Tattoo Infections
Tattoo Infections
Nowadays tattoos are becoming more and more popular and less taboo. People are getting tattoos at a growing rate but there are still some risk factors that we should be aware of.
Prevention is better than cure, so choosing the proper tattoo studio in Cape Town and tattoo artist in Cape Town should be of the utmost importance. Make sure the studio is clean and the equipment is sterile and the artist is qualified.
The tattoo machine that the artist uses has needles that puncture the outer skin and deposit ink. With each puncture, your skin gets inflicted with a wound, and as it is with any kind of wound, the tattoo punctures are susceptible to infection.
Usually, the skin around a newly done tattoo will be red with some swelling, which is absolutely normal, until at least 24 hours. If the swelling has not subsided after one day and the pain has begun to get worse, then it could be the onset of an infection, and you must get advice from your doctor.
Sometimes, in certain cases the infection is deep-rooted in the skin, and superficial symptoms are not recognizable until after a few days of getting the tattoo. The signs of an infection can vary but here are a few:
Greenish/yellowish discharge from the tattoo can indicate pus formation and deep-seated infection.
Another sign of infection in the tattoo can be a temperature. Even slight fever after getting a tattoo must not be taken lightly.
Initially, the tattoo and the area surrounding it can become red and slightly inflamed due to puncture in the skin. However, if the redness has increased with a tingling sensation and the site of the tattoo is itchy, then you have definitely contracted an infection.
If the tattoo feels hot and you experience radiating pain or a foul odor is emanating from the tattoo is an indication that the infection has worsened.
Any of these symptoms will require urgent medical attention.
Remember, you are getting a tattoo that represents something that is important to you. It will become part of your body so take proper care and cherish the experience.
