Believe it or not,
unsterilized equipment and unhygienic environment are standard reasons to get an infected tattoo. A shop or environment where the process of tattooing is undergoing must be clean and clear from any bacteria.
Moreover, equipment such as ink pots and needles need to be sterilized. Plus, equipment/apparatus should be wrapped in the form of the coating before each tattoo appointment to ensure sterilization. This way, the spread of infectious bacteria will be neutralized as well.
There are chances that equipment used there in the procedure is not cleaned if you get a tattoo from a private studio or shop. Getting a tattoo in this condition can contribute to infection as improper sterilization of the equipment transmits bacteria from one person to another in no time.
Small studios or nonprofessional tattoo artists do not have a proper disinfecting session which is why your tattoo gets infected. You should conduct a thorough search before scheduling an appointment with an artist to avoid circumstances like this. Make sure you do not waste money and time only to get an infected tattoo.
2. Tattoo Wrapping
Your artist washes the area with a soapy solution after completing the tattoo design. This step is followed before wrapping the tattoo. Also, tattoo wrapping develops a protective barrier against bacteria until you reach home and clean it again. Various tattoo artists discouraged re-wrapping because original tattoo wrapping is done by a professional. A certified artist covers your tattoo after extensive cleaning in a sterilized environment.
You may not create a bacteria-free environment at home where re-wrapping is supposed to be performed. Germs or bacteria often present around the tattoo and treating it in the humid, sweaty, and warm environment can allow them to breed in a short time span. This condition is likely to increase the chance of an infected tattoo. Therefore, do not try to re-do your tattoo if your artist prohibits.
3. Improper Aftercare Instructions
Your tattoo artist should provide a detailed list containing instructions about how to keep a new tattoo protected against dismantling factors. An infection occurs when you got a tattoo for the first time and are not aware of core points in this context. A little negligence can lead to harrowing skin problems. That is why always ask for the precautions after the session to steer clear of the tattoo infection.
4. Picking Scabs Off
A layer of scabbing grows when a tattoo begins to heal. This scabbing is necessary and works as a shield to protect tattooed skin against germs and bacteria. You may pick off a thick or big scab unknowingly, however; it can hinder the healing process.
Plus, pulling off scabs can also take off ink of the area which ultimately leads to the patchy or faded appearance of your new tattoo. You need to keep in mind that pulling off a scab also re-opens the wound allowing bacteria to enter and to make it infected in no time.
5. Certain Medical Condition
Various medical conditions affect the functioning of your immune system. Although it is a surprising fact, getting a tattoo can adversely impact your immune system. That is why you should consult with a medical professional before scheduling your tattoo appointment to ensure that the procedure does not contribute to any health ailment. You can also find out whether your immune system is potent enough to fight infectious bacteria or not.
6. Lifestyle Choices
A healthy body can neutralize the effects of bacteria before they contribute to a chronic skin condition. It would not be wrong to claim that your lifestyle determines the strength of your immune system. This way, it can ward off many infectious bacteria without affecting your health. You should incorporate proper sleep patterns and a balanced diet into your lifestyle to keep your body healthy.
Moreover, your diet can also combat threatening factors. Not getting required sleep and various addictions hinder tattoo healing process impacting your immune system. If you want to maintain an attractive tattooed body, you need to pay some attention to your lifestyle choices as well.
7. Quick Bathing
You should keep your tattoo dry as much as you can. And when it comes to bathing, do not spend more than 10 minutes in a shower particularly in first two weeks. This time is crucial, and you should dedicate it in drying your tattoo. Also, water seems a house of billions of bacteria and exposing your tattoo to it for the maximum period may invite a few more germs to infect a tattoo.
8. Excess Use of Lotion
No question a moisturizing lotion boosts the recovery process, but it could cause trouble if you overdo it. Applying a thick coat of ointment or lotion cannot only impede oxygen, but it creates a humid and warm environment where bacteria can breed extensively. You need to apply a minimum quantity of lotion on the affected area. It is best to skip a day or two between ointment applications.
9. Do not Touch your Tattoo
Your brand new tattoo may look ravishing, but you should not touch it frequently. Moreover, you should not allow anyone else to touch your tattoo, as well as this, could be an effective way to transfer germs and bacteria. Rubbing dirty hands on the tattoo invites infection. Plus, make sure your hands are cleaned when you touch it and rewash your hands after touching it to keep it protected.
10. Do Not Scratch the Tattoo
Scratching a tattoo may provide relief from constant itching. This practice is dangerous as you might pull off a scab during scratching. When you scratch a
tattooed area of your skin, it may lead to thick scabbing, scarring, and worse – bleeding. You transfer bacteria from one place to another via constant scratching.
There is no denying that a new tattoo encourages you to scratch the area and it seems impossible to resist. Despite that, you need to stay careful and avoid this gross habit. Tattoo artists suggest that when you encounter the urge of scratching the tattooed area, you should dab it via a cotton cloth. Be sure to stay gentle with dabbing and do not push the area.