Possible risks
The pharmacist warns that when drawing a tattoo on the body, special needles are used, which during the process damage the skin and inject color pigments into it. A. Krušnienė emphasizes that, first of all, you should assess yourself that a tattoo is a wound that heals just like any other. After carving the desired drawing with a special needle, the skin around it may redden, swell, and bleed, but this lasts for a short time.
According to pharmacist A. Krušnienė, it is very important to get a tattoo done in safe and sterile conditions, in professional tattoo parlors. Only in them will the masters explain how to take care of your skin later, recommend means for tattoo care, identify possible risks and how to avoid them.
“Tattooing can only pose a health risk if the procedure is performed in a dirty environment or with unsterilized tools. In this case, it is possible to become infected with a fungal infection, various bacteria or viruses, such as hepatitis B or even HIV. Attention should also be paid to the possibility of allergic reactions – both the dyes used for tattooing and the protective films used afterwards can cause itching, rash, swelling, redness or even more severe skin damage,” says the pharmacist.
If an infection has set in
She says that more than once she had to deal with patients whose tattoo was infected or suppurated. A. Krušnienė states that such complications usually arise when the tattoo is done without following hygiene standards or if the newly made tattoo is not properly maintained.
“Infection can be manifested by redness, swelling, local pain, warmth around the tattoo site and the formation of yellowish, whitish or greenish pus. Without consulting a doctor, fever, chills, and muscle pains may also occur. Infections may require antibiotic treatment or even surgical drainage of the abscess, so it is important to seek help as soon as possible. Without treating the infection, the infection increases and can lead to sepsis,” says the pharmacist.
How to care for a tattoo?
According to A. Krušnienė, proper care of the tattoo is a very important detail during the entire healing process of this drawing. It’s not for nothing that tattoo artists warn you not to go to the pool, sauna or bathe in a public body of water for a while – there you can also infect the skin with various bacteria. The tattoo usually heals in 2-4 weeks, but sometimes it can take several months, depending on the size of the design, the location and the individual characteristics of the skin.
“It is essential to take good care of your tattoo to prevent infection and ensure good healing. For the first few days after the procedure, the tattoo should be kept covered according to the recommendations of the master. Also, on the first day after the tattoo is done, it is advised to take a warm or cooler shower only, as hot water can stimulate bleeding. After the bandage or special film is removed, gently wash the tattoo with warm water and mild soap. Then let it dry naturally or use a clean paper towel to gently pat and absorb the water.
While the tattoo is healing, it needs daily care: use special moisturizing creams or lotions to keep the skin moist and elastic. In their composition, you should look for dexpanthenol, which promotes skin regeneration and the healing processes of lesions, as well as various antiseptics that reduce inflammation and protect against infections. The cream may also contain vitamin E, as it is a strong antioxidant that protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Aloe vera, vitamins A and D can also speed up healing, preserve the softness and moisture of the skin”, A. Krušnienė shares her advice.
She adds that until the tattoo is completely healed, you should not scratch it, rub it, scratch the resulting scab – this can not only damage the drawing itself and the final result, but also increase the risk of infections.
2024-08-30 08:23:32