Basically, all tattoos will feel a little uncomfortable a few hours, or even days, after they are made. However, there is a difference between normal and abnormal discomfort caused by infection. How to distinguish it is sometimes not easy. Learning to tell the difference will make the healing process easier, so you don't have to stress about it. Learn the signs of infection, how to deal with the infection, and how to prevent the infection itself.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing Signs of Infection
Step 1. Wait for a few days until you are sure it is indeed an infection
When the tattoo is first applied to the skin, the skin area will be red, slightly swollen, and sensitive. New tattoos may be painful, and it will hurt just as much as in a severe sunburn. In the first 48 hours, it can be very difficult to determine whether your skin is infected or not, so don't rush to conclusions. Do the post-tattoo treatment as instructed, then see the results.
Pay attention to the pain. If the pain is really unbearable, and lasts more than three days after the tattoo is made, immediately return to the studio and have the engraver examine your tattoo
Step 2. Check for severe inflammation
Large and complex tattoos usually take longer to heal than small and simple tattoos. However, if the tattoo remains inflamed for more than 3 days, it may be a sign of infection. Again, indeed all tattoos will be basically inflamed in the first days, but not more than three days.
- Try to feel it with your hands. If you feel heat radiating from the tattoo area, it is a sign that your tattoo has a serious infection.
- Itching, especially itching that radiates from the tattoo area, can also be an allergic reaction or a sign of infection. At first, the tattoo will be itchy, but if the itching is intense and lasts for more than a week after the tattoo is made, you may need to have it checked.
- Redness is also a sign of infection. All tattoos will be red around the lines, but if the red is dark instead of light, and it hurts more and more as the day goes on, it's a sign of a serious infection.
Step 3. Also note if there is any serious swelling
If the area of the tattoo becomes swollen and the surface is uneven with the surrounding skin, it could be a sign of a serious infection. These bubbles on the skin that fill with fluid and cause swelling should be treated immediately. If the area of your tattoo is sticking out instead of flush with the surrounding skin, get it checked out right away.
- The presence of discharge from the swollen tattoo area is also a sign of a very serious infection. Immediately go to the emergency department or the nearest doctor.
- Notice the red lines that circle the tattoo image. If there is a thin red line running out of the tattoo area, see a doctor immediately, because you may have blood poisoning.
Step 4. Take your body temperature
If you suspect you have an infection, it is advisable to take your temperature with an accurate thermometer. If the body temperature is high, fever indicates an infection that must be treated immediately.
Part 2 of 3: Dealing with Infections
Step 1. Show the infected tattoo area to the tattoo engraver
If you're worried about getting your tattoo infected but still unsure, the right person to consult is the person who got your tattoo. Show him the progress of your tattoo recovery and ask him to check.
If you have signs of a serious infection, such as discharge from a swollen tattoo area and severe pain, visit your doctor or emergency room immediately for medical attention
Step 2. Visit a doctor
If you have consulted with a tattoo engraver and have tried to treat the tattoo in the best possible recovery standard but are still experiencing symptoms of infection, it is important to see a doctor immediately and get antibiotics. There may not be much that can be done to the tattoo, but medication can treat the infection.
Immediately take antibiotics as recommended by the doctor as soon as possible to fight infection. Most skin infections can be cured easily. However, a blood infection is a serious case and must be treated quickly
Step 3. Apply the ointment that the doctor has prescribed to the infected area
Your doctor will usually prescribe a skin ointment as well as antibiotics for the tattoo to heal quickly. Apply the ointment regularly and keep the tattoo area clean. Wash with clean water twice a day, or follow the doctor's instructions.
After treatment, it is recommended to cover the tattoo area with sterile gauze, but not so tightly that air can still enter to prevent infection from occurring again. New tattoos need some fresh air
Step 4. Keep the tattoo dry while it recovers from this infection
Wash the tattoo with a small amount of unscented soap and clean water regularly, then dry it with a clean cloth before bandaging (or simply removing it). Never cover or wet a new infected tattoo.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Infection
Step 1. Check if you have any particular allergies before getting a tattoo
Although rare, there are some people who are allergic to some of the ingredients in tattoo ink, which can cause problems later. So, it is advisable to do an allergy test first if you want a tattoo.
Usually, black ink does not contain ingredients that trigger allergies. Colored inks that must be considered, because the additive content can trigger allergic reactions for some people. If you want to get a tattoo with Indian ink, it usually shouldn't be a problem even if you have sensitive skin
Step 2. Always get a tattoo from a licensed tattoo engraver
If you intend to get a tattoo, do some research first about tattoo studios in your area, and make sure the tattoo maker is licensed and the studio has a good reputation.
- Never use instant tattoo kits that you can do yourself at home. Even if you have friends who claim they can get tattoos, always choose a licensed engraver to get your tattoo done on your skin.
- If it turns out that you have made an appointment with a certain tattoo studio and when you visit the studio it looks dirty, dirty, and the tattoo maker looks suspicious, immediately cancel your appointment and find a better studio.
Step 3. When getting a tattoo, make sure the tattoo maker uses a new needle
A good tattoo maker always prioritizes cleanliness by showing you that he uses a needle that has just been opened, and uses latex gloves. If you don't see him taking the needle straight out of the package and he's not wearing latex gloves, ask him. A good tattoo studio always respects your need for cleanliness.
Step 4. Keep your tattoo clean
Follow the instructions the tattoo engraver gives you on how to care for your new tattoo. Wash with warm water and soap 24 hours after the tattoo is made, then dry.
Tattoo makers usually give you a special ointment called Tattoo goo, or some other ointment that should be applied to the tattoo for the next 3-5 days after the tattoo is made to keep it sterile and heal quickly. Never use Vaseline or Neosporin on a new tattoo
Step 5. The new tattoo should get enough air for it to heal quickly
Within a few days after the tattoo is made, you should leave it open so that it will heal on its own. Do not wear tight clothing that covers the tattoo, as tight clothing can cause irritation. Also, keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight to prevent the ink from fading.
Tips
- If you are not sure whether you have an infection or not, see a doctor. Better to prevent than cure.
- If you experience any of the signs of infection after getting a new tattoo, seek immediate medical attention when the infection begins to worsen and become life-threatening. However, if the signs of infection are still not so severe, go to a tattoo artist, because he is the one who tattooed you and knows better how to deal with it than the doctor.
