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Understanding Tattoo Infections

Getting a tattoo can be an exciting form of self-expression, especially if it's your first one. When you decide to get inked, it's important to understand the care that comes with it. It's not just about choosing the right design and artist; how you care for your tattoo afterwards plays a crucial role in how well it heals. Sometimes, despite taking all necessary precautions, you might end up with an infection.

What Causes Tattoo Infections?

Tattoo infections can arise from a variety of sources. The most common ones include:

• Unsterile equipment: If the tattoo equipment is not properly sterilised, it can introduce harmful bacteria into your skin.
• Poor aftercare: Failing to care for your tattoo properly by not keeping it clean or dry can lead to infections.
• Contaminated ink: Sometimes the ink itself can be contaminated, leading to skin infections once applied.
• Touching the tattoo: Frequent touching with unclean hands can also introduce bacteria to the tattoo site.

An infected tattoo can be painful and dangerous if not treated properly. Recognising the signs of infection early can help mitigate risks and speed up the healing process.

Signs of an Infected Tattoo

How do you know if your tattoo is infected? Look out for these signs:

• Redness and warmth: Some redness is normal, but if it spreads out from the tattoo site and becomes very warm to touch, it could be a sign of infection.
• Swelling: Swelling that increases over time instead of reducing may indicate an infection.
• Pus: Any green, yellow, or grey discharge is a sign of infection. Clear or white fluid is normal in the first few days.
• Fever: If you have a fever along with the symptoms mentioned above, your body is likely fighting off an infection.
• Increasing pain: Pain should decrease after the first few days; if it gets worse, it might be infected.

Immediate Steps to Take if Your Tattoo Gets Infected

What should you do if you think your tattoo is infected? Here are some initial steps:

1. Stop touching it: minimise any contact with your tattoo unless you're cleaning it.
2. Keep it clean: Gently clean the area with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap. Pat the area dry with a clean, soft towel.
3. Apply prescribed ointment: Your tattoo artist should have recommended an ointment for the first few days. You can continue using this unless advised otherwise by a healthcare provider.
4. Contact your tattoo artist: Let them know about the infection. A responsible artist will advise you on whether it's time to visit the doctor.
5. Visit a healthcare provider: Don't delay this; a doctor can prescribe antibiotics or other treatment needed to fight the infection.

Treating a Tattoo Infection

When treating an infected tattoo, it's important to follow the advice of your healthcare provider closely. Treatments may include:

• Antibiotics: If the infection is bacterial, antibiotics will likely be prescribed. It is crucial to take the full course of the prescription to completely eradicate the infection.
• Keeping the area dry: Keeping the tattoo dry except when cleaning is essential during the healing process.
• No scratching: Avoid scratching or picking at the scabs to prevent further aggravation of the infection.
• Avoid swimming: Stay out of pools, hot tubs, and natural bodies of water to keep the tattoo clean and dry until it's fully healed.

Preventing Future Tattoo Infections

To prevent infections in future tattoos, consider the following tips:

• Research your tattoo artist and studio: Ensure they have a good reputation and adhere to all safety and hygiene protocols.
• Follow the aftercare instructions: Your tattoo artist will provide you with detailed care instructions follow them religiously.
• Keep your immune system strong: Eating healthily, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep will help your body heal the tattoo efficiently.
• Maintain cleanliness: Keep anything that comes in contact with your tattoo, such as clothing and bedding, clean and fresh.

Conclusion

An infected tattoo can be a scary experience, especially when it messes with the appearance and health of your new ink. However, with prompt action and proper care, you can handle the situation effectively and ensure your tattoo heals properly. Always prioritise professional advice and care when dealing with an infection, and keep communication open with your tattoo artist and doctor.

How are you feeling?

It is really important that when we need help, we feel able to ask for it. This could be speaking to a parent, a close friend, a teacher or someone else you trust. Sometimes it can be really hard to share our feelings with other people but if we are feeling low or don't know where to turn, sharing with others is really important. Teachers will always take you seriously and listen to your problems in confidence if you approach them for help. Likewise, parents, siblings or friends will help you if you reach out to them.

If you feel like you can't speak to anyone you know, there are people and organisations that can help support you:

• Childline - Call them on 0800 1111 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
• NSPCC - Call them on 0808 800 5000 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or email them on help@NSPCC.org.uk
• The Samaritans – Call them on 116 123 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
• SANE – Call 0300 304 7000 for support (4:30pm - 10:30pm every day)
• Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (9:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday)

*Sometimes we will use real life examples in our articles to aid understanding. When we do, names and ages will be changed.