What is not normal after a tattoo?

Author: Dr. Dominic Kemmer III  |  Last update: Saturday, October 4, 2025

While some redness, flaking and scabbing are normal as your tattoo heals, Dr. Vij says you should see a doctor if you notice any signs of infection. This includes: Fever.

How do you know if something is wrong with your tattoo?

  • How do I know if my tattoo is infected?
  • The tattoo is red and swollen for a long period of time.
  • You have a rash or bumpy skin around your tattoo.
  • The tattoo is still oozing plasma after a couple of days.
  • You feel unwell and feverish.
  • Infection is treatable.

What not do after getting a tattoo?

Soaps and moisturizers with any fragrances or harsh chemicals. Even if a product does not normally irritate the skin, it may irritate the tattooed area. Picking at scabs, as this can cause scar tissue to form. Scratching the tattoo even if it becomes itchy.

Do tattoos have negative health effects?

A skin infection is possible after getting a tattoo. 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.

What is bad tattoo aftercare?

Things to avoid while your tattoo is healing! -Submerging your tattoo in water. Swimming, baths, hot tubs, saunas, etc. These WILL make your tattoo fade fast, heal poorly and greatly raises the risk of infection. Limit showers to 10 minutes. -The sun. A sunburn will make your tattoo heal poorly.

Is this HAPPENING TO YOUR NEW Tattoo?! Is this Normal or is it RUINED?

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.

What organs do tattoos affect?

In animal studies, tattoo pigments have been found in the kidney, the liver, and the spleen. Therefore, although this has never been studied in humans, exposure to hazardous ingredients of tattoo inks and even subsequent cancer development should not be ruled out.

Are tattoos harmful to your immune system?

The consensus is no. Some researchers have argued that tattoos may be boosting the immune system. Anthropologists from the University of Alabama likened getting tattoos to going to the gym – each workout strengthens the body.

Can you get sick after a tattoo?

Many people report feeling tired and feverish. Chills and aches are common, making it feel like having the flu. Some might experience nausea or sweating. These symptoms usually appear within 24 hours after getting a tattoo and can last between one to three days.

Who should not get a tattoo?

If you have a medical problem such as heart disease, allergies, diabetes, skin problems like eczema or psoriasis, a weak immune system, or a bleeding problem, talk to your doctor before getting a tattoo. Also, if you get keloids (an overgrowth of scar tissue) you probably should not get a tattoo.

Can I donate blood if I have tattoos?

Yes, you can donate blood if you have tattoos

The same rules also apply to ear and body piercings. Remember, tattoos also include tattoo “touch-ups” and permanent cosmetic tattoos.

How do you know if your body is rejecting a tattoo?

You may notice one or more of the following:
  • Redness: It becomes darker or spreads instead of lightening and diminishing.
  • Pain: It continues or worsens instead of subsiding.
  • Rash of itchy, red, and painful bumps develop within the tattoo.
  • Fever.
  • Chills and shivering.
  • Pus in the tattoo.
  • Open sore(s) in the tattoo.

What happens when you go too deep with a tattoo?

Dangers of Going Too Deep

The increased depth can lead to excessive bleeding, scarring, and prolonged healing times. In some cases, the ink can spread out, causing a blurry or "blown out" appearance, where the lines of the tattoo are no longer sharp.

How can you tell a bad tattoo?

As Killagain told Insider, a tattoo could be bad because it's "technically done poorly," with lines that aren't connected, messy shading, and more. But you might also dislike your tattoo if it doesn't look the way you envisioned it going into your appointment.

Does tattoo ink go into your bloodstream?

Inks applied under the skin can migrate through the body by blood flow. Various diseases, deformations, organ failures, and adverse effects have been reported in humans due to metal toxicity.

Can tattoos trigger autoimmune?

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.

How do you treat a tattoo flu?

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.

What are the negative side effects of tattoos?

Acute complications include pain, blistering, crusting and pinpoint hemorrhage. Among the delayed complications pigmentary changes, hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation, paradoxical darkening of cosmetic tattoos and allergic reactions can be seen.

Is black tattoo ink toxic?

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.

Why should tattoos be avoided in healthcare?

Visible tattoos can sometimes challenge traditional norms of professionalism, and it is essential for nurses to consider how these might be perceived by patients and colleagues. Body art that is deemed offensive or inappropriate can undermine the nurse's ability to establish trust and rapport with patients.

What happens if you put too much Aquaphor on a tattoo?

A thin layer is strongly suggested, too much aquaphor can pull out the ink and damage the quality of the tattoo, which results in a higher chance the tattoo will need a touch-up.

What is mad rabbit tattoo aid?

Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm & Aftercare Cream- Color Enhancement that Revives Old Tattoos, Hydrates New Tattoos, Made With Clean Ingredients + Petroleum Free, Daily Tattoo Lotion Moisturizer & Brightener. Amazon's Choice highlights highly rated, well-priced products available to ship immediately.

Should I let my tattoo dry out?

You can pat the tattoo gently with a clean paper towel, but you must let the tattoo dry, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes after each cleaning. Any extra moisture trapped by immediately covering the tattoo is an invitation for bacteria to multiply.

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