Tattooing involves trauma to the skin and can put people at risk of infection. Individuals should ask tattoo artists about their sterilization practices and follow aftercare instructions diligently to reduce infection risks.
Once an infection enters the bloodstream, it can spread quickly throughout internal organs and trigger sepsis. Severe conditions may require hospitalization or urgent care treatment at a clinic.
Erysipelas
Erysipelas is a type of skin infection caused by bacteria – typically staphylococci – entering through minor cuts and abrasions and colonizing under the skin. Once inside, these germs compete for resources with healthy cells in your body and cause it to swell and blister with raised borders, potentially entering your bloodstream and leading to life-threatening bacteremia if left untreated.
This infection typically affects the legs, arms, and facial areas but can spread throughout the body. The main symptom is a red rash that doesn’t blend in with its surroundings; its borders may also feature distinct dimples. Additional symptoms include blisters and blood spots known as purpura.
Doctors typically diagnose erysipelas by examining and collecting skin samples for culture. Based on the severity of the infection, oral or intravenous antibiotics may be prescribed, along with antiallergic medication and mineral complex supplements; bed rest with legs elevated may also be advised.
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM)
You must visit a physician immediately if you notice a rash or blisters near your tattoo. Infections like impetigo and cellulitis require antibiotics for effective treatment and pose significant health issues if left untreated. In addition, your physician will likely test the area for MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) infections, which require different antibiotics than customarily prescribed.
Unhygienic tattooing practices have resulted in mycobacterial infections in some instances. Although rare, they have been linked to people suffering from lung conditions like cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis. A case of Mycobacterium mageritense complex – a fast-growing NTM found linked with surgical injuries, trauma incidents, cosmetic procedures, body piercing systems, body modifications, and patients living with HIV.
Treatment usually includes antibiotics like Doxycycline or Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole to eliminate the infection.
Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
It may be an infection if you notice crusty, oozing, and painful skin around your new tattoo. See a doctor immediately so they can conduct tests to identify which bacteria or viruses could be at fault; sometimes oral or topical antibiotics will be prescribed as part of their treatment, which could last weeks or even months before clearing up completely.
Untreated tattoo infections can quickly spread to the bloodstream and lead to sepsis, compromising various organs and resulting in permanent disabilities or death.
Staphylococcus aureus infections are relatively easy to treat with oral antibiotics for 7-14 days. However, more severe infections caused by MRSA that are resistant to certain antibiotics may require hospitalization for IV therapy and specific regimens to combat.
Tinea Capitis
Untreated tattoo infections can pose significant health risks. Depending on the bacteria present, cellulitis, herpes simplex virus, impetigo, or HIV may result. Furthermore, some conditions can enter the bloodstream and cause sepsis, which leads to multiple organ systems shutting down and could lead to death.
Bacterial infections can usually be treated using antibiotic ointments or oral medication, though sometimes specialized care may require hospitalization. A doctor will collect samples from the affected area to ascertain which bacteria is causing it.
Fungal infections are one of the potential symptoms of tattoo infection and typically require antifungal medication such as clotrimazole or terbinafine to address. Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, or Epidermophyton floccosum are often the culprits behind tinea capitis. Infections caused by this fungus typically manifest as pruritic lesions on feet in interdigital spaces, arms, hands, and buttocks.
