Tattooing over an infected area of skin is dangerous and can lead to serious medical complications. Here’s what happens—and why it’s strongly discouraged by tattoo professionals and medical experts alike.
1. Infection Can Worsen
Tattooing breaks the skin with needles, which causes micro-trauma. If the skin is already infected (e.g., with folliculitis, cellulitis, or an abscess), further needle punctures can push bacteria deeper into tissue layers. This may lead to:
- Rapid spread of the infection
- Painful swelling and pus formation
- Tissue necrosis in extreme cases
2. Increased Risk of Systemic Illness
Tattooing over infected skin may drive bacteria into the bloodstream, risking:
- Sepsis (a life-threatening condition)
- Fever, chills, and low blood pressure
- Hospitalization for intravenous antibiotic treatment
According to Tattooing A to Z, one of the golden rules of tattoo hygiene is never tattoo over broken, inflamed, or infected skin.
3. Poor Ink Retention and Healing
Infections compromise the skin’s ability to heal, meaning the tattoo may:
- Heal unevenly or reject ink entirely
- Leave behind scars or distorted lines
- Require expensive touch-ups or laser revision
4. Violation of Professional Tattoo Standards
Ethically and legally, licensed tattoo artists are trained to identify infections and refuse to tattoo the area until it clears. Going ahead risks:
- Studio liability
- Client dissatisfaction
- Potential public health infractions
5. Long-Term Skin Damage
Tattooing over an infection can leave:
- Keloids or hypertrophic scars
- Discolored patches
- Permanent distortion of the tattoo design
Conclusion
If your skin shows signs of infection—redness, warmth, oozing, or pain—reschedule your tattoo appointment. Get it medically treated first. A few weeks of delay is far better than a lifetime of regret or medical scars.
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