GETTING A TATTOO is an investment. They can be pricy, painful, and take time. It’s usually worth it in the end, though, unless your new ink gets infected.
The likelihood of an infection is relatively low, however. But, of course, there’s a risk of an infection anytime you’re dealing with needle punctures. As many as 5 percent of people who get tattoos experience infections, research published in Medicina in 2022 shows.
Usually, taking good care of your tattoo afterward lowers your risk of an infection. However, new research suggests infections could come from the tattoo ink itself.
In a study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology in 2024, researchers tested 75 samples of tattoo and permanent makeup ink and found that 26 were contaminated with 34 types of bacteria—which is more than a third of the samples. There was no connection between the sterility claims on the ink’s label and the absence of contamination.
“The results are not surprising, as there are no industry standards for sterilizing tattoo inks,” says Howard Sobel, M.D, clinical attending cosmetic dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
This should be concerning if you’re getting a tattoo, Dr. Sobel says, especially if you’re getting large tattoos that cover vast areas of skin, which raises the risk.
An infected tattoo is no joke, but it’s not necessarily a reason not to get one. Fortunately, infected tattoos are treatable. Below, dermatologists and plastic surgeons share how to care for your skin after getting a tattoo, how to tell if your tattoo is infected, and what to do if you think it is.
What Are Common Types of Tattoo Infections?
WHEN YOU GET a tattoo, ink is applied to the dermal layer of the skin, where bacteria can thrive and cause infections. Infections can happen when the needles used are dirty, the in k is contaminated, your tattoo artist doesn’t follow safety or sanitary protocols, or if your tattoo isn’t properly covered or cared for.
“The infection can, in the extreme, travel to the blood or lymphatic system and other parts of the body, which can cause septic life-threatening shock,” Dr. Sobel says.
Here are some of the most common tattoo infections and what you should do if you suspect them:
Pseudomonas Bacterial or Fungal Infections
These occur when you tattoo your toes, feet, or ankles.
“Pseudomonas bacterial infections are more common if you wear old, smelly, sweaty sneakers without socks, and fungal infections are more common if you have athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, or walk around barefoot in the gym or public showers, where fungus likes to lurk,” says Tsippora Shainhouse, M.D., a dermatologist at SkinSafe Dermatology and Skin Care in Beverly Hills, California.
So what should you look for? Infections typically appear red and are hot, swollen, and have an odor, says Dr. Shainhouse. Fungal infections can also appear red and have a white scale, like athlete’s foot, she says. She recommends soaking the area with diluted white vinegar and water, along with using a prescription topical antibiotic.
Non-tuberculosis Mycobacterium Infection
This can result if a tattoo parlor uses unclean water for washing or diluting ink, says Dr. Shainhouse, or afterward, from exposure to other moisture.
“These present as a single red, swollen lump and are usually associated with smaller pink spots or red streaks up the arm (or leg) following the natural lymphatic flow with or without swollen glands in the armpit (or groin),” she says.
If you think you have this, see a doctor who can prescribe oral antibiotics.
E.coli Skin Infections
Tattoos on the butt, groin, or pubic areas are at an increased risk of infection because they can come into contact with fecal matter, which contains E. coli bacteria, says Dr. Shainhouse. These infections usually smell, include pus, and look red and swollen, she explains.
Oral antibiotics are necessary right away, so get to the doctor’s office as soon as possible after signs appear.
Viral Infections
Your risk of contracting HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C is slim but possible, Dr. Shainhouse says. This could happen if equipment is contaminated and not sterilized after each appointment.
These might not necessarily present with skin symptoms but if you have pain, fatigue, or flu-like symptoms, which could be signs of one of these infections, she explains.
What Are Signs Your Tattoo Might Be Infected?
THERE ARE SEVERAL symptoms suggesting your tattoo might be infected. Here’s what to watch for:
Pus
Seeing pus draining from the tattoo site is the most specific sign that your tattoo is infected.
You definitely need to visit the doctor if this occurs in order to determine if the infection is one that can be treated at home or not, says Viseslav Tonkovic-Capin, M.D., a dermatologist based in Kansas City and editor of DermBoard.
“You may try to wash it with liquid antibacterial soap and apply over-the-counter double antibiotic ointment three to four times a day,” he advises.
