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.
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.
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.
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.
You should really only use it for the first 3 days, and then dry heal, and only apply lotion once after several days to remove excess dead skin. When you keep your tattoo totally hydrated (after the initial healing process) it just prolongs the inevitable process of your body forcing out the rejected ink and skin.
There hasn't been an official study on how much ink (if any) Aquaphor can remove or fade from a tattoo. In the interest of fairness, plenty of tattoo artists claim that they've never experienced ink loss in their clients that use Aquaphor.
Tattoo infections are uncommon, but they can happen. Signs of a tattoo infection include redness around the tattoo that spreads or doesn't go away, yellow drainage, and persistent pain. If you have these symptoms, get medical care. Tattoo infections should be treated with medications to avoid complications.
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.
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.
Scabs on tattoos tend to either be the color of the ink OR a yellowish color. Assuming proper aftercare is being followed, the yellow-ness is plasma and NOT pus.
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.
Some healthcare professionals recommend using Aquaphor to help with wound healing. However, they'll likely instruct you to apply the ointment after your wound has closed. This is because occlusive moisturizers, such as Aquaphor, can trap bacteria in an open wound and increase the risk of infection.
Tattoos tend to peel without any ink underneath as they heal normally. In rare cases, they can have missing ink due to an artist's error. Peeling tattoos with missing ink aren't usually anything to worry about. It's normal for a tattoo to peel and lose a little bit of ink as your skin heals.
“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.”
What's more, antibacterial ointments can also lead to side effects in some people. Some of the most common side effects include: Allergic reactions to the antibiotics, which can cause hives, rashes, itching, and discomfort. These reactions could also slow the healing of your new tattoo and even distort the ink.
If you want the best care for your new tattoo, there are far better options than Aquaphor. The semi-occlusive layer suffocates your new ink, slowing the recovery process. And though it's a highly refined version of petroleum oil, it's understandable that you wouldn't want that anywhere near your healing skin.
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.
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.
An infected tattoo can be serious. The area around your tattoo may be painful, swollen, red, and hot. You may see red streaks or pus at the tattoo site. You may have a fever or swollen or tender lymph nodes.