What To Do If You Get A Staph Infection From A Tattoo
How cool is wearable art? It is even more incredible when personalized and sized to fit you. Tattoos are a notable way of expression that takes real artistry. But the blessing of fresh ink can quickly turn into a curse if you are not careful. There are a few things to consider before getting a tattoo, and the process is one of them. Without the proper aftercare, you risk infection. A 2016 research study estimated up to 6% of people who get tattoos experience infection.
According to Healthline, a staph infection from a tattoo can seep into your blood and organs, leading to greater medical issues like sepsis, arthritis, and toxic shock syndrome. If a tattoo artist does not sterilize their needles or wear gloves, that is a red flag. Take the time to research reputable parlors and speak with artists about the precautions they take. Even if everything checks out, that does not eliminate your risk of staph inflection. Here are some signs to look for with your new tattoo.
Signs of infection
Your new ink will usually be sore and come with redness. That is normal when the skin is graced with an array of needles. After getting a tattoo, the outermost layer of skin can take two to three weeks to heal, according to Healthline. In these early stages, the body treats the tattoo as an open wound. Flaking skin and itchiness is typical. After a month, your body art can dry out and appear dull. This, too, is normal as a layer of skin forms but is temporary as it will be naturally exfoliated. However, prolonged pain can be a sign of infection.
Symptoms of tattoo infection include persistent redness, swelling, pus, blisters, bumps, or flaring of the skin, according to Insider. A staph infection is the most common result of contamination for a new tattoo, and fevers or chills are severe symptoms. If you are experiencing such, please get in touch with your medical provider. A staph infection can be treated with antibiotics and usually clears up within two weeks. But with the proper aftercare, you can decrease your chances of infection. You'll want to avoid these biggest mistakes after getting a tattoo.
The proper aftercare
Taking care of your fresh ink will help a smooth healing process. According to WebMD, you should avoid clothes touching your tattoo. For discrete places, this will be inevitable, so instead, consider loose-fitting clothing. During the early stages, avoiding direct sun exposure to your tattoo and activities like swimming is best. If you must be in the sun, use mineral sunscreen.
A key to your tattoo aftercare is cleansing. Medical News Today suggests using antibacterial soap to gently clean your tattoo before patting it dry. Follow your tattoo artist's instructions on when to apply moisturizer. When it is your time to do so, apply a layer of moisturizer and avoid bandages to let your skin breathe. It is best to use unscented creams for tattoos or alcohol-free lotions. Products with fragrances can have harsh chemicals that will irritate your tattoo. Since your body is treating the tattoo like a wound, so should you. Be gentle and attentive so you can fully enjoy your new art.