Is That Normal or Should I Panic Immediately? How to Tell if Your Tattoo is Infected, What to Do, and When to Panic (Spoiler: Don’t Panic)
You’ve just gotten a fresh piece of art lovingly stabbed into your skin, and now you are tasked with caring for it as if it were your life’s purpose. You’re likely in that awkward honeymoon phase of excitement mixed with a whole lot of staring, and feeling like nothing could go wrong but the fear of the other shoe suddenly dropping is creeping within the depths of your mind. Is that red patch normal? Should it be oozing? Wait... why is it itchy and sore? Should I start hyperventilating and panic texting now, or play it cool and see if this obviously flesh-eating bacterium consumes me slowly?
Let’s breathe for a sec. Grab a cozy cup of coffee, and let’s have a chat.
Most tattoos heal just fine with a little TLC and a lot of not-picking. Not matter how tempting those colorful flakes can be. But occasionally, things can go sideways — which is why we’re here with your friendly, warm, and slightly snarky guide to figuring out whether your tattoo is healing beautifully or turning into a gooey regret of doom.
First Things First: What’s Normal Healing?
Before we talk doom and gloom, let’s get familiar with the normal healing process. Your skin just endured controlled trauma. Think of it as fighting a bear while sitting entirely still. And there’s no bear. Just your friendly neighborhood tattoo artist and their little buzzing companion. A few things are to be expected as you emerge victorious from your bear-less bear fight:
Redness (especially in the first few days); this can vary dependent upon style, location, skin tone, how the artist tattoos, how happy your immune system is, what your hormones are up to, etc.
Mild swelling (again, this can vary from person-to-person; if you are a sweller, you likely are already aware of this if you have been tattooed before)
Soreness (it may feel a bit like a fresh sunburn; also, how hard you clench your cheeks to cope with the pain may resemble a heavy leg day)
Scabbing (DO NOT PICK THE FORBIDDEN FLAKES!)
Peeling/itching (think snake shedding its skin; or like baby alligator texture for some folks)
This can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the size and location of your tattoo, your immune system, your endocrine system, and how well you’re caring for it.
If your tattoo is doing all that and doesn’t hurt like the depths of hell or smell weird, you’re probably good!
Now, while we are here cozied in together…take another deep breath. Then, exhale. Awesome; let’s keep chatting!
The Red Flags of Tattoo Infection
Now, let’s talk signs that something might be going wrong. An infected tattoo is not a common occurrence — especially if you followed aftercare instructions and went to a reputable artist — but it does happen. Here’s what to watch for:
1. Redness That Spreads or Worsens Over Time
A little redness? Totally normal. But if the redness gets bigger instead of fading, and the area feels hot to the touch, your body might be fighting an infection. Remember that your immune system has to “bring the heat” as part of fighting the pathogen that is invading your body.
2. Excessive Swelling or Puffiness
Some swelling is expected in the first 48 hours. But if your skin looks like it’s trying to cosplay a balloon animal three days later, it’s time to check in with a pro.
3. Pus or Foul-Smelling Discharge
We’re not talking a little clear plasma (that’s normal). We’re talking thick, yellow or green pus, especially if it smells like your trash can after taco night that you left outside on a hot summer night. This is a BIG ol’ red flag. Don’t ignore it like you did with that last guy you dated.
4. Severe Pain That Gets Worse
A tattoo should be sore, not scream-inducing. If you feel intense, radiating pain days after your appointment, that’s a sign something deeper may be going on.
5. Fever or Chills
If your tattoo is accompanied by flu-like symptoms, it may be more than a local infection. Your body is sending out an SOS. Some people get tattoo flu because tattoos are traumatic to your system, but this should not persist over 24 hours, and is not super typical.
6. Red Streaks Near the Tattoo
Red lines moving away from the tattooed area could signal a serious skin or blood infection (like cellulitis). This one warrants immediate medical attention.
What Causes Tattoo Infections?
Glad you asked! Infection typically happens when bacteria get into the fresh wound — either during the tattooing process (rare, if your artist is clean and licensed) or during the healing process (more common).
