

The second thing you need to do is consult with your tattoo artist. They have been tattooing for some time now and they have experienced such issues before. They can provide you with personalized aftercare advice considering the type of tattoo and your infection condition.

3. Keep the tattoo clean

Keeping any healing tattoo is crucial and if the tattoo is infected then keeping it clean becomes even more crucial. Wash the tattoo at least 3 times per day using an antibacterial soap or green soap. Do not rub using a washing cloth as the infected tattoo will be very delicate. Just use your fingers to gently give a rub to wash any dirt or oil buildup. Then use a clean towel or paper towel to soak the area dry.

4. Apply healing ointment

After cleaning the infected tattoo make sure to apply a quality tattoo-friendly healing ointment that your doctor or your tattoo artist suggested. You may use raw aloe vera gel as well, it works like some of the best healing ointments on the market. The healing ointment will not only soothe the severe irritation, pain, and itchiness but also helps in healing the tattoo while getting rid of that nasty tattoo infection.

5. Wear loose clothing

Fabric friction is not good for a healing tattoo. And when it comes to an infected tattoo, fabric friction can be even more harmful. When you wear tight clothing it may cause some friction over the infected tattoo, this could worsen the situation by increasing the infection and delaying the healing time.

6. Choose breathable clothing

If the clothing you wear does not let air through then it is a big issue. Because your infected tattoo needs fresh air to fight the infection and heal faster. So, make sure to wear breathable clothing or any sort of clothing that lets the tattoo get enough fresh air.

7. Eat a healthy diet

You are taking medicine recommended by your doctor, and applying healing ointment on the affected area, but this is not enough to heal your infection. The main powerhouse is your own immune system. Your immune system will off the infection and heal the tattoo. How can the immune system do all these if it is weak? To fight off the infection and to heal the tattoo faster you must follow a healthy diet plan that will strengthen your immune system and give it the most awaited boos it requires.

8 Ways to Prevent Infection On A New Tattoo

You can follow the advice given below to avoid getting your precious new tattoo getting infected.

1. Choose a professional tattoo artist

Make sure to choose a professional tattoo artist to get your new tattoo. A newbie tattoo artist may not know the importance of sterilizing tattoo equipment before tattooing. Only a professional tattoo artist will know the importance of sterilization and how to properly sterilize their equipment. This will lower the chance of your tattoo getting infected.

2. Choose quality ink

Ink quality matters. A cheap quality ink may potentially cause a tattoo infection. Now, why would you take such a risk? Just check what ink your tattoo artist will use on you before getting the tattoo, and ensure it is of good quality.

3. Take proper aftercare

Make sure to take proper aftercare of your new tattoo. Such as washing it twice a day, moisturizing it, avoiding direct sunlight, keeping it nice and clean, etc. Proper aftercare can prevent any possible tattoo infection.

4. Avoid getting it dirty

When going about our daily life or just going to the park to spend some quality time with friends is great. But you have to be extra cautious so that your new tattoo does not get any dirt or debris over it. When you go to work or go for an outdoor sport you bandage your new tattoo or wear clothing in a way so that the new tattoo stays covered. This way the new tattoo won’t get dirty and it will minimize the chance of it getting infected.

5. Use antibacterial soap to clean the new tattoo

Using antibacterial soap to clean a new tattoo is highly recommended. It can prevent any possible tattoo infection. And it can be an effective way to treat an infected tattoo as well.

6. Healthy diet & boosting the immune system

Your immune system is responsible for healing your new tattoo. And it also protects your new tattoo by fighting and getting rid of any infection. Now, if your immune system gets weakened for some reason then it will not only lengthen the healing phase but also increase the chance of your new tattoo getting infected. So, make sure to maintain a healthy diet along with a healthy lifestyle so that your immune system gets a boost and efficiently protects your new tattoo.

7. Wear loose-fitted & breathable clothing

Did you know fabric friction can irritate your newly tattooed skin which may lead to infection? That is why you should wear loose-fitted clothing while your tattoo is healing. And fresh air is crucial for your new tattoo. If you prevent your new tattoo from getting fresh air, it may make the tattooed area dampen or overly moist, which is a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. So, make sure to wear breathing clothing that will let your new tattoo get some air.

