A tattoo is the part of the American lifestyle as 40% of Americans have at least one tattoo. The reason is pretty simple—a tattoo adds to one’s aesthetic sense and tells others about the wearer’s ideology.

On the flip side, getting a tattoo requires you to consider many things, from choosing an experienced tattoo artist to following the aftercare. Sometimes, tattoo makes you prone to infection and other skin complications if it is made with contaminated tools or in unhygienic conditions. A tattoo is even vulnerable to infection if you don’t follow the aftercare instructions like protecting it from sun or water or leaving it dry. Bacteria and germs can easily make inroads through the cracks in your tattoos. If you are noticing or experiencing redness, swelling, pain or pus-like drainage, chances are that your tattoo has become infected.

Here are the symptoms of an infected tattoo.

Swelling:

While it’s normal to have swelling after getting a tattoo, if it persists for over 5 days, it is a telltale sign of infection.

Heat:

Is your tattoo felt hot to the touch? Another sign of infection! Although the spot may feel warm after getting the tattoo, increasing heat means it is not a good sign.

Pus Discharge:

A clear fluid with a golden color or thick yellow-green stick substance oozes from an infected tattoo.

Odor:

An infected tattoo releases an unpleasant smell. In this scenario, you should visit your doctor before it becomes critical.

Pain:

Swelling and pus also come with pain. If your pain doesn’t go away within 3-5 days, a tattoo might be infected.

Blistering:

An infected tattoo is likely to develop blisters on the top. They are often filled with body fluids and look red.

Scabbing:

A new tattoo is most likely to develop a scab. However, if they are having a yellow and green crust on them, it means they are infected.

Fever:

Do you fall ill after getting a tattoo? Or you are low on energy? If so, it means that your tattoo has become infected. How does an infected tattoo make me feel ill and lethargic?

Well, the immune system works hard to heal an infected tattoo. It doesn’t have much strength left to protect you from infection.

Redness:

Does the skin around the tattoo look extremely red? It also means that your tattoo has become infected.

So these are the symptoms of infected tattoo you should know. If your symptoms closely match them or you are in doubt, make sure to visit your physician.

Besides, make sure to follow the aftercare instructions given by a tattoo artist or a doctor. Some key instructions from them are…

• First and foremost, wash your hands with antibacterial soap while applying lotion or cleaning your tattoo. It will minimize the risk of getting an infection from the hands.
• Use warm water to wash off the fluid and pus occurring from your tattoo.
• Rinse your tattoo with a saline solution that can be made by dissolving 2 tbsp. of salt to one liter of water.
• Wash off the dust, crusts and other foreign particles. However, avoid scrubbing the scabs as it won’t not only spoil your tattoo but also affect the healing process.
• •Make sure to dry it completely.
• Apply only the ointment or topical cream being prescribed by a doctor or suggested by your tattoo artist.
• Make sure to cover your tattoo in a dirty and dusty environment. The tattoo should be allowed to breathe in clean surroundings.
• Protect your tattoo from direct sun exposure.

  Avoid swimming in pools or water bodies due to bacteria or chemicals that can harm your new tattoo.

• Most importantly—stay in touch with your doctor to overcome tattoo infection.