Tattoos are a popular form of self-expression. Millions of people around the world use ink to tell their stories and show their interests. Whether it’s a colorful piece of meaningful artwork, a trendy design, or a memorial to a loved one or pet, getting a tattoo is an exciting and personal experience.
However, body art can sometimes come with complications, with infections being one of the main concerns. If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo, it’s a good idea to know how infections can happen, what symptoms to watch for, and how to treat and prevent them.
What Causes Tattoo Infections?
Any number of factors can lead to a tattoo infection, though they often stem from poor hygiene practices during the process. Inadequate aftercare might also contribute.
Unsterile Equipment
Tattoo artists are supposed to regularly sterilize needles and equipment to avoid contamination. If the tools aren’t cleaned well between clients, bacteria and viruses can enter the skin. Equipment could harbor pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus (a.k.a. “golden staph”), which is notorious for causing skin infections.
Dirty Environment
Tattoo studios are required to meet strict health and safety standards, mostly aimed at keeping the environment clean. Unsanitary conditions, needles that aren’t disposed of properly, and the artist not washing their hands greatly increase the risk of their clients getting infected.
Skin Sensitivity and Allergic Reactions
Sometimes, what looks like an infection is actually an allergic reaction to the ink or an overreaction by sensitive skin. In both cases, the area becomes irritated. A reaction on its own isn’t a problem, but if it’s not cared for properly, an infection can develop.
Contaminated Ink
Tattoo inks are designed to be sterile, but they can get contaminated. Poor storage, improper handling, or just plain low-quality production (which could lead to a product liability claim against the manufacturer) can all introduce bacteria into the ink. Once it gets injected under the skin, contaminated ink can lead to serious infections.
Poor Aftercare
Even if everything else is done correctly and the client has no reactions, improper or lacking aftercare can cause infections. It most commonly happens when the tattooed area is not cleaned, is exposed to dirty environments, or the client picks at the healing skin. All of these factors can introduce bacteria.
What Are the Symptoms of a Tattoo Infection?
Tattoo infections don’t always show up immediately. While they sometimes appear within a few hours, it could take days to notice anything wrong. To avoid more severe complications, it’s important to recognize the early signs of an infection and take action before it can progress further.
Some of the more common symptoms include:
- Redness and Swelling: Some is normal, but not if it lasts more than a few days or gets worse
- Pus or Discharge: Again, some is normal, but pus should not be yellow or green or have a foul smell
- Fever and Chills: This is a sign that the infection has made it to the bloodstream, and it could ultimately lead to a septic infection
- Severe Pain: Some discomfort isn’t uncommon, but severe or increasing pain after several days could point to an infection, especially if it radiates from the tattooed area
- Blisters or Sores: This could happen if the skin reacts poorly to the ink or when bacteria grows in the area
Most people who have gotten tattoos before can recognize when something isn’t right. However, if you’ve never had a tattoo and are at all concerned about potential symptoms, it’s best to play it safe and get it checked out.
Potential Treatment Options for a Tattoo Infection
If you suspect that your tattoo is infected, don’t ignore it and assume it will go away. Most minor infections can be treated at home, so at least clean the area and keep it clean and dry to prevent it from getting worse. Use mild antibacterial soap and gently wash the area twice a day. You can pat it dry with a clean towel or let it air dry.
Over-the-counter antibiotic ointments like Neosporin can also help. Be cautious, though, because some of them can cause allergic reactions. Resist the temptation to pick or scratch at the tattoo, as that can make the situation worse and even cause scarring. Let it heal naturally, and try to avoid touching it.
If the infection gets worse, see a doctor. They can clean it better than you could at home and can wrap it with a sterile bandage to keep it clean and dry. If needed, they’ll prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection up more quickly. This will also create a paper trail of evidence if you discover that your artist was negligent and you decide to file a claim against them.
Preventing Tattoo Infections
It’s not always possible to avoid an infection in your tattoo, but there are steps you can take to minimize your risk, including:
- Choosing a Reputable Artist: Do your research and check for licensing, certifications, and reviews
- Paying Attention to the Studio: Look around to see if it’s clean and ask about sterilization practices; don’t hesitate to ask them to open new inks and needles in front of you
- Following Aftercare Instructions: The artist should give detailed instructions, so follow these carefully
- Avoiding Water: Showering is fine, but don’t go swimming, and don’t let water hit your new ink for extended periods
- Watching for Signs: Let your artist know ahead of time if you have sensitive skin, and watch for any unusual reactions after getting the tattoo
Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience, but it comes with a lot of responsibility for taking care of your skin during and after the process. Be aware of the potential for infections, recognize the symptoms, and know how to treat and prevent them to make your tattoo journey safe and enjoyable.
Protect Your Skin and Your Rights
Tattoo infections can bring severe consequences if they’re left untreated, leading to potential long-term health issues and scarring. If you suspect that your tattoo has gotten infected, get to a doctor first to have it treated and cleaned. Timely intervention can keep it from getting worse and protect your health in the long run.
If you suffer a severe infection as a result of negligence by the artist, your health and safety may have been compromised. You deserve justice for any harm that’s been done to you.
Our experienced team at Kenny Habetz Injury Law is here to help you understand your rights and options. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with a Lafayette personal injury lawyer. Your health matters, and we’re committed to standing by your side every step of the way.
