Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the symptoms of infection
• Part 2 of 3: Treating infection
• Part 3 of 3: Preventing infection
• Tips

Any tattoo will cause mild discomfort for the first hours and days after the session, but it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between the regular discomfort and more severe symptoms of infection. Learning what to look for can help you make the recovery process as stress-free as possible. Learn to recognize the symptoms of infection, treat any infections, and avoid getting your tattoo infected.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the symptoms of infection

1. Wait a few days before making a conclusion. On the day the tattoo is done, the entire area will be red, slightly swollen and tender. New tattoos will hurt a bit, much like a severe sunburn.In the first 48 hours after getting the tattoo, it can be incredibly difficult to determine whether an infection has indeed settled in. Therefore, do not jump to conclusions. Take the right follow-up measures and wait a while before you start to worry.
   • Pay close attention to the pain you feel. If the tattoo is extremely painful and the pain lasts for more than three days after the session, you can go back to the studio to ask the tattoo artist to take a look at the tattoo.
2. Watch for severe inflammation. Large or intricate tattoos take longer to recover than simple line art and smaller tattoos. However, if the tattoo remains very inflamed for more than three days, it could indicate an infection. Again, any new tattoo will be slightly inflamed - however, the inflammation should subside in a few days.
   • Hold your hand over the area to see if you can feel heat. If you feel the area radiating heat, it could indicate serious inflammation.
   • Itching, especially itching that spreads outward from the tattoo, can also indicate an allergic reaction or infection. Tattoos will be a little itchy, but if the itching gets very strong and lasts more than a week after putting it on, it is wise to have someone take a look at it.
   • Redness can also be a symptom of infection. Know that all tattoos will turn slightly red in the area around the lines. However, if the redness gets darker instead of lighter and also starts to hurt more instead of less, it indicates a serious infection.
3. Watch for severe swelling. If the area in or around the tattoo starts to swell unevenly, it could be a symptom of a serious infection. Fluid-filled pimples, blisters and sores are definitely indicative of infection and should be treated immediately. Have someone look at the tattoo if it increases rather than shrinks significantly.
   • Strong-smelling discharge is also a serious sign. Go to the emergency room or your doctor immediately.
   • Look for red lines flowing out from the tattoo. If you see thin, red lines running out of the tattoo, you should see a doctor immediately - you could have gotten septicemia.
4. Take your temperature. If at any time you are concerned about getting an infection, it is wise to take your temperature with an accurate thermometer. Make sure your temperature doesn't get too high. If you're feeling a bit feverish, it could indicate an infection that needs treatment — yesterday rather than today.

Part 2 of 3: Treating infection

1. Show the infection to the tattoo artist. If you are concerned about your tattoo but are not sure if it is infected, it is wise to visit the person who got it. Show him / her how the recovery process has gone so far and ask him / her to rate that process.
   • If you experience severe symptoms, such as strong-smelling discharge and significant pain, you should skip this step and go to a doctor or emergency room immediately.
2. Go to the doctor. If you've talked to the tattoo artist and tried to take the best care of the tattoo, but are still showing symptoms of infection, it's important to see the doctor as soon as possible. He / she will prescribe antibiotics for you. Usually there is not much that can be applied topically to the tattoo, but medication can help fight the infection.
   • Start the course of antibiotics as soon as possible to help your body fight the infection. Most topical infections are generally easy to treat, but blood infection is a serious issue and must be treated appropriately and quickly.
3. Use topical ointment if prescribed. Your doctor may prescribe topical ointment in addition to antibiotics to make sure the tattoo heals properly. If so, you should apply the ointment regularly and keep the tattoo as clean as possible. Gently wash the tattoo with clean water twice a day or follow the doctor's specific instructions.
   • In some cases, you will need to cover the tattoo with sterile bandages after self-treatment, but also make sure that enough air can get in to prevent the infection from developing further. The tattoo needs fresh air.
4. Keep the tattoo dry while the infection heals. Wash your tattoo regularly with water and a very small amount of unscented soap. Then pat the area thoroughly before reapplying, or choose to leave the tattoo uncovered. Never cover infected tattoos and keep them dry.

Part 3 of 3: Preventing infection

1. Get tested for allergies before getting a tattoo. Although it is uncommon, there are those who are allergic to certain ingredients in the tattoo ink. Such an allergy can be a nasty and painful situation if you decide to get a tattoo anyway. If you want to get a tattoo, you better err on the side of caution and get allergy tested beforehand.
   • Black ink generally does not contain ingredients to which people are allergic. However, colored inks often contain additives that can cause allergic reactions in some people. If you want a tattoo with India ink, you usually don't have to worry - even if you are sensitive to certain substances.
2. Only get your tattoos done by licensed tattoo artists. When getting a tattoo, you should always do your homework first. Look for good and reputable tattoo artists and tattoo shops near you. Always make sure that the tattoo artist is licensed and in possession of the necessary certificates. Also make sure the tattoo parlors get good reviews, show high customer satisfaction and take proper hygiene precautions.
   • Never put your tattoo at home yourself. Even if your friend can tattoo "very, very well," you should make an appointment with a professional tattoo artist. Never get your tattoos done by an amateur.
   • If you come by appointment and find suspicious behavior or unsanitary conditions, you should cancel your appointment and walk away. Look for a better tattoo parlor.
3. Make sure the tattoo artist uses a clean needle. Good tattooists value hygiene and will take steps to show you clearly that they are using new needles and putting on gloves. If not, ask for it. Good tattoo parlors make it clear that they meet high hygiene standards, and good tattoo artists respect the fact that you care about your health and safety.
4. Keep your tattoo clean. Carefully follow the tattoo artist's instructions to make sure you take proper care of your tattoo. Make this a priority. Rinse the tattoo gently with warm water and soap and pat the area dry. Start with this 24 hours after getting the tattoo.
   • Tattoo artists will usually give or recommend an ointment, such as Bepanthen. You should apply this to the tattoo to keep the tattoo clean and to ensure that it recovers well. You have to do this for at least three to five days after putting it on. Never use petroleum jelly on your new tattoos.
5. Make sure that enough air can reach the tattoo during the recovery process. In the first few days after getting the new tattoo, it is important to make sure that the tattooed area experiences as little discomfort as possible. Let the area heal naturally. Do not wear clothing that could irritate the area and try to avoid direct sunlight as much as possible to prevent the ink from bleeding.

Tips

• Visit the doctor if you have any concerns. Be on the safe side.
• If any of these symptoms occur after getting a tattoo, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. It can be harmful if the infection gets worse, as it can even affect your life. Visit the tattoo artist (instead of the doctor) as he / she is likely to have more experience with these types of problems and will know how to be of service to you.