Can a tattoo get infected after 2 weeks?

Author: Mr. Osbaldo Huel I  |  Last update: Monday, October 6, 2025

In the first two weeks, it's also normal to have itching, flaking, oozing clear liquid, and scabbing. But if it's been over two weeks, and your symptoms are getting worse rather than better, you might have an infected tattoo.

How long after a tattoo can it still get infected?

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

Can a 3 week old tattoo get infected?

An infection in a new tattoo made of gray ink, which the tattoo artist created by mixing black ink with tap water. When it's likely to appear: An infection can happen: Immediately after getting a tattoo. Days or months after getting inked.

What are the odds of a tattoo getting infected?

Tattoo infections are rare. In fact, as few as 6% of people who get a tattoo experience any type of infection.

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

Your tattoo hurts because it is a healing wound. Think of a tattoo no differently than you would had you just gotten stitches. After 2 weeks, your stitches might be out, but the skin is still healing and the tissue is still damaged and would hurt to apply pressure.

How To Tell If Your Tattoo Is Infected

Why does my tattoo look bad after 2 weeks?

YOUR TATTOO WILL TAKE ABOUT 2 WEEKS TO HEAL. IT WILL BE TENDER FOR THE FIRST FEW DAYS, THEN IT WILL DEVELOP LIGHT SCABS AND APPEAR DRY, THESE WILL GRADUALLY FLAKE OFF. DURING THIS TRANSITIONAL PERIOD THE TATTOO MAY LOOK LIGHT OR DISCOLORED AND IT MAY SEEM THAT THE COLOR IS FALLING OUT WITH THE SCABS.

Is a tattoo ruined if it gets infected?

Will an Infected Tattoo Still Heal? A mild infection that is caught and treated early likely won't ruin the tattoo, but the longer it's left untreated, the more risk you run of visual changes to the tattoo.

Why do I feel sick after a tattoo?

Tattooing can result in several complications such as localized and systemic infections, inflammatory skin eruptions and neoplasms. We recently experienced a 26-year-old man diagnosed with typical TSS following tattooing. He complained of fever, chills and erythematous rash at tattoo site.

Can your body reject a tattoo?

Yes, your body can reject tattoo ink. This is often evident in symptoms like itching, swelling, and raised skin. Tattoo ink rejection is typically due to an allergic reaction to the ink. In such cases, removal or medical attention may be necessary.

Why is my old tattoo suddenly raised and itchy?

If you're having an allergic reaction to your tattoo, you might get a rash that's red, bumpy, or itchy. These symptoms can crop up in the days after you first get your tattoo or can appear months or years later. You can most likely treat the area with a steroid ointment.

Is my tattoo infected or overworked?

If your tattoo is INFECTED things will look different than when it's irritated. You might still see some redness, swelling, and soreness, but look at the extended area away from the tattoo to investigate for drainage of fluid or pus, severe redness, excessive swelling, and tenderness.

How do you treat a mild tattoo infection?

Many people experience a slight inflammation, but if symptoms persist, a person should see their doctor. Antibiotic treatment can usually resolve a tattoo related infection. Without treatment, complications of a skin infection, such as a deeper infection, and, rarely, sepsis may occur in some people.

What are the red flags of tattoo healing?

Infections: Excessive redness, swelling, or pus are red flags. Allergic reactions: Persistent itching, rashes, or irritation may indicate a reaction to tattoo ink or products. Prolonged healing: If your tattoo isn't healing within the expected timeframe, consult a medical professional.

What should a tattoo look like after 2 weeks?

Tattoo Care After 2 Weeks (Days 15 to 30):

This is the last stage of the healing process. Most, if not all, of the scabs will have fallen off by this point. If your tattoo looks dry and dull, continue to moisturize to rehydrate the skin.

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.

What ointment is good for tattoo infection?

Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin™ Zinc Oxide ointment, Neosporin™ or Vitamin A&D ointment. After 5 days, substitute a gentle fragrance-free and color-free body lotion. Repeat the above washing/ointment procedure at least 3 times a day for 1–2 weeks.

What are the stages of a healing tattoo?

The tattoo healing process typically involves a week of redness and oozing, followed by two to three weeks of itchiness and peeling. After about a month, the skin still internally heals.

Is Aquaphor good for infected tattoos?

Topical Creams: Topical creams such as Aquaphor healing ointment and petroleum jelly are best for keeping the tattooed area hydrated and reducing infection symptoms such as redness and inflammation.

Why does my new tattoo look smudged?

A: Tattoo ink bleeding, often referred to as a blowout, does not go away on its own. This occurs when the ink spreads into the surrounding tissue, causing a blurred or smudged appearance.

Can an infected tattoo make you sick?

An infected tattoo can be serious. The area around your tattoo may be painful, swollen, red, and hot. You may see red streaks or pus at the tattoo site. You may have a fever or swollen or tender lymph nodes.

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