8. Avoid touching or picking

A new tattoo will be a bit itchy and it is completely normal. If you keep touching it scratch it, and germs from your fingernail could transfer to the new tattoo and cause an infection. Not to mention scratching or picking on a new tattoo could potentially distort or fade it.

5 Signs of A Healing Tattoo

As I said earlier, healing tattoos can throw tantrums at times. That is why it is crucial to know the signs of a healing tattoo. Here are a few signs that mean your tattoo is healing well and is not infected.

1. Weeping ends within the first 48 hours

The weeping phase should end within the first day or the second day after getting the tattoo. But in some cases, it may last for more than 48 hours which is fine. The weeping phase ending within the first 2 or 3 days is a sign of a healing tattoo.

2. Mild irritation or burning

Any wound on your skin would cause some irritation or a burning sensation. It is completely fine, as long as the irritation is not severe. So if you are feeling a mild burning sensation on your new tattoo, then it is healing the way it should.

3. Scabs

I know nobody likes scabs, trust me I don’t like them either. But the truth is, scabs are a natural process for our body to heal wounds and it is absolutely crucial. Scabs tend to form right after the skin gets bruised or cut. If you see scabs forming on your tattoo, then it is a sign of healing and a healthy tattoo. But if the scabs appear too big and thick then it requires extra care.

4. Mild itching

When the scabbing phase begins, your healing tattoo will become a bit itchy. Scabs can make your tattoo dry and because of the dryness, the itching might get increased a bit. A mildly itchy tattoo is a sign of a normal healing tattoo. But if the itchiness is too much or unbearable then there might be an underlying issue like tattoo infection.

5. Blurriness

During the healing phase, your tattoo would not look the sharpest, instead, it would look a bit blurry. This blurry look happens because of the scabs and crusts that form over the tattoo. Do not get panicked because of the blurriness, as it is normal and a sign of a healing tattoo. After the healing phase end, your tattoo would look bright and vibrant like it should.

FAQs

Can infection ruin my tattoo?

Yes, infection has the potential to ruin your tattoo. It can fade or distort your tattoo if you do not treat the infection in time and take proper care of your healing tattoo.

How many stages are there for tattoo infection?

Tattoo infection may have 6 stages. Which are:

• Stage 1. Mild pain, it is hard to notice any sign of infection in this stage.
• Stage 2. Redness and swelling on the tattooed area.
• Stage 3. Symptoms of stage 2 worsen and the redness spread around the tattooed area.
• Stage 4. Bumps on the skin.
• Stage 5. The skin may lose its natural color and look weird.
• Stage 6. Fevers increased pain and discomfort, and puss may come out of the tattoo.

Can I swim with an infected tattoo?

Swimming with an infected tattoo is not recommended. Open source of water like pool, ponds, and sea contains many bacteria and germs which could harm any healing tattoo. If you go for a swim with an infected tattoo the infection would get even worse and the tattoo might get faded because of it being submerged under water for too long.

Will the tattoo infection go away on its own?

It may or may not go away on its own. It may get even worse with time, so it is highly recommended to treat your tattoo infection as soon as the infection signs show up. To treat it first you need to go see a doctor, then consult with your tattoo artist and then take proper aftercare of the tattoo.

Final Thoughts

Tattoo infection can be nasty and it can do some real damage to your tattoo. Your tattoo may get faded or distorted because of infection. Not to mention the healing time would get delayed because of the infection. And to know if you have a tattoo infection or not pay some attention to your tattoo. See if the tattoo is swollen or not, is it red, are you feeling excessive pain and itchiness, experiencing fever or shivering? If so then most probably your tattoo is infected.

If the infection is not treated in time, the tattooed area may start to leak puss. Infection-caused pusses might look yellow and have a bad odor. Does not matter when you figure out that you have a tattoo infection, as soon as you do, start treating it.

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