Care for and wash your tattoo as per the artist’s instructions and be sure to keep it dry since moist areas breed infection. If you’re prone to infection, be sure to take good care of your tattoo and take an anti-inflammatory medication, like Ibuprofen, if necessary. Pay attention to your pain. If the tattoo is especially painful, and the pain lasts for more than 3 days following the tattoo session, go back to the parlor and ask the artist to examine the tattoo.
Look for red lines radiating out from the tattoo itself. If you see thin red lines radiating out from the tattoo, seek emergency medical care because you may have blood poisoning. Itchiness, especially itchiness spreading outward from the area of the tattoo is also a sign of an allergic reaction or infection. Tattoos will itch some, but if it gets especially strong and lasts more than a week after you get the tattoo, you may want to get it checked out.
Foul-smelling discharge is also a very serious sign. Go immediately to the emergency room or see your physician.
A fever within 48 hours of getting the tattoo, nausea, body aches, and generally feeling unwell are all signs of infection. If you have these symptoms, see your doctor promptly.
If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, like foul-smelling discharge and significant pain, skip this step and go to the doctor or the emergency room immediately to receive treatment.
Start taking antibiotics as directed as soon as possible to help your body fight off infection. Most topical infections should be able to be easy to kick quickly, but blood infections are serious business and need to be treated swiftly.
After treating the area, you may need to keep the tattoo covered with sterile gauze, but also let it get enough air to avoid promoting further infection. The tattoo needs fresh air.
Tattoo artists will usually provide you with a tube of cream, often Tattoo Goo or Aquaphor, or another topical ointment. Apply the ointment to the tattoo to keep it clean and healing properly for at least 3-5 days after receiving the tattoo. Never use Vaseline or Neosporin on new tattoos.
Avoid wearing clothing that might irritate the area and keep it out of the sun as much as possible to avoid bleeding the ink.
Usually, black ink doesn’t contain anything that people are allergic to, but often colored inks will have other additives that can cause reactions in some people. If you just want to get a tattoo with India ink, you’re probably fine, even if you have sensitivities. You can also request the artist use vegan ink made with natural ingredients if you have sensitive skin.
Avoid stick ’n pokes and other home tattooing options. Even if your friend is “really really good” at giving tattoos, make an appointment with someone who gives tattoos professionally to get yours done. If you make an appointment and show up to find any suspicious behavior or unclean environments, cancel your appointment and walk out. Find a better tattoo parlor.
Disposable needles and instruments are best. If the shop reuses instruments, even if they’ve been sterilized, you have a higher risk of infection.
