Antibiotics are a common treatment for tattoo infections. Depending on the diagnosis and severity, it may take multiple antibiotics to clear the infection. Many people need to be on these drugs for up to six weeks. For severe infections, intravenous (IV) antibiotics may be necessary.
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.
This reaction is normal and leads to swelling and redness. 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.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), a group of chemicals which are known carcinogens, was found in a fifth of the samples tested and in 83% of the black inks tested by NICNAS. Other hazardous components included barium, copper, mercury, amines and various colourants.
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.
Wonky lines are a big indicator of an unskilled artist. How a tattoo heals is a huge sign of a good tattoo vs a bad tattoo. If a tattoo scars, blows out or straight up falls out of the skin, it's a bad tattoo.
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.
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if: You lose feeling in the area near the tattoo, or it feels numb or tingly. The skin near the tattoo turns pale or cool. The tattoo starts to bleed, and blood soaks through the bandage.
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.
Pain, Swelling and Scabbing (Days 3-6) – The first several days will go by with your tattoo essentially still being a raw open wound. It will likely be painful during cleaning or when clothes/other body parts rub against it. Scabs will start to form towards the end of this stage.
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.
Toxicity Level
Ink is minimally toxic and can cause a mild upset stomach or stained skin/tongue if ingested. Avoid harsh scrubbing or chemical cleaners on the skin. Any stains should wear off in several days.
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.
Yellows and Greens with Cadmium
Yellows and bright greens often contain cadmium, which can cause skin irritation and has been associated with other health risks. They also tend to fade or change color over time when exposed to sunlight.
Symptoms of systemic toxicity can include nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, organ damage, or even worse complications in extreme cases. Additionally, tattoo ink ingredients may interact with the immune system, potentially leading to autoimmune reactions or immune-related disorders.
Not every tattoo will stretch or distort over time. Similarly, not every tattoo will remain in its original shape for decades. A tattoo can stretch or distort due to several factors, such as weight gain or loss, muscle gain, pregnancy, or aging.