Tattoos are all the rage nowadays. However, knowing how to cure an infected tattoo is almost as important as the irresistible urge that led you to get it.
Have you also been unable to resist marking your skin with feelings, desires, memories, loves, or the most relevant moments of your life? Then this post is written for you.
Hygiene Measures for Tattoos
Every tattoo begins in a studio, guided by a professional expert. If this professional follows minimum hygiene and safety measures, the idea of getting a tattoo won’t be dangerous or overly complex.
This first point is non-negotiable, as negligence on the part of a tattoo artist could lead to an infection on the skin.
Hence the importance of choosing the professional who will carry out your tattoo very carefully. If you insist on precautions (sterilized equipment, glove usage, uncontaminated ink), you can relax and feel quite safe.
However, once the artwork has been done, you are still not exempt from experiencing an infection. That’s why it’s important to follow the tattoo artist’s recommendations to the letter during the first hours and days.
Keep in mind that, from that moment on, the responsibility will be entirely yours.
How to Tell If You Have an Infected Tattoo
As you probably already know, the process of tattooing your skin with ink is not painless. That’s why it’s quite common to feel mild pain, itching, burning, or even notice some redness in the area in the following days.
These symptoms are common during the first 48 hours. However, if they persist beyond a couple of days, it’s possible that the tattoo is infected or becoming infected. In any case, we’ll now refine things a bit and tell you how you can identify an infection by yourself.
Symptoms of an Infected Tattoo
Do you notice excessive swelling in the tattoo area? If your skin is inflamed and the tattoo pattern starts to deform, you’re facing a clear symptom of infection.
Is pus (or another similar fluid) emanating from your tattoo wound, along with foul odors? As you may have guessed, this is a very obvious sign of infection.
Is the pain (usual until the wound closes) increasing in intensity? If instead of gradually fading away, it persists over too many days, your tattoo has likely become infected.
Having a fever is not a good sign, as it is a clear indication that your body is battling an external aggression. If the thermometer is warning you and you have one or several of the aforementioned symptoms, then go to a healthcare center.
How to Cure an Infected Tattoo
Now that you know the possible symptoms of an infection, you know when to act to remedy it. It seems obvious that the first recommendation we will give you is to see a dermatologist as soon as possible.
And if, as everything seems to indicate, your tattoo is truly infected, your doctor will prescribe you an antibiotic treatment.
However, beyond strictly following this treatment, you can also follow a series of tips to cure your infected tattoo at home. Pay close attention:
- Lightly cover your tattoo for the first few days. If you have gauze and adhesive tape, that will be enough. But, be sure never to cover the wound with transparent paper (or a similar product). These types of materials prevent transpiration, which can end up causing the infection to grow.
- Along the same lines, you should also let the affected area breathe. The reason is simple: the wound will heal better in the open air. However, if you go out, it’s always better to have your tattoo well covered. This way, you’ll prevent it from getting contaminated.
- You can apply a cold compress to the infected tattoo. This will mainly achieve two things: reduce swelling and temper the pain.
- You should wash the area as your dermatologist has instructed you. Normally this is usually done only with water (or with water and mild soap). But don’t forget to also wash your hands beforehand. Furthermore, you may have been prescribed an antibacterial ointment. So, don’t forget to apply it every day.
- Do not use lotions or creams that your doctor has not recommended. Also, when you shower, you should avoid getting the infected area wet.
What You Can Do to Prevent an Infection When Getting a Tattoo
As the old saying goes, it’s always better to prevent than to cure. In that sense, if you want to avoid your tattoo getting infected, it will be very important to follow a series of basic preventive care.
Usually, the tattoo artist will tell you, step by step, what you should do during the first few days. Anyway, we’ll give you a quick summary:
- The first thing you should do is keep the skin of your tattoo clean. In any case, when you shower, you should avoid direct contact with the jets (at least, during the first few days). When drying the area, try to do it gently and without rubbing.
- Secondly, you should avoid the sun hitting your tattoo in the first few weeks. Its radiation can cause irritation and make the design lose color and shine.
- Thirdly, stay away from pools, rivers, and beaches while your tattoo is healing. Otherwise, it may be affected by dirt and bacteria that will put your skin’s health at risk.
- Finally, you should choose the right clothing. And if you’re wondering what clothing this is, the answer is simple: clothing that doesn’t pose a risk of adhering to your tattoo.
We’ve just reached the end of this post. Thanks to it, you now know how to cure an infected tattoo. Additionally, you’ve learned how to identify an infection and prevent its occurrence.
So, the long-awaited moment has arrived: enjoy your tattoo with total safety!
About Author
- https://t.me/s/tattoogunmachine
- Hello everyone! My name is Jade Blunt, and I'm a passionate tattoo enthusiast. Let me share a bit about my life and my journey in the world of ink and skin.
Ever since I was a child, I've been drawn to art and creativity in all its forms. However, it was when I turned 18 that I discovered my true passion: tattoos. I remember my first tattoo, a small design on my wrist that marked the beginning of an adventure that would change my life forever.
As my love for tattoos grew, so did my desire to learn more about this fascinating art. I started researching, talking to talented tattoo artists, and immersing myself in the history and culture of tattoos. Every tattoo tells a story, and I wanted to be a part of that narrative.
Over time, I decided to share my passion with the world through my blog, "Tattoo Gun Machine." In this space, I strive to provide valuable information about tattoos, from tips for tattooed skin care to stories of innovative tattoo artists and inspiring designs. My goal is to educate and inspire those who share my love for tattoos, as well as to demystify some of the stigmas surrounding this art form.
My blog has become a corner of the web where the tattoo-loving community can connect, share ideas, and explore new trends. I've also had the privilege of interviewing some of the most talented tattoo artists in the world, who share their unique experiences and knowledge within my pages.
But my journey in the world of tattoos doesn't stop here. I'm always on the lookout for new inspiration and challenges. I dream of one day opening my own tattoo studio, where I can bring my own designs to life and continue contributing to this form of artistic expression.
So, if you share my passion for tattoos or are simply interested in learning more about this exciting world, I invite you to join me on my journey at "Tattoo Gun Machine." Together, we can explore the art, culture, and beauty of tattoos as we continue to ink our stories onto the canvas of life. I'll see you on my blog!
