Can a tattoo get infected after 10 days?

Author: Elliot Rodriguez  |  Last update: Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Some infections occur shortly after getting a tattoo. Others develop over time, and you might not notice them until months later.

What should my tattoo look like after 10 days?

Typically, the scabbing phase tends to last about a week. After this, your tattoo may begin to peel and flake. And after about 10 days most scabs should have flaked away, although thicker scabs may take a little while longer to go - usually the thicker the scab, the longer it takes to heal.

Why is my tattoo still sore after 10 days?

Your tattoo will be healing for months, soreness/tenderness and light itchiness are normal. Swelling looked extreme, but that's also normal for a large piece. It's a natural body trauma response, but if it doesn't go away or is included with a lot of redness or white discharge, see a doctor.

How soon after a tattoo can you get sepsis?

Several studies reporting septic shock associated with cellulitis or necrotizing fasciitis were identified. Septic shock was primarily associated with pyogenic bacteria and occurred within two weeks after tattooing. Death occurred in one person with Vibrio vulnificus-related septic shock.

Is 10 days enough for a tattoo to heal?

The healing time for a tattoo can range from two to four weeks, depending on the size and location of the tattoo.

What You NEED To Do If Your Tattoo Gets Infected!

How to tell if a tattoo is infected or just healing?

What Does an Infected Tattoo Look Like?
  1. A rash that can be itchy with scaly, raised, or swollen bumps.
  2. Excessive redness or discoloration, where the skin beneath the tattoo becomes darker instead of lightening up as it heals.
  3. Pus that oozes from blisters on the skin.
  4. Open sores that may have crusting.

Can I scratch my tattoo after 10 days?

It's safe to scratch your tattoo once it fully heals, or after 4 weeks. Allow your tattoo to scab, peel, and recover from damage before giving in to any itchiness.

Can a tattoo get infected after 2 weeks?

How fast can a tattoo get infected? Some infections occur shortly after getting a tattoo. Others develop over time, and you might not notice them until months later.

What does sepsis look like?

Signs of sepsis are: • Pale, blotchy or blue skin, lips or tongue. Blotchy skin is when parts of your skin are a different colour than normal. Sometimes it is hard to know if you or somebody you look after has sepsis, or if it is something else, like flu or a chest infection.

What antibiotics are used for tattoo infections?

In tattooed skin, these infections will often present as a sudden increase in the erythema and edema after an initial period of improvement following tattoo placement. Antibiotics that cover MSSA and beta-hemolytic streptococci such as cephalexin 500 mg QID for 6 days are appropriate initial treatments.

How to tell if a tattoo is over moisturized?

Signs of an Over-Moisturized Tattoo
  1. The moisturizer you've applied isn't absorbed in the skin. ...
  2. Your skin looks or feels irritated. ...
  3. The tattoo isn't scabbing or the scabs don't fall off.

Can I wash my tattoo after 10 days?

A person should avoid submerging the tattoo in water or getting the tattoo wet during the first 3–6 weeks, except for when washing it. A person can continue using the washing technique above throughout the first week when needed.

Is it normal for a tattoo to scab or be infected?

If the scabbing starts to become red and inflamed, you likely have an infection that needs a doctor's attention. If your tattoo is oozing or developing an open wound (like the photo above) you'll need to see immediate doctor attention to stop the spread of infection.

Can I expose my tattoo after 2 weeks?

In general, you should keep a new tattoo completely protected from the sun for at least three to four weeks.

What are 4 early signs of sepsis?

About sepsis
  • you have severe difficulty breathing – for example, you struggle to speak without pausing, gasping or choking.
  • your lips or skin are turning very pale, blue or grey – on brown or black skin this is easier to see on the palms of your hands.
  • you feel more drowsy than usual or find it more difficult to wake up.

How quickly can a wound get infected?

Infection can develop any time between two to three days after the cut occured, until it's visibly healed. Luckily, infected cuts can be prevented with proper wound protection using Elastoplast plasters. Recognising signs of wound infection is important so you know when to see your doctor for the appropriate treatment.

What color is urine with sepsis?

Conclusion. Dark red/Black urine and blood samples, acute hemolysis, along with the presence of sepsis-induced methemoglobinemia, may be the only early sign of C.

What are the odds of a tattoo getting infected?

A 2016 study that looked at the risk of infection with tattoos found that 0.5–6% of adults who had a tattoo experienced infectious complications. If a tattoo causes severe symptoms or pain that lasts for more than a few days, it can be a sign that there is an infection that needs medical attention.

Is it normal for my tattoo to hurt after 2 weeks?

The scabbing stage can last a few days. The tattooed area is unlikely to still feel sore after about two weeks.

Can you stop a tattoo infection?

For minor infections, wash the infected area twice daily with antibacterial soap. Superficial infections, such as an impetigo or reddish sores around part of the tattoo, can be treated with local wound care plus topical antibiotic. A prescription strength antibiotic may be required for more severe cases.

Why is my 10 day old tattoo itchy?

The area around your tattoo might itch or swell, or you could get a rash. It can happen right after you get the tattoo, or years later. If it's mild -- itchy skin and a few bumps -- treat it with a steroid cream. If your reaction is worse or if doesn't go away in a couple of weeks, call your doctor.

Can a tattoo fully heal in 10 days?

Tattoos typically take two to four weeks to heal on the surface, but it can take three to six months to fully heal. The tattoo healing process typically involves a week of redness and oozing, followed by two to three weeks of itchiness and peeling.

What are the stages of a tattoo infection?

Tattoo Infection Stages
  • Stage 1: A dull pain and tenderness in the area develops.
  • Stage 2: Swelling, warmth, and redness occurs.
  • Stage 3: The initial symptoms worsen, and redness expands over the span of hours or even days.
  • Stage 4: Small papules or bumps begin to form and, in some cases, break open, releasing pus.

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