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.
Wash the tattoo with a mild soap and water 2 times a day. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. Gently pat the tattoo dry after you wash it. You may cover the tattoo with a thin layer of an unscented, water-based cream or lotion and a nonstick bandage.
DON'T apply alcohol, Neosporin, Vaseline, or petroleum jelly (they can trap dirt and germs and cause infection). DON'T apply a heavy coat of lotion (remember the skin must breathe in order to heal). DON'T expose your tattoo to direct sunlight, swim, sauna, steam or tub for 2 weeks.
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.
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.
Scabs and flaking skin can cause the area to look dry and dull. Applying moisturizer and protecting the tattoo from the sun will help with these issues. The skin should completely heal by the end of week three . The inner layers of skin can take longer to heal.
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.
Treating an infected tattoo promptly is crucial to prevent more severe health complications. Once healed, it might be necessary to perform a tattoo touch-up to correct any alterations caused by the infection.
This will help keep the wound moist and allow it to heal faster with less scarring. Continue applying the petroleum jelly until the wound has fully healed. Open wounds heal more slowly. A large wound can take 4 weeks or more to heal.
Both Vaseline and Aquaphor are occlusive agents, meaning they form a thick barrier on the skin. While this can be beneficial in some cases, it can lead to clogged pores when applied to a fresh tattoo. Clogged pores can slow down the healing process and may even lead to infections or other complications.
By keeping the tattooed area hydrated, moisturised, and protected, it helps to reduce scabbing and minimise the risk of infection, allowing the skin to heal more quickly. The balm's soothing properties also play a significant role in the healing process.
We like A&D or Aquaphor. DO NOT use neosporin or triple antibiotic creams. These ointments have properties that can take color out of a tattoo.
Wash the tattoo with a mild soap and water 2 times a day. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. Gently pat the tattoo dry after you wash it. You may cover the tattoo with a thin layer of an unscented, water-based cream or lotion and a non-stick bandage.
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.
“Note: In the event of severe or progressive redness at the site of your procedure, especially if accompanied by fever or unusual fatigue, you should immediately contact your personal physician or go to an urgent care provider. These can be signs of serious infection.”
No. 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.
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.
Stage Two (Days 7-14) – Itching and flaking begins, and this continues until layers of dead skin and scabs have fallen off. 3. Stage Three (Days 15-30) – Tattoo looks fully healed but may look slightly cloudy for a few weeks. Deeper layers of skin are still repairing, so continue to look after your tattoo.
To aid the skin healing process, the tattoo needs to be kept moist. You can use a very thin layer of hypoallergenic ointment or fragrance-free lotion like Vaseline® Intensive Care™ Advanced Repair Unscented Lotion, or Vaseline® Healing Jelly Original. Repeat daily for 2-3 weeks to help wound healing.