The number of people who have tattoos is increasing day by day.. Estimates show that today one fifth of the American population has one or more tattoos.. Tattoos are no longer a problem in the workplace of many industries..

Perhaps the popularity of tattooing makes you think that tattooing is not so dangerous... but tattooing is associated with risks: by inserting a needle dipped in ink into the skin, the possibility of foreign substances or infection entering the body increases.

Getting tattooed in a shop or by someone who doesn't properly clean their equipment or explain to you the instructions for keeping your tattoo clean can lead to skin disease, infection, or other problems.

In the following, we will provide you with the necessary information about diagnosing a possible infection, treating the infected area, etc.

Method to detect infection caused by tattoo

The most common symptom of a tattoo infection is a red rash or raised skin around the tattoo area.

In some cases, especially if you have sensitive skin, the skin may just be scratched by the needle... In this case, the symptoms will disappear within a day or two.

But if symptoms last for a week or more, you should see a tattoo specialist or infectious disease doctor.

See an infectious disease doctor if you see one or more of the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Feeling a wave of heat and cold
• Abnormal shaking
• Swelling of the tattoo area
• Pus coming out of the tattoo area
• Red sore around the tattoo
• Hardening and lifting skin tissue

Can a staph infection occur?

Staph infection is one of the types of infections that you may get as a result of tattooing.... Although staph infection is treatable, staph bacteria often become resistant to common antibiotics, making drug treatment ineffective.

There is also the possibility of staph bacteria, especially methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, entering the bloodstream and internal organs.. In this case, other problems such as blood corruption, arthritis, and toxic shock syndrome appear...

Also read: What is the cause of itchy skin?

• Extreme thirst
• bone or muscle pain or bruising
• Fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius)
• Swelling of the tattooed area
• Infectious area wound with pus or liquid discharge
• Wound jaundice
• diarrhea

If any of the above symptoms occur after getting a tattoo, consult an infectious disease or emergency physician immediately.

How to treat tattoo infection

Small and mild boils can usually be treated at home with antibacterial ointment, proper washing and rest.

The treatment of the infection depends on the cause of its occurrence. The doctor may take tissue samples to identify the bacteria or virus that caused the infection.

In most cases, infectious disease specialists prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection....If the infection is severe, antibiotic treatment may take weeks or months.

If the infection is caused by MRSA bacteria, antibiotics will not be effective...

In rare cases, surgery is needed to repair the skin....If the tissue becomes dead due to infection (necrosis), with the help of surgery, the infected tissue is completely removed.

Persistent, painful bumps on a tattoo that sometimes itch can be a sign of an unusual mycobacterial infection.. In this case, you should continue taking antibiotics for a long time.

Learn more: Dead blood spot photo

Time to see an infectious disease doctor

If you feel feverish or have pus or scabs around the tattoo area, you should see a doctor. These are common signs of infection. If the rash or inflammation lasts more than a week, you should also see a doctor.

If the infection is not treated in time, or if the bacteria becomes resistant to antibiotics, a boil will develop.. To remove the boil, you must be treated in a clinic or hospital.

If you feel itchy around the tattoo area or if pus or fluid is discharged from this area, you should see a doctor... You may be allergic to the ink.

Allergies can lead to anaphylactic shock....in this case, the throat closes and blood pressure drops dangerously....If this type of allergy occurs, go to the emergency room immediately.

Outlook

Usually, tattoo infection is easy to treat and easier to prevent.. Most infections can be treated with antibiotics within a week.. However, some infections may be very serious and require long-term use of antibiotics or other medications.

Knowing how to choose the right tattoo and how to care for it is important to make sure it heals well, doesn't get infected, and looks the way you want it to.

Severe and severe infection requires long-term use of antibiotics, but usually does not lead to long-term illness.. But in rare cases, a person gets hepatitis or HIV from a contaminated needle or an untreated infection.... In this case, you need long-term and comprehensive treatment...

Prevention of infection caused by tattoos

Before getting a tattoo, make sure you are not allergic to the ingredients in the tattoo ink....be sure to ask the tattoo artist what ingredients the tattoo ink contains....if you are allergic to the ingredients, ask him to change the ink or stop the tattoo altogether....however, remember that it is difficult to know the ingredients..privately.

Make sure that all the items that touch your skin are properly sterilized.... Do not be shy to ask the owner of the salon how he disinfects the equipment and adapts it to the standards.... Your health is at risk!..

Among the other things that you should pay attention to before getting a tattoo are the following:

• Is the salon licensed?.. Licensed salons are evaluated by inspectors and must follow safety standards.
• Is the tattoo parlor reputable? It is better to visit a few parlors before deciding to get a tattoo to be sure of the tattoo work....reading reviews online or hearing about this and that parlor is a good way to evaluate the parlor's work.
• Does the potential tattoo artist follow safety precautions? The tattoo artist should use a new, sterilized needle every time he starts a new tattoo.... He should also always wear gloves.

If the tattoo artist explains the tattoo care methods to you, be sure to follow his recommendations.... If he does not explain the necessary recommendations to you, contact him.... He must explain to you the necessary care after the tattoo...

In general, you should ensure complete treatment by following:

1. Three to five hours after the tattoo, remove the bandage.
2. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and water.
3. Use a clean, dry cloth or tissue to dry and remove blood, blood stains, or excess paint.
4. Allow the tattoo to dry in the open air for a few minutes....don't rub the tattoo with a tissue....because it will damage the skin.
5. Apply ointment (such as Vaseline) to the affected area, not lotion... wipe off excess...
6. Repeat these steps four times a day.

As soon as the tattoo is removed, use a moisturizer or lotion to prevent drying or damage to the skin... Do not scratch the skin because it will cause the skin to not heal well and be more susceptible to infection.

For consultation about infectious diseases that occur after tattooing, you can make an appointment online with the best infectious disease specialists in Tehran or consult online.

Source: healthline

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