Any time you receive a tattoo, there's a risk of infection. Even if you go to an experienced tattoo artist and the shop looks clean and sterile, it can happen. There's also a risk of infection with at-home tattoo kits and ceremonial tattoos that are part of cultural celebrations.
Tattooing represents an important aggression of the skin that leads to the disruption of the epidermal basement membrane and even cell necrosis [1]. Between 1–5% of those who get a tattoo experience tattoo-related skin infections [4].
Inappropriate hygiene measures in tattoo parlors and non-medical wound care are major risk factors for tattoo-related infections. In addition, facultative pathogenic bacterial species can be isolated from tattoo inks in use, which may pose a serious health risk.
What's done is done, right? Not always. In fact, skin irritation or a full-blown condition can develop months, years, even decades after the initial tattooing process.
Typically speaking, tattoos can get infected anywhere from a few days to a couple of months after they are finished. This is because healing times vary, and, as long as there is still skin to heal, infection is possible.
Some infections occur shortly after getting a tattoo. Others develop over time, and you might not notice them until months later.
Over-moisturising can lead to inflamed tattoos and potentially infection. Excess moisture can clog your skin's pores which prevents it from breathing, something that's important for your skin to heal. This can lead to breakouts on the skin that can damage the tattoo.
“Not only is this risky, but it can also ruin the appearance of your new tattoo,” says Dr. Rodney. “The infected skin may not heal correctly, leaving an unsightly scar or an abscess that needs to be drained by a doctor.”
Wash the tattoo with a mild soap and water 2 times a day. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.
Tattoo-related infections have two main sources: The artist and his or her studio. A tattoo artist that doesn't use sterile techniques can spread bacteria or other infectious organisms. Sterile technique means sterilizing tools, washing hands and using gloves, and using sterilized water when tattoo ink must be diluted.
Tattoo flu explained
So while you might be super chill mentally, your immune system might charge in like there's a four alarm fire. When the needle hits your skin, your pain receptors go into overdrive, giving you a nice jolt of adrenaline which then makes your ticker beat a bit faster.
However, if the tattoo is still sore and swollen, it may indicate inflammation and infection . If this happens, a person should consult a healthcare professional immediately.
With basic care and good hygiene, most new tattoos heal within a few weeks, but some people may develop an infection that requires medical attention. Symptoms of a tattoo infection include: a rash, redness, or bumps in the tattoo area. a fever.
Drunken behaviour could ruin your new tattoo
You need to be aware of keeping your tattoo clean and dry while it is fresh, so a night out might not be the best option. It's generally recommended that you wait at least 48 hours after your new tattoo before you start drinking alcohol again.
Your tattoo will go through a number of stages as it heals. In the first few days, redness, oozing fluid and swollen skin is common. If this carries on however for more than a few days this could be a sign of an infection. After two weeks, your skin may begin to peel.
So what product should you use? You may have heard some rumours that Bepanthen shouldn't be used on new tattoos, but this absolutely isn't the case. Bepanthen is by far one of the most highly recommended tattoo aftercare products and is the go-to ointment for most tattoo artists and studios.
While tattoo scabbing is a normal part of the healing process, there are a few things to watch out for that can suggest an infection. These include: Swelling and redness. Feeling cold and having heat waves, including fever or abnormal shivering.
You should start moisturizing your new tattoo right away and not stop for some time. Love says there's an immediate need to keep a new tattoo moisturized: Moisturizing helps to prevent scabbing and promote healing. "During the healing process, you should moisturize your tattoo three to six times a day," Ladna says.
Yes! Moisturizing your tattoo regularly is extremely important. You should moisturize your clean tattoo 3 – 6 times per day, for roughly two weeks (though proper skincare is always important, and most tattoo enthusiasts moisturize their tattoos daily for life!).
Until the surface of the tattoo is healed (at a minimum of two to three weeks), wash the area gently 2-3 times per day. After cleaning the tattoo during this two to three week period, gently apply a thin coat of a lotion-based care product. We recommend After Inked tattoo moisturizer and aftercare lotion.
You may notice one or more of the following: Redness: It becomes darker or spreads instead of lightening and diminishing. Pain: It continues or worsens instead of subsiding. Rash of itchy, red, and painful bumps develop within the tattoo.
It is possible to have reactions to the inks or the metals in the needles used in tattoos, causing swelling and even damage to the skin tissue itself. Allergies to the red dyes are most common. This person is having an allergic reaction to the red used in the flames around the skull tattoo.
Tattoo Healing Stages - A Complete Timeline
The outer layer of your new tattoo will heal within 2-3 weeks, though the entire healing process often takes upwards of 6 months. Here's a full timeline of what you can expect while you recover.