Infection From Tattoos: Care Instructions (2024)

FAQs

How to care for an infected tattoo? ›

Wash the tattoo with a mild soap and water 2 times a day. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. Gently pat the tattoo dry after you wash it. You may cover the tattoo with a thin layer of an unscented, water-based cream or lotion and a non-stick bandage.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if: You lose feeling in the area near the tattoo, or it feels numb or tingly. The skin near the tattoo turns pale or cool. The tattoo starts to bleed, and blood soaks through the bandage.

Typically speaking, tattoos can get infected anywhere from a few days to a couple of months after they are finished. This is because healing times vary, and, as long as there is still skin to heal, infection is possible.

Moisturize: Treat your tattoo like a skin wound and keep the area clean and covered with a water-based moisturizer and bandage. Don't use petroleum-based lotions like Vaseline or Neosporin as these can trap moisture and bacteria, which can lead to infections and scarring.

Topical Creams: Topical creams such as Aquaphor healing ointment and petroleum jelly are best for keeping the tattooed area hydrated and reducing infection symptoms such as redness and inflammation.

“Not only is this risky, but it can also ruin the appearance of your new tattoo,” says Dr. Rodney. “The infected skin may not heal correctly, leaving an unsightly scar or an abscess that needs to be drained by a doctor.”

Many people experience a slight inflammation, but if symptoms persist, a person should see their doctor. Antibiotic treatment can usually resolve a tattoo related infection. Without treatment, complications of a skin infection, such as a deeper infection, and, rarely, sepsis may occur in some people.

Neosporin is an antibiotic ointment primarily used to help prevent infections in minor wounds. Both brand name and generic versions contain three antibiotic ingredients to help fight bacteria and prevent infections in minor wounds. These include bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin.

Tattoos and body piercings provide an opening in the skin that may allow germs to enter your body and cause infections. These infections could cause sepsis. It is for this reason that anyone who receives a tattoo or piercing must take special care to reduce the risk of contracting an infection.

Tattooing represents an important aggression of the skin that leads to the disruption of the epidermal basem*nt membrane and even cell necrosis [1]. Between 1–5% of those who get a tattoo experience tattoo-related skin infections [4].

What antibiotic ointment is good for tattoos? ›

Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin™ Zinc Oxide ointment, Neosporin™ or Vitamin A&D ointment. After 5 days, substitute a gentle fragrance-free and color-free body lotion. Repeat the above washing/ointment procedure at least 3 times a day for 1–2 weeks.

After a month, any itching and redness should have completely gone. In fact, your new tattoo may look fully healed! However, the skin under your tattoo can continue to repair itself for up to six months until it's considered healed. During this stage it's important to keep up your aftercare routine.

Aquaphor may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Prescribed for Bacterial Skin Infection. Neosporin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Aquaphor has an average rating of 9.4 out of 10 from a total of 6 ratings on Drugs.com.

Takeaway. Vaseline isn't the best choice for tattoo aftercare. Petroleum jelly traps moisture and bacteria, which can lead to infections and scarring if your tattoo doesn't get enough air while it's healing. You may be able to use Vaseline on old tattoos if your skin is dry.

While tattoo scabbing is a normal part of the healing process, there are a few things to watch out for that can suggest an infection. These include: Swelling and redness. Feeling cold and having heat waves, including fever or abnormal shivering.

Oftentimes tattoo artists suggest using what's described as a green soap for tattoos, which usually refers to an environmentally friendly, plant-based soap with good antibacterial properties [1]. Dr.

Treating an infected tattoo promptly is crucial to prevent more severe health complications. Once healed, it might be necessary to perform a tattoo touch-up to correct any alterations caused by the infection.

Treatments for Tattoo Infections

You should also apply antibacterial ointment or a bandage to the area to help fight off infection. It's important that you follow these steps every time you remove the bandage to keep the area as clean as possible. Finally, you should also keep the area elevated.