About Tattoo Infections

Tattoos were once reserved for the fringe of society, but today it seems like everybody has one. The tattoo has become a means of self-expression, a way to declare one's love for another, and a vehicle for sharing one's beliefs. But as wonderful as tattoos can be, they can also put our health at risk. Tattoo infections are no laughing matter. Fortunately, they are rare when the tattoo is given by a trained and licensed professional.

History

• The practice of tattooing goes back many centuries. Tattooed mummies have been found that date back as far as the fourth millennium BC. In ancient times, extensive tattooing that took weeks or months to complete was not uncommon. These tattoos were washed frequently with salt water and massaged to remove impurities in the months it took them to heal.

  Laws prescribing hygiene requirements for tattoo artists didn't come about until modern times. These laws have significantly reduced the chances of infection from tattoos given by professionals. But with any tattoo comes a risk of infection, and those given by unlicensed artists are especially risky.

Types

• There are two types of infection one could get from a tattoo. The most common type is a skin infection. This occurs when bacteria invade the freshly tattooed skin. In most cases this type of infection is easy to get rid of, but it can lead to more serious conditions such as bloodstream infection, pneumonia or necrotizing faciitis if not properly treated. Blood-borne diseases are less common but more serious. Some blood-borne diseases that may be transmitted by dirty tattoo needles include tetanus, tuberculosis, hepatitis and HIV.

Identification

• Skin infections may not be readily apparent in the first few days after you get a tattoo due to normal pain and swelling. But if these symptoms do not begin to subside after a a day or two, infection is a possibility. If you see pus around the tattoo, a visit to the doctor is in order.

  Symptoms of blood-borne diseases take longer to appear. Signs vary by type of infection, and may include muscle spasms, chronic cough, fever, flu-like symptoms, yellowing of the eyes or skin, loss of appetite and fatigue. If you notice anything out of the ordinary in the weeks and months after you get a tattoo, discuss it with your doctor as soon as possible.

Prevention

• The best way to reduce your risk of getting a tattoo infection is to go to a reputable tattoo studio. Check the place out before you get your tattoo, making sure it is kept clean and sanitary. Ask for proof of licensing, and make certain the artist uses new, sterile needles and ink caps. You may even want to ask for references.

  You can also reduce your risk of infection by avoiding alcohol before and after you get your tattoo. Alcohol weakens the immune system, and it also thins the blood, making you bleed longer. These factors can increase your infection risk, even under the best of circumstances.

Warning

• Death from a tattoo infection is rare, but it can happen. Blood-borne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis can seriously impact your quality of life, and they can eventually kill you. Even a seemingly harmless skin infection can in some cases be lethal. There have been reports of infections involving MRSA, an antibiotic-resistant bacteria, in tattoos. MRSA was responsible for over 17,000 deaths in the United States alone in 2005.