During the healing stage, a tattoo goes through different phases, and at times its appearance can be alarming. The healing process varies for each person. Depending on individual factors and the hygienic care given during the healing and hydration phase, we can achieve a good result for the tattoo. That’s why “I think my tattoo is infected!” is one of the key phrases when clients contact the studio concerned about their tattoo. Has your tattoo become infected? Is it normal for your tattoo to look so strange that you could be an extra in a zombie TV series? Let’s take a look…
Around 5% of tattoo healings can become complicated with bacterial infections.
Here’s how the usual progression of a tattoo should be, from the moment you leave the studio until it is fully healed.
Hours after leaving the studio with your brand-new tattoo, the bleeding will have stopped. The area will start to produce a transparent and viscous liquid that serves to clean it, which will mix with the ink residue… A carnival of colors. In tattoos where a lot of pigment has been inserted to saturate a color, that area may appear more swollen. Keep in mind that the skin there has been more stressed by the needle, so swelling is normal.
Since the tattoo will be protected in the first few hours by plastic film, paper, or adhesive dressing, fluids will accumulate in them, and everything will look unpleasant during the initial healing stages. We will clean off the excess ooze with neutral pH soap and water. Over the course of several days, the swelling will subside, and the oozing will cease. It is also very common for the tattooed area to feel warm and tender in the first few days. Take a look at the tattoo care during healing HERE.
Following Murphy’s Law, everyone will greet you by touching your tattoo. “Watch out for the tattoo!” will be in your repertoire of phrases.
The tissue repair phase begins, and new tissue forms. It’s important to leave the tattoo uncovered so that the wound can breathe. It may itch during this stage. It’s crucial to start moisturizing the tattoo with a healing cream, being careful not to over-moisturize (to prevent the formation of small pimples) or let the skin dry excessively, which can lead to scabbing. The skin in that area will be weaker and less flexible than the surrounding skin. (That’s why it’s not recommended to engage in sports… we don’t want the tattoo to stretch or contract excessively, aside from the potential for bumps, sweat, dust, etc.). Here, we’ll continue with cleansing routines and proper hydration, allowing dead skin and “flakes” to naturally fall off, leaving behind new skin that still looks unusual, as if the tattoo were covered by a translucent film.
We should also pay attention to showers. We don’t want the skin to remain excessively moist; on the contrary, it could lead to the development of unwanted bacteria. Remember that excessive fussing can compromise the tattoo by exposing it to possible contamination. Follow the healing guidelines responsibly. The tattoo itself will remind you of its presence on more than one occasion, and you won’t need to constantly shower it with love.
Keep moisturizing! In a matter of months, your tattoo will look great, and within a year, it will be fantastic.
Okay, but… something feels off…
How will you know if your tattoo is infected? How many hours do you have before your tattoo becomes a zombie?
A simple contact with any unclean surface, where your pet may have been, handling the tattoo without hygiene precautions (applying cream with unwashed hands or applying adhesive dressings carelessly) are some examples of how the curse of the infected tattoo begins.
Don’t worry if, during the first few days, the tattoo oozes fluids and the skin appears reddened, swollen, and warm. You can start to worry if that sensation persists and becomes more complicated beyond 3 or 4 days, and if the area hurts when touched (touching the patch or during cleansing with clean hands), if the tattoo design distorts, and pus and a foul odor appear.
If the area under the tattoo tends to swell excessively, the skin becomes inflamed, and the design starts to deform, an infection may have begun.
In some cases, within the first two days following a long tattoo session (which can lead to lowered defenses), it’s possible to experience episodes of fever. However, an episode of fever is only indicative of an infection if accompanied by the symptoms described above.
Pain is highly subjective. As a guideline… the sensation of a freshly done tattoo is similar to having been burned after sunbathing. If that sensation turns into a piercing and intense pain when touched, it’s time to be concerned…
When a tattoo becomes infected, it’s not the entire surface that becomes infected, but rather localized areas where discomfort and infection symptoms can spread if left unresolved. If we address this setback promptly, the tattoo artist won’t have to touch up or restore the core area of the piece.
What should you do then?
First, you need to prioritize hygiene measures. Wash your hands thoroughly, clean and dry the tattoo, and avoid moisturizing or applying any type of cream. If the area allows and you won’t compromise the tattoo by rubbing against things, leave it uncovered. If not, loosely cover it with disposable paper or gauze to prevent moisture from fermenting the wound.
Now, ideally, seek medical assistance at an emergency room or with a dermatologist for a check-up. You will likely need to undergo an antibiotic treatment with an antibacterial ointment to directly address the infection.
The healing method for an infected tattoo is the same as for a non-infected tattoo, with the exception that instead of moisturizing and caring for the skin with specific tattoo creams, you will use the antibacterial ointment. Take a look at the healing method for a tattoo, keeping this detail in mind HERE. You won’t be able to heal it with adhesive dressings.
Do not use creams or lotions in the infected area. Only use the medication prescribed by the medical specialist.
To help alleviate inflammation and pain, you can apply a clean, cold compress to the infected area.
Infections damage the tattoo and put the client in a position where they have to return to the tattoo studio if they want to display a beautiful piece. But don’t worry, it’s not always the case!
Lastly, just because your tattoo has become infected doesn’t mean that you are or we think you are a careless person or lacking hygiene. We don’t like to judge anyone. Accidents happen! But don’t blame the tattoo artist… If it were due to their incompetence, they wouldn’t have any clients. We comply with health regulations in our studio. We undergo inspections regarding health and sanitation. Our working materials are disposable, and our tools, furniture, and products are properly sanitized after each client. We love you!
Have we helped you? Share this article with that friend who has an infected tattoo. We also invite you to read the recommendations before getting a tattoo… Listen to the tattoo artist!