The biggest culprits?
Dirty hands touching your fresh tattoo.
Not cleaning your tattoo as instructed (pat drying with dirty towel, exfoliating your tattoo with that sugar scrub that everyone in your house dips into, washing your arm off in a cess pool of a sink, etc).
Using unclean bedding, towels, or clothing.
Swimming in pools, lakes, or hot tubs too soon.
Picking at or over-moisturizing the tattoo.
Letting your pet lick your open wound.
Removing your bandage too soon because you wanted to look cute in your photos from the music festival.
Skipping the aftercare instructions because you “healed fine last time.”
Basically, your tattoo is an open wound. Treat it like one.
What Should You Do If You Think It’s Infected?
Take a breath — it’s not the end of the world, but don’t ignore it either. Here’s your plan of action:
Keep It Clean: Gently wash the area with unscented, antibacterial soap and lukewarm water from a clean source. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
Stop Using Ointments: If you were using thick ointments like petroleum jelly, stop. They can trap bacteria and smother your tattoo.
Switch to a Fragrance-Free Moisturizer: Something simple and light like Aquaphor or an unscented lotion (once the tattoo has scabbed/finished peeling).
Don’t Panic-Pick or Scratch: This is how bacteria spreads. Also, ouch. And it can pull the pigment right out of your skin.
Call Your Tattoo Artist: A good artist wants to know if something’s going wrong. They can often tell you if it’s normal healing or something to worry about.
See a Doctor: If there’s pus, fever, spreading redness, or pain that worsens, don’t wait it out. Get medical attention. They may prescribe antibiotics, and that’s perfectly okay. It is better to need a touch up once you are healthy than have a potentially life-threatening emergency.
Can You Save an Infected Tattoo?
Yes! If caught early and treated properly, most infections heal without affecting the final look of the tattoo. In severe cases, the design may need touch-ups — but it’s better to have a slightly faded tattoo than a full-blown infection. Most of the time, just don’t pick it and you will probably heal better than you think.
How to Avoid Infections in the First Place
Let’s prevent this little scare from happening again, yeah? Here’s the golden rule list:
Choose a licensed, reputable tattoo artist with a clean, well-reviewed shop.
Follow the aftercare instructions they give you. Don’t freelance it.
Keep the tattoo clean and moisturized, but don’t overdo it. Don’t use your Bath & Body works because it smells better or has sparkles.
Avoid submerging the tattoo in water (yes, that includes bubble baths) for at least 2-3 weeks.
Wear loose clothing over the area so it can breathe.
Wash your hands before touching your tattoo — even if you’re just applying lotion.
Don’t double dip — use a clean tongue suppressor, q-tip, etc. to get tattoo ointment out of jars (obviously this is less of an issue if you have a squeeze bottle of ointment) then put the ointment onto a clean hand to avoid introducing bacteria into your aftercare product.
When in Doubt, Get it Checked Out
You know your body best. If something feels off, trust your instincts and reach out to a professional — whether it’s your tattoo artist or your healthcare provider. A minor infection treated early is no big deal. A major one ignored? That’s a different story.
It’s way better to get reassurance (and maybe a laugh from your artist about “tattoo hypochondria”) than to wait until things get gross.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Fear the Ink
Tattoo infections are rare when you take proper care and work with a professional. The vast majority of tattoos heal up just fine and leave you with beautiful, lifelong art.
Also, infections are not always the fault of your artist. Reputable and licensed tattoo artists would not have the career that they do if they were gross all the time, and passing out blood borne pathogens like free lollipops. No one has to be at fault. What matters is getting you healthy and back on track to healing!
So don’t let fear keep you from getting inked. Just follow the rules, don’t go swimming in a lake after your appointment, and resist the urge to touch your new tattoo every 15 minutes (we know, it’s gorgeous).
Happy healing, friends — and remember: if it oozes and smells funky, call your doctor because we can’t prescribe you meds (but definitely message us so we can support you).
