What to Do When Your Tattoo Is Infected?
Having a fresh tattoo is pure enjoyment; however, one should dutifully take care of it during the period of its healing. Even if everything in the aftercare is being followed, there can be times when an infection occurs. A little knowledge of how to identify the signs and act swiftly would avert severe complications and allow for proper healing.
How to Identify an Infected Tattoo?
Healing tattoos appear normal with mild redness and slight swelling subsiding in a couple of days. If the redness spreads, intensifies, or if yellow, green, pungent discharge, or extreme localized pain are observed, this is an indicator of an infection. Other alarming signs are burning sensation or fever, in which case your body is really fighting the bacteria.
What to Do Immediately?
If you suspect any infection in your tattoo, gently wash your tattoo with warm water and antibacterial soap that is fragrance-free. Pat it dry with a clean towel or paper towel—never rub the area with any material. Avoid petroleum jelly or thick ointments, as they may lock the bacteria under the skin and worsen the infection. Apply a breathable layer of healing cream as suggested by your tattoo artist.
Never pop blisters or scabs. Keep the area clean and free from tight clothing. Most importantly, inform your tattoo artist—it can be easy for them to recognize whether an infection is simple or one that needs medical attention.
When to Seek Medical Attention?
If in two days the infection gets worse, or is accompanied by any fever, chills, or major swelling, a practitioner ought to be consulted right away. You might need antibiotics to clear the infection and protect the skin from the beard.
Prevention, of course, is the better part. Always settle on a good tattoo studio, such as Black Amethyst Tattoo Gallery, where sanitary conditions are maintained much more seriously. A careful aftercare procedure, sitting on the platform of expert artistry, can allow the tattoo to heal well, remaining free from infection.
This post was written by J Michael Taylor. J Michael Taylor is an artist and the owner of Black Amethyst Tattoo Gallery. Looking for Tattoo shops in St Petersburg, Florida? Black Amethyst has you covered! They provide an art-first approach to custom tattooing in a gallery setting.