Infection is relatively uncommon after a tattoo, but various other reactions can occur. These reactions include: New or worsening symptoms of an existing skin condition, such as psoriasis. Skin reactions, such as allergic contact dermatitis and photoallergic dermatitis.
Tattooing represents an important aggression of the skin that leads to the disruption of the epidermal basement membrane and even cell necrosis [1]. Between 1–5% of those who get a tattoo experience tattoo-related skin infections [4].
Any time you receive a tattoo, there's a risk of infection. Even if you go to an experienced tattoo artist and the shop looks clean and sterile, it can happen. There's also a risk of infection with at-home tattoo kits and ceremonial tattoos that are part of cultural celebrations.
While relatively rare, a tattoo infection can cause symptoms ranging from minor redness and swelling all the way to serious systemic symptoms. Rest assured that with proper preparation, research and care, you can decrease your risk for infection.
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.
Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and warm water, then wash the tattooed skin. Pat dry with a paper towel or clean cloth towel. Allow the skin to air dry for 5 to 10 minutes. Then apply a very thin layer of Vaseline, Aquaphor, or other ointment.
Dirty needles are the most common cause of infection. Infection is also possible if the technician is inexperienced and fails to wash their hands, put on sterilized gloves, or forgets to clean the skin carefully before the tattoo is applied. Aftercare is also important in the days after getting a tattoo.
Over the years, the FDA has received reports of people developing infections from contaminated tattoo inks, as well as allergic reactions to the inks themselves. In 2019, the FDA issued a safety alert about certain tattoo inks contaminated with microorganisms.
It is advisable that you refrain from drinking for at least 48-72 hours after getting a tattoo. It is normal for plasma and blood to ooze 48 hours after getting a tattoo. However, alcohol consumption will increase the bleeding rate due to blood thinning.
Drink a lot of water during the week; avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before getting tattooed. Please do not shave the area; we will do it for you at your appointment. Avoid aspirin or blood thinning medication at least 24 hours before your tattoo; ibuprofen, acetaminophen, & other NSAID pain relievers are OK.
Extreme redness of the skin: Most tattoos are inflamed and red right after they've been done, but if the redness intensifies rather than resolving within a week of the procedure, you may have an infection.
Don't panic. This “tattoo flu” is pretty common and should fade into memory in a few days (unlike your new tattoo). Your body's immune system is making you feel wiped out while it attacks potential threats to your bod. Be on the lookout for a mild fever, chills, fatigue, and some tummy discomfort.
Medical data shows that about 5% of people who get a tattoo develop an infection, and up to 10% experience short-term complications. You're correct that tattoos have been known to interfere with certain types of medical scans, such as an MRI.
Days 2 to 3
Over the next couple of days, you may notice that your tattoo looks dull and cloudy. No need to panic or start thinking about a touch-up. This happens as your skin heals and new skin starts to form. Excess ink and plasma may still ooze from your skin during this time.
He and his colleagues have found that individuals who frequently get tattoos appear to have higher levels of certain immune molecules, including antibodies, in their blood than people who rarely get inked (at least for a brief time).
Black remains safest. Blue and green inks with copper phthalocyanine pigments are safe too. Some parlous mix their own inks; it's generally safest to use branded inks that list their ingredients, says Dr Amit Karkhanis, laser and cosmetic physician.
When it comes to cancer, black ink can be especially dangerous because it contains a very high level of benzo(a)pyrene. Benzo(a)pyrene is currently listed as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Avoid red pigments made from cadmium red, iron oxide, or cinnabar and ask for naphthol. Avoid neon or vividly colored pigments, which are more likely to be toxic than other pigments. Consider vegan tattoo inks. Numerous companies make pigments that are animal cruelty free.
“Depending on the severity of the infection, you can treat [it] with a topical ointment, pills, or even [an] intravenous antibiotic for severe bacterial infection,” says Dr. Doré. However, while it may be tempting to attempt to treat an infected tattoo by yourself, it's always better to see a medical professional.
Over-moisturising can lead to inflamed tattoos and potentially infection. Excess moisture can clog your skin's pores which prevents it from breathing, something that's important for your skin to heal. This can lead to breakouts on the skin that can damage the tattoo.
Sleeping with a fresh tattoo
Covering a fresh tattoo under blankets or sheets can cause a risk of infection. The bed is a great place for hidden germs that you do not want to get into an open wound. The same as above, your skin needs to breathe, so not covering up under the sheets helps.
If the equipment used to create your tattoo is contaminated with infected blood, you can contract various bloodborne diseases — including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), hepatitis B and hepatitis C.