Even though tattoos will be slightly uncomfortable in the hours and days following the session, knowing how to distinguish between regular discomfort and more serious signs of infection can be difficult.The best way to prevent infections is to keep the tattoo clean and dry.If you're concerned about the tattoo site, you can learn to recognize the signs of infections and treat them in a few simple steps.
Step 1: Wait a few days before making any conclusions.
When you get a tattoo, the area will be red, swollen, and sensitive.New tattoos will be sore like a sunburn.In the first 48 hours after getting a tattoo, it can be difficult to determine whether or not an infection has set in, so don't jump the gun.Adopting a wait and see policy is critical to maintaining a proper tattoo aftercare procedure.Care for and wash your tattoo as per the artist's instructions and be sure to keep it dry since moist areas can lead to infections.If you're prone to infections, be sure to take an anti- inflammatory medication, like Ibuprofen, and take good care of your tattoo.You should pay attention to your pain.If the tattoo is particularly painful, and the pain lasts for more than 3 days, go back to the parlor and ask the artist to examine it.
Step 2: Look for redness and heat.
If you feel warmth above the area, feel it with your hand.If you can feel the heat coming from the area, that's a sign that the inflammation is serious.Redness can be a sign of illness.If the redness gets darker as opposed to lighter, and if it gets more painful than less, it's a sign of serious infections.Red lines can be seen from the tattoo itself.You might have blood poisoning.Itchiness spreading outward from the area of the tattoo is a sign of an allergic reaction.If the tattoo lasts more than a week after you get it, you may want to have it checked out.
Step 3: You should look for swelling and discharge.
If the tattoo area swells up unevenly, that can be a sign of an illness.If you have a fluid-filled boil in the area, you should be treated immediately.If the tattoo does not shrink down, get it checked out.Foul-smelling discharge is also a very serious sign.Go to the emergency room.
Step 4: Pay attention to your temperature and how you're feeling.
It is a good idea to take your temperature with an accurate one and make sure it is not too high.It can be a sign of an illness that needs to be treated sooner rather than later.Within 48 hours of getting a tattoo, nausea, body ache, and generally feeling unwell are all signs of an illness.You should see your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.
Step 5: Show the tattoo artist that there is a problem.
The best person to talk to if you are concerned about your tattoo is the artist.Ask them to evaluate it and show them how it is progressing.If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as a foul-smelling discharge and significant pain, you should immediately go to the doctor or the emergency room.
Step 6: Go to the doctor.
It's important to get to the doctor as soon as possible and get on antibiotics if you've spoken with your tattoo artist and have tried to care for the tattoo as best you can.There isn't much that can be done on the tattoo, but medication can help fight the infection.As soon as possible, start taking antibiotics to fight off infections.Blood infections are serious business and need to be treated quickly.
Step 7: Use it as directed.
Your doctor can prescribe antibiotics to keep your tattoo healing.If that's the case, apply the cream regularly and keep the tattoo clean.Follow your doctor's instructions to wash it gently with clean water.If you want to prevent further infections, you need to keep the tattoo covered with sterile gauze, but also let it breathe.The tattoo needs fresh air.
Step 8: The tattoo should be dry while it heals.
You can wash your tattoo with a small amount of soap and clean water, then blot it dry before re-bandaging it or keeping it out of sight.Don't cover or soak tattoos that have become infections.
Step 9: You should keep your tattoo clean.
Make caring for your new tattoo a priority and follow the instructions the tattoo artist gives you.After 1 hour after receiving the tattoo, wash the area with antibacterial soap.After rinsing the area, pat it dry with a new paper towel.You can usually get a tube of cream from a tattoo artist.For at least 3 days after receiving the tattoo, apply the ointment to it to keep it clean.It's never a good idea to use Neosporin on new tattoos.
Step 10: As the tattoo heals, let it get enough air.
It's important to keep the tattoo comfortable in the first couple of days so that it heals naturally.The skin needs to breathe, so don't use too much.Don't wear clothing that will irritate the area and keep it out of the sun as much as possible to avoid bleeding the ink.
Step 11: Get tested for allergies before getting a tattoo.
Some people are allergic to certain ingredients in tattoo ink which can cause an ugly and painful situation if you get a tattoo.If you want to get a tattoo, you should get an allergy test.Black ink usually doesn't contain anything that people are allergic to, but sometimes colored ink can cause reactions in some people.Even if you have sensitivities, you're probably fine with getting a tattoo with India ink.If you have sensitive skin, you can request the artist to use vegan ink.
Step 12: Only licensed tattoo artists can give you tattoos.
If you're going to get a tattoo, you need to research good parlors and artists in your area, and make sure the artist you choose has a license and a good track record of customer satisfaction.Stick 'n pokes and other home tattooing options are not recommended.If your friend is good at giving tattoos, make an appointment with someone who gives tattoos professionally.Cancel your appointment and walk out if you show up to find suspicious behavior or a dirty environment.You can find a better tattoo parlor.
Step 13: Make sure the tattoo artist uses disposable needles.
Good tattoo artists will show you clearly that they're opening new needles and putting on gloves when they clean up.Ask if you don't see it.Good tattoo parlors should respect your concern for your own safety.It's best to use disposable needles and instruments.If the shop reuses instruments, you have a higher risk of infections.