How to treat an infected tattoo without a doctor?

Author: Burley Barrows  |  Last update: Thursday, July 3, 2025

How can you care for yourself at home?
  1. Wash the tattoo with a mild soap and water 2 times a day. ...
  2. Gently pat the tattoo dry after you wash it.
  3. You may cover the tattoo with a thin layer of an unscented, water-based cream or lotion and a nonstick bandage.
  4. Replace the bandage as needed.

Can you treat a tattoo infection at home?

How can you care for yourself at home? If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Or if your doctor prescribed an antibiotic ointment, apply it as directed. If your doctor told you how to care for your infected tattoo, follow your doctor's instructions.

How do you get rid of a tattoo infection?

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.

Will a tattoo infection heal on its own?

An infected tattoo doesn't usually heal on its own. Infections require specific medications depending on the germ that's causing it. If untreated, infections can cause serious complications. That's why it's important to get medical care if you think your tattoo is infected.

What is the best ointment for an infected tattoo?

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.

Is My Tattoo Infected?

Can I put Neosporin on an infected tattoo?

Moisturize: Treat your tattoo like a skin wound and keep the area clean and covered with a water-based moisturizer and bandage. Don't use petroleum-based lotions like Vaseline or Neosporin as these can trap moisture and bacteria, which can lead to infections and scarring.

What cream should not be used on tattoos?

Seven Skincare Products to Avoid
  • Aquaphor.
  • A+D Ointment.
  • Bepanthen.
  • Vaseline.
  • Bacitracin.
  • Neosporin.
  • Lubriderm.

What antibiotic is good for infected tattoo?

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 long should I wait to see if my tattoo is infected?

It's normal in the tattoo healing process to have some redness, swelling, and inflammation, but if those factors progress or occur for more than a few days, you likely have an infection. Below are some causes that lead to tattoo infections.

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.

What is the most common way tattoos get infected?

An infection might be due to contaminated ink or equipment that isn't sterilized correctly. Getting a tattoo at a studio that doesn't follow good safety steps also can raise your risk of a skin infection. Other skin problems. Sometimes an area of inflammation can form around tattoo ink.

How to get rid of a 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.

How can I disinfect my tattoo at home?

Steps
  1. Wash your hands. Place your hands under clean, running water to get them wet. ...
  2. Take off your bandage after 24 hours. Wait one day before removing the bandage. ...
  3. Turn the faucet on. ...
  4. Use your hands to cup the water. ...
  5. Apply a gentle soap. ...
  6. Rinse with water. ...
  7. Dry your tattoo.

Can you use salt water on an infected tattoo?

ALWAYS keep a new tattoo covered and protected if working in a dirty/dusty/oily environment; IF the tattoo becomes red or inflamed or hot to the touch please stop using all products / creams and wash three times daily with high concentrated salt water and contact me on 07712814139.

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.

What ointment is good for infected tattoos?

Neosporin Original Antibiotic Ointment, 24-Hour Infection Prevention for Minor Wound, . 5 oz.

What can I put on a tattoo that looks infected?

How To Treat an Infected Tattoo
  • Topical medications, like an antibiotic ointment for a bacterial infection or an antifungal cream for a fungal infection.
  • Oral medications, such as antibiotics to help clear a bacterial infection, antivirals to manage a viral infection, or corticosteroids to reduce swelling in some cases.

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.

Should I let my tattoo dry out and peel?

If scabs develop, they can remove the color beneath them if prematurely removed. It's important that they're allowed to dry out completely, and not get waterlogged at any time. The scab will eventually fall off on its own, and the tattoo should be fine if no deep cracks have formed.

Is Aquaphor bad for tattoos?

Aquaphor is commonly used as a tattoo aftercare product. It may work well for most people, but it's probably not the best thing to use. Your skin needs a little help, and you can choose a product that can provide that help.

How to heal a tattoo without Saniderm?

If you do not have Saniderm on:
  1. Step 1: Wash tattoo with lukewarm water and non-scented antibacterial soap, using only your hands, do not use any scrubbers or washcloths. ...
  2. Step 2: Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel. ...
  3. Step 3: Apply only non-scented lotion to the tattoo. ...
  4. Step 4: Wash your tattoo 3-4 times a day.

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