What happens if tattoo is infected

The one question it can't answer: Is my tattoo infected? Just like piercing infections , a tattoo gone wrong is hard to identify, but there are some red flags to look out for. Is the tattoo tender and swollen? Do you see pus secretions?

Are you feeling feverish? If you answered yes to all of the above, you may have an infection. Before you self-diagnose these symptoms based on a frantic Google search, allow a pro to weigh in.

Read his advice ahead — but first, call your doctor. Are tattoo infections common? According to Dr. Lin, contracting an infection isn't an uncommon scenario. Some published surveys have found that 0. Lin explains that your chances of infection increase if proper tattooing techniques and protocols aren't followed or used, like sterilized surfaces and equipment, single-use needles, and disposable gloves. They should be able to provide you with aftercare information. Shop for petroleum jelly.

Once the tattooed area starts to form into scabs, use a moisturizer or lotion to keep your skin from getting too dry or damaged. This can cause the area to heal improperly, which may make you more susceptible to infections. Read this article in Spanish. Tattoo aftercare starts as soon as your tattoo is done. Learn how to care for your tattoo, what to expect in the first month, the signs of infection….

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Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Tattoo Infection: Tips for Identification and Treatment. Identification Pictures Staph infection Treatment See a doctor Outlook Prevention We include products we think are useful for our readers. How to identify an infected tattoo. Tattoo infection: Pictures. Is staph infection likely? How to treat an infected tattoo. When to see a doctor. The outlook. How to prevent tattoo infection. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.

In cases of severe deep-skin infections, surgical treatments involving removing the skin with the tattoo may be necessary on top of antibiotics , Massick says. Due to the chance of infection, it's important that you minimize the risk as much as possible when you get a new tattoo. Massick says you should only seek out reputable tattoo studios and professionally licensed tattoo artists and make sure to ask questions about sterilization practices.

Just as importantly, follow after-care instructions. Keep an eye out for infection symptoms, and address them early to avoid a more severe infection that may require surgery and could ruin your new art. World globe An icon of the world globe, indicating different international options. Get the Insider App. Click here to learn more. A leading-edge research firm focused on digital transformation. Women's Health. Primary Care.