Signs Your Tattoo Might Be Infected and When to See a Doctor

A tattoo infection is any infection that takes place on the skin after or during the tattooing process as a result of bacteria or other micro-organisms penetrating the skin. This causes inflammation, pain and obstructed healing.

Many people question, on the healing stage, How do tattoos get infected. This occurs when it is not well taken care of or when the surrounding is not clean.

Although a minor case of redness and soreness is anticipated initially, severe problems begin when the symptoms deteriorate rather than get better. One of the best things to do is be keen to notice any change in your tattoo, because in that case, you can decide when it is time to consult a doctor and even talk to an attorney specializing in personal injuries.

What Are the Common Signs of Tattoo Infections?

Understanding what’s normal versus what’s concerning can make all the difference. Let’s walk through the most common signs of tattoo infections

Early Warning Signs Your Tattoo May Be Infected

  • Constant Redness: Mild redness must end in a few days. In case the redness continues to spread or becomes hot upon touch, it can be a resulting effect of infection.
  • Swelling: An increase in swelling is seen later than the initial two days, and this denotes a red flag. Healthy tattoos tend to wear off not to get bigger swollen.
  • Excessive Pain or Tenderness: This is to be anticipated to some degree in the sensitive areas. Nevertheless, the pain level increases rather than decreases, which is an indication that something is wrong. When the tattoo is stinging or painful, it is worth concentrating more when it begins to throb.

Visual Changes That Should Not Be Ignored

  • Pus or Unusual Discharge: Pharynx Early healing is normal, with clear fluid. Yellow, green, or stinking discharge is not thick.

    This form of drainage normally leads to bacteria developing underneath the body, and needs to be overlooked at all costs.
  • Thick Scabs or Open Sores: During healing, light scabbing is involved. The cracks or reopening heavy sores which are repeatedly irritated can indicate infection.

    In case there is redness or fluid build up when the scabs are present, the threat is further enhanced.

Systemic Symptoms That Signal a Serious Issue

  • Fever or Chills: A fever does not need explanation since this means that your body is at war, beyond surface irritation. This may occur when the infection is passed outside the part that is tattooed.

    The presence of chills, fatigue, or body aches with the pain of the tattoos is an indicator that one should seek help as soon as possible.
  • Red Streaks Spreading From the Tattoo: The appearance of red lines moving out of the tattoo on the lymph nodes nearby is a severe indicator.

    This may be a sign that bacteria are diffused by the lymphatic system.

When to See a Doctor for a Tattoo Infection

You should consult a medical professional if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above. Early treatment may involve topical or oral antibiotics. Delaying care can lead to scarring or deeper skin infections.

How to Reduce the Risk of Tattoo Infections

Tattoos get infected due to poor aftercare, unclean equipment, or touching the tattoo with dirty hands during healing. Here are a few simple habits that can significantly lower your infection risk

  • Follow your artist’s aftercare instructions closely.
  • Wash your hands before touching the tattoo.
  • Avoid soaking the tattoo in water.
  • Keep the area clean and dry.
  • Skip tight clothing that causes friction.

When You May Need to Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer

Most of the time, the tattoo infections can be treated and healed through medical assistance. Yet, it can be that there is a need of legal guidance in a situation. 

In case your infection was triggered by dirty equipment, unqualified artists, needles that had been used before, or poor standards at a tattoo salon, the issue of liability could be involved. It is at this stage that you would seek the help of a personal injury lawyer. 

The professional may assist in identifying whether negligence might have contributed towards it and recommend to you on regards to compensation.

Key Takeaways

  • Some redness and soreness are normal, but worsening symptoms are not.
  • Pus, spreading redness, and increasing pain are common signs of tattoo infections.
  • Fever and red streaks require immediate medical attention.
  • Proper aftercare is the best defense against infection.

Leave a Reply