Getting a new tattoo is an exciting experience, but it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks, including infection. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of an infected tattoo early can help you seek timely care and prevent complications. This guide will walk you through what to look for to ensure your tattoo heals properly and stays healthy.
How Tattoos Become Infected: Common Causes
Tattoo infections occur when bacteria, viruses, or fungi enter the skin during or after the tattooing process. Several factors can contribute to an infection:
- Non-Sterile Equipment: Unsterilized needles and equipment are primary culprits. They can harbor bacteria like staphylococcus, leading to infections such as impetigo and staph infections.
- Contaminated Tattoo Ink: Despite labels claiming sterility, tattoo inks can be contaminated with bacteria even before use or during the tattooing process. The FDA does not regulate tattoo ink, making quality control inconsistent.
- Unsterile Water for Dilution: Some artists dilute tattoo ink with water to achieve specific shades. Using non-sterile water, including tap or even distilled water, can introduce microorganisms and cause infection. Sterile water from a newly opened bottle is essential.
- Harmful Ink Ingredients: Tattoo inks may contain ingredients that are not biocompatible or are inherently contaminated. These can include animal-based additives, industrial-grade pigments, and chemical additives not intended for intradermal use.
- Inadequately Prepared Skin: If the skin is not properly cleaned and disinfected before the tattoo is applied, bacteria already present on the skin can be introduced into the open wound, leading to infection.
- Poor Aftercare: Even with a perfectly executed tattoo, improper aftercare during the healing process can create an environment where infection can thrive.
Recognizing the Signs: Infected Tattoo Symptoms
Identifying an infected tattoo involves observing changes and symptoms around the tattooed area. These signs may manifest in the entire tattoo or be localized to specific colors or sections. Be vigilant for the following symptoms:
- Increased Redness: While some redness is normal immediately after getting a tattoo, persistent or worsening redness beyond the first few days can be a sign of infection.
- Swelling: Initial swelling is expected, but excessive or prolonged swelling, particularly if accompanied by other symptoms, may indicate infection.
- Pus or Drainage: Any discharge from the tattoo site that is yellow, green, or cloudy, especially if it has a foul odor, is a strong indication of infection. Bumps filled with pus may also appear.
- Increased Warmth: The tattooed area feeling excessively hot to the touch, beyond normal post-tattoo warmth, can be a symptom of infection.
- Pain and Tenderness: While some tenderness is normal, escalating pain that is disproportionate to the healing stage, or tenderness to the touch, could be a sign of infection.
- Systemic Symptoms: Fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes (tender glands in the neck, armpits, or groin) suggest a more serious, systemic infection that requires immediate medical attention.
- Persistent Itchiness: While tattoos can itch as they heal, intense or worsening itchiness, especially with other signs of infection, should be monitored.
Types of Tattoo Infections
Tattoo infections primarily fall into a few categories:
- Bacterial Skin Infections: These are the most common, often caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a more serious bacterial infection that, while rare, is possible in unhygienic tattoo environments.
- Viral Infections: Although less frequent, viral infections such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV can be transmitted through unsterilized tattoo equipment. Ensuring your artist uses proper sterilization techniques and disposable needles is critical.
It’s important to remember that getting vaccinated against hepatitis and tetanus is recommended, but it doesn’t eliminate the risk of all infections from tattooing.
If you suspect your tattoo is infected, seek medical advice from a healthcare professional immediately. Do not attempt to self-treat an infected tattoo, as this could worsen the condition. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing complications and ensuring proper healing of your tattoo.
