This is when the tattoo you’ve just gotten becomes mild or severely infected for a couple of reasons. Tattoo infections can range from mild and easy to take care of and even life-threatening. Indeed, when you got a tattoo for the first time, you will get excited. Basically, a tattoo is a wound on your body and a lifetime modification you can do. Since it is a lifetime modification, tattoo artists will inject permanent ink in order for your chosen design to be created artistically. However, there are instances where getting a tattoo also results in having infections. Listed below are some common symptoms of tattoo infections.
Infected Tattoo Symptoms
- Inflammation
It can be anything from red to pink discoloration around your tattoo. The feeling of itchiness will start to be felt as a sign of irritation. Put your clean hand gently over the portion which appears inflamed to see if it feels warmer compared to the rest of your body. It’s normal to have a small amount of inflammation since the tattoo is still fresh, but if it increases overtime, you may have a tattoo infection.
- Fever
Your fever can range from light to sever depending on how long you’ve left the infection untreated. If it’s above 100 degrees, you must seek medical attention.
- Swelling
A slight amount of it is normal, but shouldn’t be excessive. Depending how long the duration is, if it’s in the direct area of your tattoo, it can offer your design a puffy and distorted look. Moreover, if it’s not treated properly, it may spread and is a sign of infection.
- Pain
It’s normal to have some discomfort or tenderness, but if the initial pain doesn’t beat off after the 1st couple days or even gets worse in the long run, this could possibly be a sign that your tattoo is in the early stages of an infection.
- Foul Odor
Bad bacteria give off a foul smell on the area where you have placed your tattoo and if it gets stinky, you need to have it checked.
- Discharge
New all tattoos have a small clear liquid with tiny spots of blood. This is a part of the healing process of your fresh wound. Thus, if it begins to produce yellowish green, then it’s definitely a problem and should be checked. Excessive bloody discharge can also be observed if infection starts.
- Red Streaks
If these streaks go outward from the site of the original tattoo, this is a serious sign of blood poisoning and you should immediately seek medical attention from your doctor.
If your tattoo is infected, it becomes more vulnerable to being assaulted by many different bacteria and viruses, so it is significant to take care of the infection before it becomes a serious case and even threatens your life. If you actually think that you’ve got an infection, go directly to your tattoo artist to make sure. Tattoo artists are experts at determining infections, but if the infection goes severe, visit your physician or unfortunately, the emergency room.
