Infected Tattoo Symptoms

Tattoos are cool and they surely can be a style statement. But they become a pain in the neck (literally!) when they start developing infections. The worst part is when one cannot make out if the tattoo has developed an infection, or whether it is some skin allergy. Tattoos are different designs made with a special type of ink which is inserted inside the deepest layer of the skin, the dermis. It is said that earlier, sharp objects like bones were used to make tattoos. But nowadays, tattoos are done with an electronic tattoo gun on almost any part of the body! The designs of the tattoos have also undergone a transformation over the years. Now, people prefer funky designs like Hawaiian flower tattoos or tribal tattoos, rather than religious designs. People also like to have their own designs done instead of ready-made designs.

Why do Tattoos Develop Infections?
The electric gun used for tattooing has a group of needles that moves up and down, inserting small dots of ink in the body. This in itself can lead to infections, as the skin has to be broken to insert the ink. If the ink used to make tattoos is of inferior quality, it will cause infections. Also, if the tattoo artist does not maintain hygiene and does not use sterilized needles, there is a chance of tattoo infection. Infections can also occur if proper care is not taken. It is very important to follow instructions given by the tattoo artist.

Symptoms

Swelling: After the tattoo is done, the area around the tattoo does swell, but it is temporary and it heals on its own. But, if the swelling starts getting worse, it is one of the infected tattoo symptoms. Excessive swelling can occur if a person is allergic to a certain pigment used in the tattoo ink. This can happen if you get a tattoo done from an unprofessional tattoo artist, as they generally do not use ink prescribed by the FDA. It is advisable to visit a doctor if such a symptom occurs. He'll prescribe you a topical corticosteroid ointment which will treat the swelling temporarily. If need be, the doctor will ask for further investigations to treat the root cause of the symptom (yet another reason to go to a professional tattoo artist!)

Redness: It is natural for the skin to become red immediately after the tattoo has been inked into it. But if the redness persists even after twenty-four hours, then it is one of the symptoms of infected tattoo. When the tattoo is infected, there is irritation along with redness.

Fever: There is no reason for you to have fever after getting a tattoo. So fever is surely a sign of alarm. Do not ignore it even if your temperature is just a little above 98º F. Rush to your doctor immediately. Excessive fever is a sign of spread of infection. Fever can occur even after removal of a Tattoo.

Discharge: A little blood discharge from the tattoo site is natural. But, if there is yellowish or green discharge, or if pus is oozing from the tattoo, it is a matter of concern. Excessive bleeding is also one of the symptoms. This can lead to complications if not treated on time.

Pain: The procedure for making a tattoo is in itself painful. If you have made a small and simple design, the pain will be less, because the number of needles used to make the tattoo are less. But if the Tattoo is big, the pain will be more as the number of needles used to make the tattoo will be more. So pain is an obvious thing when you get a new tattoo. But if the pain does not recede after two days, or if it is increasing instead of decreasing, it could be one of the symptoms of an infected tattoo.

Red Streaks: If tattooing needles are not sterilized, blood poisoning can occur. Red streaks extending from the tattoo are a symptom of blood poisoning. Red streaks are lines emerging around the tattoo. Any sores around, or on the tattoo, are also infected tattoo symptoms. Do not ignore these symptoms! Go to your doctor immediately if such signs are seen. General medications or home remedies can be done for other tattoo symptoms, but for red streaks it is not advisable to take any medication without the doctor's advise.

Author: Girija Shinde