If you get a tattoo, you may worry about infection developing, but , this is rare and easily treatable in most cases. Tattoo healing often results in red, tender, and swollen skin, so if these symptoms continue to manifest, medical help must be sought to determine if your tattoo has become infected.
Redness
Redness can be the first indicator that your tattoo may have an infection and should prompt you to see your physician immediately. While not serious, redness could signal the need to visit the physician to address it properly.
Skin rashes may be caused by various conditions, from burns to allergies or infections. When your inflammation persists for longer than several days or keeps coming back, it is wise to consult a physician immediately.
Pain, swelling, foul-smelling pus, and fever and chills are telltale signs of infection; if these occur to you, medical assistance must be sought immediately, as this could be sepsis – a potentially life-threatening condition that needs medical care immediately.
Swelling
Redness and swelling can be early indicators of tattoo infection, although typically, such symptoms will pass within several days. The problem is, if you disregard an infection and fail to seek medical help immediately, it can quickly spread across other parts of your body, potentially leading to necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating bacteria) or heart disease. Various sources, including bacteria or an allergic reaction, may cause swelling. If you have a tattoo and the swelling persists for more than 48 hours or causes uncomfortable itching, seek medical advice immediately.
Itching
Tattoo infections often start with itching as one of the first telltale symptoms. If the itching persists beyond trying to soothe it yourself for several days, seek medical advice immediately. The itch can be caused by various sources, including toxic exposure (contact dermatitis), medications, systemic illnesses such as liver or kidney disease, insect bites, hives, or urticarial infections, or rare skin cancer. Irritated skin can also be a telltale sign of infection when combined with fever and feverish symptoms like abnormal oozing, scabbing, or crusting of the ink itself.
Discharge
Discharge is a natural response of your body to having new tattoos. As part of its immune response, it breaks down tattoo ink through inflammation in the skin and sends white blood cells (macrophages) out into circulation to flush it away from your system. Discharge from cystitis typically appears clear or milky and doesn’t smell foul; its composition consists of cells, bacteria, and mucus. Your vagina has its natural way of ridding itself of dead skin cells and toxins, cleaning itself thoroughly while providing it with the necessary lubrication. Discharge that turns yellow or green, is clumpy, or has an offensive smell may be an early indicator of infection or disease, prompting your physician to conduct a pelvic exam, pH test, or STI screening to ascertain its source.
Crusty
If your tattoo appears crusty or flaking, this could indicate an infection. Common symptoms of tattoo infections are redness, swelling, itching, and discharge; sometimes, they even lead to pus-filled blisters oozing from underneath. However, if these symptoms appear alongside fever, hot and cold chills, abnormal scabbing, or your tattoo begins bleeding, DermaGO co-founder Dr. Marc-Andre Dore advises seeing a physician immediately. Note that specific symptoms associated with tattoo healing are natural and expected, such as bruises and swelling in the days immediately following receiving one.
