A suspected tattoo infection should be assessed by a GP rather than treated at home. Tattoo infections are caused by bacteria and require prescription antibiotics in most cases. While minor surface reactions can be managed with careful cleaning, any infection that involves spreading redness, pus, increasing pain or systemic symptoms needs prompt medical attention. This guide explains what treatment looks like and when to act.
How tattoo infections are treated
The treatment for a tattoo infection depends on the severity of the infection and the type of bacteria responsible. In most cases a GP will assess the tattoo visually and may take a swab of any discharge to identify the specific bacteria involved. This helps determine which antibiotic will be most effective. The most common treatment pathway is a course of oral antibiotics lasting seven to fourteen days for mild to moderate infections. More severe infections may require a longer course of up to six weeks or intravenous antibiotics if the infection is not responding to oral treatment or has begun to spread beyond the tattooed area.
Minor surface infections
For very minor surface irritation such as small red bumps confined to the tattooed area with no spreading redness, no pus and no systemic symptoms, careful twice-daily cleaning with mild antibacterial soap and lukewarm water may be sufficient if the GP advises this approach. However, if symptoms do not begin to improve within 48 hours of this approach or if they worsen at any point, a GP appointment is essential. Home treatment is only appropriate for the mildest possible reactions and should be confirmed with a clinician.
Superficial infections with local redness and soreness
Infections producing localised redness, warmth, swelling and soreness around the tattoo but without systemic symptoms are typically treated with topical antibiotic ointment for seven to ten days or a short course of oral antibiotics if the GP assesses that topical treatment alone is unlikely to be sufficient. A swab culture helps identify the causative bacteria and guides antibiotic selection.
Moderate infections with pus and spreading redness
Infections involving pus or discharge, spreading redness beyond the tattooed area and worsening rather than improving pain typically require a ten to fourteen day course of oral antibiotics. The GP will specify the antibiotic based on the likely bacteria involved. The full course must be completed even if symptoms appear to resolve before it ends. Stopping antibiotics early risks the infection returning in a form that may be more resistant to treatment.
Severe infections requiring hospitalisation
In rare cases, tattoo infections become serious systemic infections requiring hospital admission and intravenous antibiotic treatment. Signs that an infection has become serious include fever and chills, red streaks spreading beyond the tattooed area, significant swelling extending beyond the tattoo site, feeling generally unwell and any signs of sepsis. These require immediate medical attention. Do not wait to see if severe symptoms improve on their own.
Signs that require urgent medical attention today
Seek same-day medical attention if your tattoo shows any of the following: fever or chills, red streaks spreading away from the tattooed area, rapidly increasing swelling, pus with an unpleasant smell, feeling generally unwell or confused or any signs of sepsis including rapid heart rate, high temperature and altered mental state. These are not signs that can be monitored at home. They require prompt clinical assessment.
What to do while waiting for a GP appointment
While waiting to be seen, keep the area as clean as possible by gently washing twice daily with lukewarm water and mild fragrance-free soap. Pat dry carefully. Do not pick at, squeeze or attempt to drain any pus yourself. Do not apply topical antiseptic creams, hydrogen peroxide or alcohol-based products to the infected area as these can delay healing. Do not apply any new tattoo aftercare products. Keep the area loosely covered with clean breathable fabric to protect it from further contamination. Avoid exercise, swimming or anything that would introduce sweat or bacteria to the area.
If you believe your tattoo became infected due to aftercare products, contact at the tattoo studio and let us know. At Gravity Tattoo we take aftercare support seriously and are always available to advise clients who are concerned about how their tattoo is healing.
Concerned about your tattoo healing?
Our Leighton Buzzard artists are happy to advise on any healing concerns after your session. Get in touch and we will help.
Aftercare AdviceFor full aftercare guidance and studio contact details, Visit our tattoo aftercare page for full guidance from our Leighton Buzzard studio.
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This article is part of our Tattoo Aftercare Guide, covering every healing and health question clients ask after getting tattooed. Browse every aftercare guide at our Tattoo Aftercare Guide hub.
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