How Do You Know If Your Tattoo Is Infected? What to Look For and How to Prevent It

Getting a tattoo is an exciting and memorable experience, but it’s essential to care for your new ink properly to avoid complications like infections. Thankfully, infections are rare—especially in professional tattoo shops, which are some of the cleanest environments you’ll ever find. Most infections happen after you leave the shop, often due to pets, partying, or neglecting aftercare. Let me walk you through how to recognize an infection, prevent it, and what to do if it happens.

Signs of a Tattoo Infection

While some redness, swelling, and tenderness are normal in the first few days, these signs could indicate an infection:

1. Excessive Redness or Swelling:

• If redness spreads beyond the tattoo or lasts longer than a few days, it might be infected.

2. Pus or Discharge:

• Yellow or green fluid with an unpleasant smell is a strong indicator of infection.

3. Fever or Chills:

• Feeling feverish or unwell signals your body is fighting off an infection.

4. Pain That Gets Worse:

• Some soreness is expected, but escalating pain is not.

5. Red Streaks or Heat:

• Spreading red streaks or warmth around the tattoo are warning signs.

Why Tattoo Shops Are the Safest Place

A professional tattoo shop is the last place you’ll get an infection. Strict hygiene regulations ensure a sterile environment. I take this very seriously and follow every precaution to protect you. If an infection does occur, it’s almost always due to improper aftercare at home—whether it’s exposure to pets, unsanitary conditions from partying, or neglecting aftercare instructions.

How I Prevent Infections

With my background in nursing (I completed a three-year medical college in Russia), I know how to maintain a safe and sterile workspace. Here’s what I do:

• Disinfect Hands: I clean my hands thoroughly before putting on gloves.

• Sterile Gloves: I avoid touching anything unnecessary once gloved to maintain sterility.

• Clean Workspace: All tools, equipment, and surfaces are disinfected before and after every client.

• Saniderm on Request: If requested, I’ll apply Saniderm, a clear bandage that protects your tattoo from bacteria and friction for up to five days. I’ll also provide a link so you can purchase more if needed.

How to Prevent Infections at Home

1. Follow Aftercare Instructions:

• Wash your tattoo gently with fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water. Pat it dry with a clean towel—don’t rub.

2. Keep Pets Away:

• Pet fur, dander, and bacteria can easily irritate or infect a healing tattoo.

3. Avoid Partying Too Hard:

• Crowded and unsanitary environments, as well as alcohol, can compromise your tattoo’s healing process.

4. Don’t Pick or Scratch:

• Let scabs and peeling skin fall off naturally to prevent open wounds.

5. Avoid Soaking or Sweating:

• Stay out of pools, hot tubs, saunas, and gyms until your tattoo is fully healed.

What to Do If You Suspect an Infection

If you notice signs of an infection, here’s what to do:

1. Clean the Area:

• Gently wash your tattoo with mild soap and lukewarm water. Avoid scrubbing or irritating the area.

2. Apply Antibacterial Ointment:

• Use a tattoo-safe antiseptic, like Aquaphor, to help fight bacteria.

3. Contact a Doctor:

• If symptoms worsen or persist, consult a doctor immediately.

What a Doctor Will Do

If your tattoo is infected and you visit a doctor, here’s what they might do:

1. Examine the Tattoo:

• They’ll assess the area for signs of infection.

2. Prescribe Antibiotics:

• Oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed to clear up the infection.

3. Drain Abscesses (if needed):

• In severe cases, they might need to drain any abscesses.

4. Provide Aftercare Guidance:

• The doctor may give you additional advice or medications to promote healing.

Why Suing a Tattoo Shop Is Immoral

Tattoo shops work hard to maintain the highest hygiene standards. Blaming and suing a tattoo shop for an infection caused by poor aftercare outside the shop is both unfair and unethical. Tattoo artists take pride in their craft and prioritize your safety.

How I Take Care of My Tattoos (or Don’t, Really)

Let’s be honest—I’m not the poster child for textbook tattoo aftercare. In fact, I’ve gone out of my way to see just how far you can push it. I’ve done everything you’re not supposed to do with fresh tattoos:

• Went swimming in pools and the ocean with brand-new ink.

• Trained Muay Thai the day after getting tattooed.

• Took kicks directly on freshly tattooed areas. (Ask me I’ll show you where it fell out.)

• Skipped moisturizing for days, letting it scab over and peel naturally.

• Partied hard and wrestled in dirt (ask me, I’ll show where it fell out.)

Sure, some places scabbed up, and a few spots of ink fell out, but guess what? Not once did I get an infection. My tattoos healed just fine, even under extreme conditions.

Why I Don’t Recommend This

Here’s the thing—my experience doesn’t mean you should follow my example. Everyone’s skin heals differently, and I’ve learned the hard way that neglecting aftercare can sometimes lead to uneven healing or ink loss. If you want your tattoo to look as sharp as possible, it’s better to stick to the recommended aftercare steps.

But if you do end up pushing the limits, remember that even in less-than-ideal conditions, your body is incredibly resilient. Tattoos are more durable than people think, but treating them well from the start ensures they’ll look better for longer.

If you want a tattoo that can survive anything—even a roundhouse kick—let’s make it happen. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Free Touch-Ups for Peace of Mind

I stand behind my work, which is why I offer free touch-ups for all my tattoos. Your satisfaction and the quality of your tattoo are my top priorities.

Let’s Create Something Safe and Stunning

Whether it’s your first tattoo or your next, I’ll guide you through the process with safety and care as my top priorities. Book your session with me in Escondido or La Jolla, and let’s create something you’ll love forever.