by Jimmy Alero

Created on: July 28, 2009

Treating a infected tattoo is rather simple, yet tedious and sometimes very painful. The first thing one should do is to definitely call a physician, and also the tattoo parlor itself, to get the artist's advice as well. Most respectable and professional tattoo artists are experts at infections, and can offer good advice about what to do. After consulting with the artist, contact your physician to set up an appointment, and the physician may give you an anti-biotic, which speeds up the healing process.

In the mean time, keep the tattoo/infection out of direct contact with the sun, for this will almost certainly result in more damage to the infected area. Also, DO NOT use water in an attempt to clean the infection, as water will make the healing process longer and the infection worse. Similarly, do not swim, and when you're in the shower try to avoid water making contact with the area as much as possible.

Like treating a new tattoo, use special ointments such as A&D, Neosporin, Aquaphor, Bacitracin, or salves (e.g "tattoo goo", "tat wax") to clean the infection. Dial soap can also be used, but make sure to apply ointment after you clean with soap. Do not use topical creams like cocoa butter or lotion, as this will only clog up the epidermis layer of skin, which will prevent healing and spread the infection. Some sources will say to use these type of creams, but it is widespread among the tattoo community that these "benefits" are unfounded, and indeed have the reverse effect. Another thing to be mindful of is the clothing that you wear (depending on where the tattoo infection is), for friction as a result of the clothing rubbing on the infection can cause an even worse or more serious infection in the surrounding area.

Of course, before you proceed in doing (or not doing) these steps in treating a tattoo infection, make sure that the tattoo is actually indeed infected. It is common and expected that there will be some blood coming from a recently applied tattoo, so do not fret if this is happening, for it almost always does. You should only worry if the tattoo has not healed in about 2 weeks, and continues bleeding and/or gushing other bodily fluids. That is when you know it is infected and should proceed in doing what was previously explained. Remember, a tattoo lasts forever, and if it is infected and is damaged because of the infection, it is a toll on your body as well as your wallet. The #1 way to make sure you don't get infected is to clean the tattoo multiple times a day, and make sure that you follow all of the guidelines that the artist tells you. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

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