Tips to Avoid a Tattoo Infection

Posted on November 18, 2019October 30, 2023 by Tattoo Expert

Only getting a tattoo is not sufficient. There are too many things that one has to take care after getting a tattoo. And if one fails to do so or do not take very good care after getting a tattoo, then he/she can risk tattoo infection, ink fading, bubbling, and bleeding. And all these will be the last thing that anyone would ever want, especially after getting his/her favorite artwork.

Remember that tattoos open up the skin, so your fresh ink is nothing but an open wound, and you need to take proper care of your wound. Here are the signs of infections and tips to avoid a tattoo infection.

These tips will not only help you avoid a tattoo infection, but will also help you take effective measures in case you have encountered any tattoo infection. Knowing these tips will also help you to quickly recognize a problem. Even if you get a tattoo infection, with the help of these tips you would be able to handle and address the issue immediately, you will be able to clear the tattoo infection and save the tattoo from fading.

Here we go…….

SIGNS OF A TATTOO INFECTION

1. Rashes or red bumps

If you notice any rashes or red bumps surrounding or on top of your tattoo, do contact your tattoo artist immediately so that you may know if it is some kind of reaction or an infection that has developed in the area. But do not ever ignore these rashes. Sometimes people with sensitive skin face such problems, which is not of course a tattoo infection. But taking proper care in such situations also is wise!

2. Flaky and cracked lump on the skin

Also, if your tattoo is getting flaky or cracked it’s not a good sign, it simply means that you are not taking good care of your tattoo. A tattoo infection varies from person to person based on their skin types. There are people who experience skin keloids that turn to a flaky, cracked lump on the skin. This could be on your tattoo or around the tattoo area and if it is left unattended, it could actually grow to the point where the ink of your tattoo will no longer be visible.

3. Discoloration of tattoo

During the initial stage of a tattoo infection, you may notice some discoloration on your tattoo. It is the sign to know that something is terribly wrong with your tattoo. Discoloration simply means that the green ink will turn to yellow ink or brownish in color. If you don’t take proper care of your tattoo it may fade away. For instance, washing with soap immediately after getting a tattoo or exposing the ink to the sun may cause your tattoo to fade away.

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4. If the skin around is coarse or brittle

If the proper moisture is not provided to the tattoo, the skin of the particular area start to become coarse and brittle, which is again a sign of a tattoo infection. You may probably feel some tightness in the area that will resemble a leathery like surface. It simply means that the skin in the area is not retaining moisture at all. It happens only when your skin is too dry.

Tattoo Aftercare Treatment

1. Learn about aftercare in advance

First things first, while getting a tattoo it is crucial that you also learn how to take care of your tattoo properly so that you can avoid the risk of a tattoo infection completely. More often than not, after the treatment professional tattooists give you detailed and specific instructions on the proper post tattoo care, which you need to follow religiously. Some of them even give specific ointment for applying on your tattoo. And if you do not care for your tattoo after getting it, you may encounter a myriad of skin issues such as rashes, tattoo infection, and skin keloids. Knowing aftercare procedures in advance will help you identify a potential tattoo infection and take proper measures to avoid them from starting.

2. Keep your tattoo covered for first two hours

This will be instructed by your tattoo artist. Yes, you need to keep your tattoo covered for the first two hours after getting it done. Once you are back home, you can simply remove the bandage or wrapping after 2 hours so that the skin of the tattooed area can breathe. As the natural air ensures faster healing.

3. Avoid alcohol

Even if you feel like celebrating your artwork, please control your urge for at least two more days. You can have alcohol after two-three days. Believe you me, two days delay won’t affect your celebration at all, in fact it would be better as you will be able to enjoy even more!

4. Do not use too much of water and soap

For the first few days, make sure you don’t let water or soap directly touch the tattoo area. For cleaning your tattoo you can always use a warm washcloth. Do not over clean your tattoo, otherwise you will end up having a faded artwork, which is not wise.

5. Avoid direct exposure to the sun

It is very important that you avoid direct exposure to the sun. Of course I know that staying home all the time after getting a tattoo won’t be possible. But whenever you go out, make sure your tattoo is covered properly so that it is not exposed to the sun directly.

6. Avoid chlorine or salt water for at least 6-8 weeks

Chlorine or salt water can damage your tattoo significantly, so it is better to avoid chlorine or salt water on your tattoo.

7. Avoid using alcohol products

There are many lotions and ointments which are alcohol based. You should completely avoid using alcohol based products on or around the area where you have got the tattoo for a minimum of 4 weeks.

8. Avoid rubbing or picking skin

We tend to forget things easily. And in case of tattoo it happens many a time. People after taking bath forget they have a tattoo and they start rubbing the area carelessly, which is not wise. You should always keep in mind that rubbing your tattoo abrasively will damage it or affect it adversely.

9. Avoid scratching

Feeling itchy after getting a tattoo is normal, and it happens with almost everybody. And we know it is not easy to resist that feeling. But it is mandatory to avoid scratching your tattoo. Scratching your tattoo can lead to a distorted artwork on your body. Therefore, it is recommended to keep your skin moisturized always.

10. Keep the area moisturized and clean always

It is very crucial that you keep the area where you have got the tattoo moisturized and clean at all times. If you don’t do so, your tattoo will take longer to get healed. Understand, when your skin adjusts to the ink, it needs to be moisture so that stretch are settled properly. Initially, you will experience raised skin in the tattoo area and shape of the tattoo, usually it appears as if a tattoo is been branded on your skin. But it is not so, it is natural for the first few days. Actually a normal swelling is natural as it is caused by the ink in the under layers of the skin.