How long is a tattoo vulnerable to infection?

Author: Stella Satterfield  |  Last update: Saturday, September 27, 2025

The first few days and weeks are when allergic reactions to tattoo ink and potential infections are most likely to occur.

How long is a tattoo at risk for infection?

In the case of a common bacterial infection, the symptoms might show up immediately within hours or a few days of tattooing. However, there are some bacteria like mycobacteria that have a long incubation time so that the infection shows up only after weeks or months.

When can I stop worrying about my tattoo?

When your tattoo is fully healed, you can stop worrying about it so much. Although it usually takes around three weeks, a new tattoo can also take as long as six months to fully settle. Just keep an eye on it, and do what's right for you.

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.

Can a tattoo get infected years after getting it?

If a skin condition that appears, you'll likely see signs of the disease within 10 to 20 days of getting the tattoo. The disease can also appear as early as three days after getting inked. Sometimes, it shows up years later.

How to Know if Your Tattoo is Infected

Can your body reject a tattoo years later?

Yes, you can be allergic to certain brands of tattoo ink. Allergic reactions generally occur due to ingredients in the ink, such as pigments or metals. Symptoms can include itchiness, redness, swelling, or rash at the site of the tattoo, and can occur immediately or years later.

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.

How to avoid tattoo infection?

To prevent infection and encourage healing:
  1. Keep tattooed skin clean. Wash the tattooed area twice a day with soap and water and a gentle touch. ...
  2. Use moisturizer. Apply a mild moisturizer to the tattooed skin several times a day.
  3. Avoid sun exposure. ...
  4. Don't go swimming. ...
  5. Choose clothing carefully.

How quickly can sepsis develop?

How long does it take for sepsis to set in? According to the Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety, sepsis can progress quickly, causing death in as little as 12 hours. Sepsis Alliance states, the risk of death increases by 7.6% for every hour that passes without treatment.

What are the chances of getting endocarditis from a tattoo?

About 1–5% of people have tattoo-related bacterial infections (11), which have the potential of being especially dangerous for patients with CHD who are susceptible to endocarditis.

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.

When to stop using Aquaphor on a tattoo?

Use the Aquaphor for the first 2-3 days then switch to a regular FRAGRANCE-FREE lotion such as Lubriderm, or any other fragrance-free brand. 5. Fresh tattoos sometimes “weep” during the first couple of days, meaning that plasma and ink form a thin moist coating on the skin. This can be DABBED with a clean paper towel.

Can a tattoo trigger autoimmune disease?

In conclusion, a growing body of evidence suggests a possible role of some tattoo ink compounds as triggers for the immune system, and the lack of extensive studies on different autoimmune diseases does not allow physicians to advise patients with consistent data.

What is the golden hour rule for sepsis?

NICE - the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence - urges hospital staff to treat people with life-threatening sepsis within one hour, in its quality standard. In clinical practice, this is often referred to as the 'golden hour' after diagnosis.

What does the beginning of sepsis feel like?

Symptoms of sepsis

Sweating for no clear reason. Feeling lightheaded. Shivering. Symptoms specific to the type of infection, such as painful urination from a urinary tract infection or worsening cough from pneumonia.

How do you know if your body is fighting an infection?

Signs and symptoms of an infection

Fever (this is sometimes the only sign of an infection). Chills and sweats. Change in cough or a new cough. Sore throat or new mouth sore.

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.

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.

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 not to do with an infected tattoo?

If your doctor told you how to care for your infected tattoo, follow your doctor's instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice: Wash the tattoo with a mild soap and water 2 times a day. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.

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