When a person has a tattoo from a licensed, reputable tattoo artist in a salon setting, they may still experience some pain and swelling.

With basic care and good hygiene, most new tattoos heal without complications, but some people may develop an infection that requires medical attention.

If a tattoo causes severe symptoms or pain that lasts for more than a few days, it can be a sign that there is an infection that needs medical treatment.

Find out with this article about infections and tattoo reactions, prevention tips, and what to do if one or the other happens.

Symptoms of a tattoo infection includeTrusted Source:

• a rash or bumps in the tattoo area
• a fever
• worsening swelling
• increasing pain
• shaking
• chills
• sweats

Injecting ink introduces substances to the body that it does not usually encounter. Whether these are the ink components or bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens, there is a risk of an infection or reaction.

Bacteria and viruses

Contaminated equipment and ink can introduce bacteria to a wound site.

Various species of bacteria can cause infection after a tattoo, including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus.

If an infection develops and a person does not seek medical help, it can lead to complications, such as deeper infections, and in rare cases, sepsis, which can be life threatening.

Anyone who has signs of an infection, including a fever and chills, should contact a healthcare professional.

Conditions that can result from a bacterial or viral infection, include:

• impetigo
• cellulitis
• herpes simplex
• viral warts
• atypical mycobacterial infection
• syphilis
• viral hepatitis
• HIV

In some cases, using contaminated ink can also lead to an infection.

Tattooing can lead to an infection from the introduction of bacteria, viruses, or other unwanted substances into the body through broken skin.

Factors that can increase this risk when a person has a tattoo include:

• using contaminated inkTrusted Source
• using a do-it-yourself tattoo kit
• unhygienic practices in unlicensed tattoo parlors
• inappropriate wound care after the procedure
• a weakened immune system before the procedure

Choosing a tattoo parlor that is fully licensed, with a trained and experienced tattoo artist, can help reduce the risk.

Depending on the type of infection, oral antibiotics may be necessary. For serious infections, a person may require a stay in the hospital.

In deep infections, a healthcare professional may recommend surgical treatment. Drainage may be necessary for an abscess.

Other aftercare tips include:

• keeping the site clean by gently washing with soap and water
• covering the tattoo site with a fresh, sterile gauze or bandage
• wearing gloves while sleeping to avoid scratching a new tattoo

If there are more severe or persistent signs of infection, it is important to contact a healthcare professional.

As infections can become severe and require surgical treatment, it is essential to seek medical advice as soon as there are concerns about an infection.

Seek immediate medical help if a person develops an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis.

Following the tattoo artist’s guidance for caring for the tattoo can help reduce the likelihood of an infection. This can include keeping it clean and covered.

Anyone who is considering having a tattoo must choose a licensed, reputable, tattoo artist and tattoo parlor.

If a person has a weakened immune system or an existing blood or skin condition, they should speak with a healthcare professional before getting a tattoo. They can advise on the general safety of getting a tattoo based on individual circumstances.

Asking questions can help a person choose the right tattoo artist and tattoo studio. Questions to ask the tattooist before making the final decision to have a tattoo include:

• How long has the tattoo artist been practicing?
• How long have they been in business in the area?
• How clean is the overall facility, including the lobby?
• How likely is the ink to cause a skin reaction?
• Does the technician always use new needles, sterilized equipment, and single ink containers?
• Will they use a sterile swab, rinse, or antiseptic wash to clean the area before starting the tattoo?
• Will they wear sterile gloves throughout the procedure?

Anyone who does not feel comfortable with a tattoo studio, the equipment, or the artist, should choose another location.

Any activity that compromises the skin barrier or introduces foreign materials into the body increases the risk of an infection or other reaction.

Many people experience a slight inflammation after getting a tattoo. More severe symptoms, such as severe pain, a rash, or fever, require medical treatment.

Antibiotic treatment can help treat a bacterial infection. Without treatment, there is a risk of serious and potentially life-threatening complications.

It is important to keep the area clean and covered, and seek medical help if there are signs of an infection.

Before deciding on a tattoo, people should learn as much as they can about the possible short term effects and how to prevent a problem.