Suppose your tattoo shows any symptoms of infection such as rash, fever, hot or cold chills, or abnormal scabbing that starts oozing fluid or oozing out from under its covering. In that case, it is wise to seek medical advice immediately as bacteria could spread throughout your body, resulting in sepsis or heart infections that require medical intervention.
Antibiotics
If your tattoo becomes red and swollen or develops painful bumps with pimples (pustules), you must visit a physician immediately. They may provide antibacterial ointment that should be applied directly onto the infected area as directed.
Doctors can swab or lance the pus pocket to identify which bacteria is causing your infection, then prescribe antibiotics effective against these specific pathogens.
Depending upon the strain and duration of infection, antibiotics may need to be taken for several weeks or months. An infected abscess should also be drained off and dead skin tissue removed by a professional doctor.
Antibiotic Ointment
Treatment for infected Tattoos varies, depending on its cause and duration. Doctors may recommend continuously applying antibiotic ointment on the affected skin to kill bacteria that have infiltrated it and restore health.
Though scabbing and peeling are natural components of the healing process, picking at the scabs can cause further complications and ruin the appearance of your tattoo. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or antihistamine medications like diphenhydramine may help relieve inflammation or itching; seek medical advice immediately for severe symptoms.
Soap
Water and antibacterial soap should be used twice or three times daily to clean a tattoo with warm, lukewarm water to remove excess blood, ointment, and plasma that accumulate there and prevent its drying out and becoming an attractive target for bacteria. This process will ensure a long life for your artwork!
Stay away from submerging your newly inked skin into any body of water, such as bathtubs, lakes, or swimming pools, as these contain dirt, chemicals, and pathogens that could lead to infection.
Avoid fragrance-laden antibacterial soaps like Saniderm Foaming Hand Soap that contain harmful colloidal silver and sea buckthorn; such soap has a rich lather, is safe for sensitive skin, and contains recovery-supportive nutrient oils to destroy build-up on Tattoos while providing your body with healing nutrient oils that support recovery.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an antiseptic with proven abilities to kill fungi, bacteria, and viruses while simultaneously relieving inflammation and itchy sensations – making it the ideal way to keep a new tattoo clean while it heals.
Aloe vera is a desert plant with hormones auxin and gibberellin that help increase immunity, speeding healing of wounds. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and itching while cooling skin temperature; its nourishing and moisturizing properties make recovery faster. However, conducting a patch test before applying aloe vera products is wise, as some individuals may develop an allergic reaction from it.
Saline Solution
Saline solution is a blend of salt and water used to clean wounds, fight bacteria, reduce swelling, and improve healing time. You can make your own at home by mixing non-iodized table salt with distilled water.
To use saline solution, tilt your head over the sink and pour or squeeze some into your left nostril. Allow it to run down your throat before doing the same for the other nostril.
Rinse the tattoo with warm water and pat dry gently. Avoid picking at or scratching at any scabs that appear; these are normal and will eventually dissipate over time. Apply H2Ocean’s Tattoo Aftercare Kit as soon as possible to moisten the area.
Warm Compress
Though an infected tattoo requires professional care, home remedies may help alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Applying a warm compress may reduce pain and swelling. Furthermore, drinking plenty of water and eating healthily will aid the body’s natural healing processes.
Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist at Mount Sinai Hospital, advises tattoo recipients that if their tattoo is painful, swollen, red, or hot, has visible pus, or appears oozing, medical treatment should be sought immediately. Left untreated, infections can spread into the bloodstream, posing severe health risks that require immediate medical intervention; to keep an infected tattoo clean, he suggests washing with soap and water, then applying over-the-counter bacitracin ointment from over-the-counter pharmacies, then covering and keeping everything covered until medical intervention takes place.