Redness and Warmth
“If you experience spreading pink discoloration or the feeling of pulsating heat radiating from around your tattoo, you may have an infection,” says Lara Devgan, M.D., a plastic surgeon in New York City. Make sure to see a doctor as soon as possible for topical or oral antibiotics.
You can have swelling and warmth even without infection, however, says Dr. Tonkovic-Capin. But if it persists for more than three days or gets worse, then it is an infection. And you guessed it: See a doctor.
Firm Bumps
Firm bumps, known as granulomas, may signify a specific type of allergic reaction to the dye, says New York City-based dermatologist Susan Bard, M.D. You might also develop an itchy rash if you’re allergic to the dye in your tattoo, specifically red dyes. See a dermatologist or primary care physician right away if these symptoms come up.
Fever or Chills
Skin infections can produce similar symptoms to any other kind of infection, includng a fever or chills.
Body temperature will rise when you’re fighting off an illness like an infection. Because of this, you might feel warm or get a case of the chills— the body’s way of creating heat by rapidly contracting and relaxing the muscles to increase body temperature.
“If you develop a fever, you should go to the closest emergency room,” says Dr. Tonkovic-Capin.
Increased Pain
A new tattoo might feel tender for a little while, but if the pain gets worse instead of better, that may be a sign it’s infected. If the pain goes beyond typical discomfort after getting a tattoo, be safe and stop by the doctor’s office so they can assess the situation.
How to Care for a New Tattoo—And Prevent Infection
THE HEALING PROCESS for a tattoo can last two to four weeks. Taking good care of it can minimize your risk of an infection. Aftercare instructions vary among tattoo artists, but they all generally agree on the basic strategies.
After your appointment, your tattoo will be covered with a bandage or plastic wrapping, which can be removed after about six hours. Wash your tattoo three times per day with unscented antibacterial soap, pat dry with a paper towel, and cover with a thin layer of whatever ointment your tattoo artist recommends.
“After getting a tattoo, take care to keep the area clean and moist. An occlusive dressing is often applied to protect the skin while the pigment injection sites heal,” Dr. Devgan says. “Avoid strenuous activities, profuse sweating, and contact with contaminated environmental exposures such as sand, oceans, and debris.”
Some peeling in the early stages of the healing process is normal, but “never try to pick off the crusting that will typically show up on the surface,” says Dr. Tonkovic-Capin.
Until your tattoo is fully healed, you should avoid taking baths (showers are fine), swimming, tanning, scratching the tattoo, and touching the tattoo without washing your hands.
How long should you wait to start working out after getting a tattoo? That depends on tattoo placement and a few other key factors. More here.
How to Treat an Infected Tattoo
REMEMBER: DISCOMFORT AT the site of the new ink, itchiness, and scabbing can all be normal after getting a tattoo. But if you have any prolonged symptoms or any reason to be concerned, it’s best to err on the side of caution and see a doctor ASAP.
Though life-threatening conditions are rare, things can still escalate if you ignore treating your infected tattoo.
“If you don’t care for the infected tattoo, it sometimes may heal on its own, or it may progress with fever, chills, [and] malaise to becoming critically ill, resulting in sepsis that may lead to death,” says Dr. Tonkovic-Capin.
If anything strikes you as odd or particularly painful, head to the doctor. It’s important to act quickly.
Not taking proper care of your tattoo could damage its design and appearance, too, Dr. Devgan says. “Tattoos are controlled injuries to the skin, so they represent a break in the skin that must be treated like an open wound, with great care taken to keep it clean.”
How Do I Avoid Getting An Infection?
IDEALLY, YOU’LL HAVE a problem-free tattoo. To mitigate risk, make sure your tattoo artist is licensed, Dr. Tonkovic-Capin says.
Do your research when finding a tattoo shop—look at reviews, make sure they have (and are using) sterilization tools, and they’re cleaning off the tables in between clients. Pro tip: a low price might not be a good thing, as it could mean they’re cutting corners.
Also, make sure they change gloves frequently, and the ink bottles are tightly closed and kept away from sunlight, Dr. Sobel adds. “The tattoo artist should actually sterilize the ink themselves in an autoclave since ink marked sterile may not actually be sterile.”
Ask the tattoo artist how they clean and sterilize their equipment, Dr. Tonkovic-Capin adds. “Make sure that they wear gloves during the procedure. After the tattooing is over, your tattoo artist should provide you detailed written instructions on aftercare.”
Refer to the FDA for even more information about tattoos and preparing for your next tattoo appointment.
