Tattoos are super popular. This art is not limited to young thugs and the military as it once used to be. People in their teens, twenties, thirties and even upwards of forties are getting inked. Tamara, from the real Housewives of Orange County, recently got a tattoo of her husbands name on her ring finger. Tattoos are often used as an expression of love. Whether it is love of a sport, another person, or a higher power, tattoos represent your undying love. Just like love, tattoos can get ugly. It is not uncommon for tattoos to become infected.
To tell if a tattoo is infected, go to the artist who inked you and express your concerns. Redness and scabbing are usually normal, even a little pus. If the pus is green, or if the area stays red for an extended amount of time, get it checked out. Sometimes red bumps can be a reaction to whatever cream you are using, and sometimes a symptom of an infection. If you have any suspicions, go back to your artist.
Going to your artist first before checking with your primary care physician will save you time and money. Firstly, an artist will not charge you a co payment for looking at your tattoo. Secondly, most doctors are not trained to diagnose tattoo infections. Yes, they are skin experts, but tattoos can be tricky since scabbing and pus is part of the healing process. If the area is indeed infected, follow the instructions given to you by your artist, they may tell you to visit your doctor in order to get a prescription for antibiotics.
A skin infection around your inked area does not mean that you have contracted Hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is commonly contracted through tattoos and I.V. needles. There are other symptoms for Hepatitis C, but a skin rash around only your tattoo area is not one of them. If you are afraid that you have been exposed to the virus, consult your doctor. There are simple blood tests they can run in order to confirm if you have Hepatitis C.
Again, the most important thing is that you follow all care instructions given to you by your artist regarding the care procedures for your tattoo.
