The biggest worry a person usually has when they’re getting a tattoo is how it will look. But sometimes, getting inked can lead to something worse than bad body art including an infected tattoo or pre-existing skin conditions worsening, an expert warns.
If you experience skin problems after getting a tattoo, see a dermatologist and alert the tattoo artist, Dr. Marie Leger, a dermatologist in New York City suggests.
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About 10 percent of people have a complication after a tattoo. Common ones include infections, allergic reactions and worsening of an existing skin condition, such as psoriasis or eczema, according to Leger.
Another potential complication is sarcoidosis, an autoimmune disease that can affect the skin and other organs. The first sign may be bumps at the tattoo site.
Infections are most common within the first few days or weeks of tattooing. They can cause redness and pain around the site of the tattoo (not just on the actual ink), as well as drainage, crusting and pus, Leger says.
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“If you experience these symptoms after getting a tattoo, see a doctor right away, because infections can be quite serious,” she says in an American Academy of Dermatology news release.
Infections can be caused by contaminated ink, unsterile application or improper aftercare, Leger explains.
Allergies and sarcoidosis may occur months to years later. Signs include:
If you develop these symptoms, see a dermatologist, she advises.
If you do suffer problems or an infected tattoo, it’s a good idea to notify your tattoo artist, Leger adds.
“It is important for artists to know if particular patients are having complications so they can be a part of assessing what’s going on,” she shares.
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Leger also suggests that people with chronic skin conditions or a history of skin cancer should talk to a dermatologist before getting a tattoo. People with psoriasis should be aware that they may develop a patch of psoriasis on their tattoo, and those with moles should avoid inking over them.
“There’s no strong data that shows tattoos increase your risk of skin cancer, but they can make detection harder,” Leger says.
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When caring for your tattoo, remember the following:
This is a process that should be repeated for 2 to 4 weeks. Also, remember to avoid clothing that sticks to your tattoo, use sunscreen with at least 7% zinc oxide sunscreen during the daylight hours and cover your tattoo up with clothing and/or a bandage. You should also bathe in cool water. Hot water can hurt and fade the ink. Lastly do not pick, scratch, or peel your tattoo because it can cause an infection or remove the color. If your tattoo isn’t infected or healing properly, consult with your doctor.
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