Dealing with the problem depends on taking a few steps to contain the infection and ensure that the skin is healthy again. Therefore, we have prepared this enlightening content to clear all your doubts.
Find out the causes of inflamed tattoo, what are the symptoms, how to avoid it and what to do if it happens to you or someone close to you. Know everything and act fast!
Why can tattoos get infected?
According to specialists, the tattoo can become infected for several reasons, from the equipment used in the studio to the bad habits of the user.
Inflammation usually occurs due to bacteria, which leave the skin in the region reddened, cause tissue swelling and even contribute to more serious problems if treatment is not started immediately.
Know the factors that most contribute to an inflamed tattoo:
Poorly sterilized equipment – therefore, you should get to know the studio and the tattoo artist before the session, checking that everything is clean and adequate.
Lack of hygiene - keeping the skin clean is essential for good healing. Otherwise, germs and bacteria are not eliminated and an infection can arise.
Touch or scratch – the habit of putting dirty hands on the tattooed skin ends up contaminating the region and contributing to inflammation;
Pull the shell – this is a part of the healing process and should not be removed. Its function is precisely to protect the skin from harmful agents.
Use of creams and moisturizers – it is common for some tattoo artists to indicate creams to use during the post-tattoo period. However, exaggeration can close pores and impair skin oxygenation, a factor that can lead to infection.
Enter the sea or pool – the tattooed part should be washed under warm running water. In addition, seas and pools have agents that slow down the healing process and can leave the tattoo inflamed.
Sedentary lifestyle - eating poorly (including greasy and slow-digesting foods) and not exercising are sedentary habits that are detrimental to the work of the immune system, which must be strengthened for the skin to return to normal quickly. Therefore, eat well and always try to move, even more so after getting your tattoo.
Excess sun and tight clothes – high intensity solar rays also contribute to inflammation. Therefore, you should avoid leaving the area exposed on very hot days. Another tip is to wear lighter clothes. If the tattoo was done on the leg, don't wear tight pants, prefer sweatshirt models or shorts, for example.
Symptoms of inflamed tattoo
What are the symptoms of inflamed tattoo? What's the difference to an allergy?
Experts reveal that the tattoo becomes inflamed when:
- There is rash and blistering in different textures and sizes;
- High fever;
- Hot, hard, reddened skin;
- Intense itching;
- Presence of pus and blood, in addition to a bad smell in the area;
- Chills;
- Tiredness and fatigue.
It is worth mentioning: it is common for the skin to become reddish a few days after the session. However, recovery happens gradually once you start the care routine. Therefore, the tattoo heals and leaves the skin looking normal.
The sign of infection is when the skin remains reddened and the symptoms mentioned above appear, especially around 5 to 7 days after the tattoo is done.
And the allergy, how to recognize?
It is common for the skin not to react satisfactorily after the session. A allergic reaction occurs when the skin turns red, there is itching, pain, swelling, and scaling. However, there is fever, fatigue and heavy symptoms.
In general, allergy is a simpler process to be treated, as long as there is a quick consultation with a dermatologist to start treatment.
In both cases, the smear exam of the site is performed to identify the cause of inflammation. From the laboratory test, the doctor will define what the user must do to end the problem.
Inflamed Tattoo – What to do?
If you start to experience symptoms about 5 days after the session, it is paramount search for a doctor (general practitioner or dermatologist).
These professionals will analyze the affected area and perform the smear test, which consists of taking a sample of the skin to identify the agent causing the inflammation.
Based on the test result, the best treatment is indicated: use of antibiotics (most of the time), ointments, antifungals, among other products.
In parallel, routine care is essential, always maintaining hygiene at the site, avoiding sunbathing in the infected area, application of ice and good oxygenation.
If it is an allergy, the ointment helps to stop the inflammation, quickly ending the skin irritation and discomfort.
So the symptoms should go away in a few days. Otherwise, it is essential to return to the specialist for further guidance.
How to avoid inflammation?
How to prevent tattoo inflammation? Complications only appear if you don't follow a proper care routine.
It is essential that the tattoo artist advises you on how to clean your skin after getting a tattoo. In general, you must:
- Wash the place well at bath time;
- Use healing creams;
- Avoid sunbathing in the tattooed area;
- Avoid bathing in the sea or swimming pool;
- Do not touch or scratch the tattoo with dirty hands;
- Eat well and avoid sedentary lifestyle.
In addition, choosing a good professional and studio is essential. Talk to the tattoo artist, get to know his work and look for references. It's even worth visiting the studio and watching a session.
All material must be sterilized and the environment completely clean. Otherwise, there is a risk of both infection and more serious diseases, such as hepatitis. So being careful never hurts.
Following all these tips, you will get rid of this problem of inflamed tattoo. And if any adversity happens, don't hesitate to seek medical help as soon as possible.
We hope you enjoyed our informative guide. Leave a comment and share with your friends. Also take the opportunity to browse our Piercing and Tattoo section, there are several incredible and surprising articles. Good luck and see you later.