Tattoos are a popular form of self-expression. Millions of people around the world use ink to tell their stories and show their interests. Whether it’s a colorful piece of meaningful artwork, a trendy design, or a memorial to a loved one or pet, getting a tattoo is an exciting and personal experience.
However, body art can sometimes come with complications, with infections being one of the main concerns. If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo, it’s a good idea to know how infections can happen, what symptoms to watch for, and how to treat and prevent them.
What Causes Tattoo Infections?
Any number of factors can lead to a tattoo infection, though they often stem from poor hygiene practices during the process. Inadequate aftercare might also contribute.
Unsterile Equipment
Tattoo artists are supposed to regularly sterilize needles and equipment to avoid contamination. If the tools aren’t cleaned well between clients, bacteria and viruses can enter the skin. Equipment could harbor pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus (a.k.a. “golden staph”), which is notorious for causing skin infections.
Dirty Environment
Tattoo studios are required to meet strict health and safety standards, mostly aimed at keeping the environment clean. Unsanitary conditions, needles that aren’t disposed of properly, and the artist not washing their hands greatly increase the risk of their clients getting infected.
Skin Sensitivity and Allergic Reactions
Sometimes, what looks like an infection is actually an allergic reaction to the ink or an overreaction by sensitive skin. In both cases, the area becomes irritated. A reaction on its own isn’t a problem, but if it’s not cared for properly, an infection can develop.
Contaminated Ink
Tattoo inks are designed to be sterile, but they can get contaminated. Poor storage, improper handling, or just plain low-quality production (which could lead to a product liability claim against the manufacturer) can all introduce bacteria into the ink. Once it gets injected under the skin, contaminated ink can lead to serious infections.
Poor Aftercare
Even if everything else is done correctly and the client has no reactions, improper or lacking aftercare can cause infections. It most commonly happens when the tattooed area is not cleaned, is exposed to dirty environments, or the client picks at the healing skin. All of these factors can introduce bacteria.
What Are the Symptoms of a Tattoo Infection?
Tattoo infections don’t always show up immediately. While they sometimes appear within a few hours, it could take days to notice anything wrong. To avoid more severe complications, it’s important to recognize the early signs of an infection and take action before it can progress further.
Some of the more common symptoms include:
- Redness and Swelling: Some is normal, but not if it lasts more than a few days or gets worse
- Pus or Discharge: Again, some is normal, but pus should not be yellow or green or have a foul smell
- Fever and Chills: This is a sign that the infection has made it to the bloodstream, and it could ultimately lead to a septic infection
- Severe Pain: Some discomfort isn’t uncommon, but severe or increasing pain after several days could point to an infection, especially if it radiates from the tattooed area
- Blisters or Sores: This could happen if the skin reacts poorly to the ink or when bacteria grows in the area
Most people who have gotten tattoos before can recognize when something isn’t right. However, if you’ve never had a tattoo and are at all concerned about potential symptoms, it’s best to play it safe and get it checked out.
Potential Treatment Options for a Tattoo Infection
If you suspect that your tattoo is infected, don’t ignore it and assume it will go away. Most minor infections can be treated at home, so at least clean the area and keep it clean and dry to prevent it from getting worse. Use mild antibacterial soap and gently wash the area twice a day. You can pat it dry with a clean towel or let it air dry.
Over-the-counter antibiotic ointments like Neosporin can also help. Be cautious, though, because some of them can cause allergic reactions. Resist the temptation to pick or scratch at the tattoo, as that can make the situation worse and even cause scarring. Let it heal naturally, and try to avoid touching it.
If the infection gets worse, see a doctor. They can clean it better than you could at home and can wrap it with a sterile bandage to keep it clean and dry. If needed, they’ll prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection up more quickly. This will also create a paper trail of evidence if you discover that your artist was negligent and you decide to file a claim against them.
Preventing Tattoo Infections
It’s not always possible to avoid an infection in your tattoo, but there are steps you can take to minimize your risk, including:
- Choosing a Reputable Artist: Do your research and check for licensing, certifications, and reviews
- Paying Attention to the Studio: Look around to see if it’s clean and ask about sterilization practices; don’t hesitate to ask them to open new inks and needles in front of you
- Following Aftercare Instructions: The artist should give detailed instructions, so follow these carefully
- Avoiding Water: Showering is fine, but don’t go swimming, and don’t let water hit your new ink for extended periods
- Watching for Signs: Let your artist know ahead of time if you have sensitive skin, and watch for any unusual reactions after getting the tattoo
Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience, but it comes with a lot of responsibility for taking care of your skin during and after the process. Be aware of the potential for infections, recognize the symptoms, and know how to treat and prevent them to make your tattoo journey safe and enjoyable.
Protect Your Skin and Your Rights
Tattoo infections can bring severe consequences if they’re left untreated, leading to potential long-term health issues and scarring. If you suspect that your tattoo has gotten infected, get to a doctor first to have it treated and cleaned. Timely intervention can keep it from getting worse and protect your health in the long run.
If you suffer a severe infection as a result of negligence by the artist, your health and safety may have been compromised. You deserve justice for any harm that’s been done to you.
Our experienced team at Kenny Habetz Injury Law is here to help you understand your rights and options. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with a Lafayette personal injury lawyer at (337) 399-9000. Your health matters, and we’re committed to standing by your side every step of the way.
