Tattoo Infections
What Are The Chances Of Tattoo Infections?
Tattoo infections are probably more common than most people think. When you think about it, a fresh tattoo could be thought of as a collection of tiny open wounds. We normally don't think of tattoos in that respect, but it is very true. Any open wound is always a candidate for an infection to take hold.
Most established tattoo parlors are expected to conduct their practice under highly sanitary conditions, where cleanliness of the area as well as of the instruments should be a given. The person receiving the tattoo should have an antiseptic applied over the area to which the tattoo is to be applied, and should for that matter not be dirty or wearing soiled clothes.
Most tattoo infections are apt to occur during the healing process than during the time the tattooing is actually being administered. Once the tattoo has been applied, the area must be kept clean and as sterile as possible, until healing is completed. Someone who puts on a soiled shirt right after having had a tattoo placed on their back, is probably asking for trouble. Where ever the tattoo has been placed, that area needs to be kept clean, and just as importantly, moisturized, during the healing process.
A Little Oozing Is Normal - A fresh tattoo is often going to exhibit some redness or irritation in the general area. This is more a matter of the skin tissue complaining of what has been done to it, than a sign that an infection is present. Generally speaking, while redness may not be of concern, any accompanying swelling could be an indication that an infection is present. A little ink, or even blood may occasionally ooze from the tattoo. This is normal. Sometimes a liquid that is almost clear, though may contain some blood, will ooze from the tattoo. This also is normal, and may occur several days after the tattoo has been applied. But if pus is present, so is an infection. A tattoo should be kept dry until it heals, and definitely needs to be kept dry when an infection occurs.
Usually, application of an antibiotic will be all that is needed to clear up tattoo infections, but this will be most effective if the problem is addressed early. It's especially important that any infection be confined to the skin area, and not be allowed to enter into the bloodstream. Any treatment your physician provides will very likely include a blood test to make certain that blood poisoning has not taken hold.
Size Matters - Sometimes, an infection may not be noticed for several days, even several weeks after the tattooing has taken place. Be on the look out for any swelling, a fever, or inflammation or soreness in the tattoo area that persists. The probability of infection is roughly in proportion to the size of the tattoo. So if you're going to have a design done on your upper back, instead of just having your girl's name on one of your biceps, the chances of infection are significantly higher.
Hepatitis C And HIV - About the worst infection one can encounter when getting a tattoo is hepatitis C. This type of infection, like the HIV infection, is most apt to occur when the tattooing instruments haven't been properly sterilized, or the tattoo artist is infected or a carrier. Both hepatitis C and HIV are incurable diseases, usually resulting in eventual death, and all the more reason to make certain the tattoo parlor you are planning to visit is squeaky clean in all respects. Even if you're not concerned about contracting either of these infections, it is still good practice to ask the tattoo artist about steps he or she is taking to ensure that any possibility of tattoo infections occurring is between slim and none.