SIGNS OF AN INFECTED TATTOO

An infected tattoo is the nastiest thing that can happen during the tattoo recovery process. An infection can happen due to improper tattoo aftercare or unhygienic inking practices. An infected tattoo is extremely dangerous and even life threatening if not treated properly.

Don’t let any infection overwhelm your newly inked artwork; the trick is to recognize the early signs of infection and immediately seek medical help.

Pain. Getting a tattoo is painful, but an infected one is much, much more. As with any cut or injury to the skin, pain is worst initially and subsides afterwards. If you start to feel any pain hours after an inking session, like a throbbing pain or pain even without touching the would, this could be an infection.

Swelling and reddening. Check the area if it is swollen and also if there are reddening around the margins of the tattoo. Apart from an infection, this could also mean an allergic reaction to the ink, which also calls for medical attention.

Discharge. It is normal to find clear amber colored discharge oozing out on a new tat. This is actually plasma and it is a typical part of wound healing. In tattoo aftercare, this is usually washed off, preventing it from dried out to form a scab. If you find white, yellowish or greenish discharge these are a sure sign of an infection.

Odor. You new tat should absolutely be odor free. In case you smell something funny, this is another sign of an infection. Bacteria found in an infected wound produce these foul odors. Your tattoo may look fine from the outside, but underneath the skin pustules of puss can form.

If you find any of the above, better have it checked out immediately with your tattoo artist. They always know what to do with these circumstances. If the severity of the infection is too great, a referral to a doctor is likely.