From the Guidelines
If you suspect a tattoo infection, seek medical attention promptly, as timely treatment can significantly reduce the risk of morbidity, mortality, and improve quality of life. When dealing with a tattoo infection, it's crucial to follow proper wound care to prevent further complications. Clean the area gently with mild soap and water 2-3 times daily, apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment like Bacitracin or Neosporin, and cover with a sterile bandage 1. Avoid scratching or picking at the area, as this can lead to further infection and scarring.
For mild infections, your doctor may prescribe topical antibiotics like mupirocin (Bactroban) or oral antibiotics such as cephalexin (Keflex) 500mg four times daily for 7-10 days, or doxycycline 100mg twice daily for 7-10 days 1. More severe infections might require different antibiotics or drainage. Signs of infection include increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, red streaking from the tattoo, fever, or worsening pain. Tattoo infections occur when bacteria enter the skin through the tiny wounds created during tattooing. Proper aftercare is essential to prevent infection, including following the tattoo artist's instructions, keeping the area clean and moisturized, avoiding swimming pools, hot tubs, and direct sunlight until healing is complete.
Some key considerations for treating tattoo infections include:
- Incision and drainage for cutaneous abscesses, which is the primary treatment 1
- Antibiotic therapy for abscesses associated with severe or extensive disease, rapid progression, or signs of systemic illness 1
- Empirical therapy for CA-MRSA in outpatients with purulent cellulitis, with options including clindamycin, TMP-SMX, a tetracycline, or linezolid 1
- Cultures from abscesses and other purulent SSTIs are recommended in patients treated with antibiotic therapy, patients with severe local infection or signs of systemic illness, patients who have not responded adequately to initial treatment, and if there is concern for a cluster or outbreak 1
It's essential to note that the use of rifampin as a single agent or as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of SSTI is not recommended 1. Additionally, hospitalized patients with complicated SSTI may require empirical therapy for MRSA, with options including IV vancomycin, oral or IV linezolid, daptomycin, telavancin, or clindamycin 1.
From the Research
Tattoo Infection Overview
- Tattoo infections can occur due to the introduction of exogenous pigments into the dermis, and they are relatively rare but can be unpredictable 2
- The most common complications of tattoos include immune-mediated reactions and skin infections, with Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes being the most frequent causes of skin infections 2
Causes and Types of Infections
- Cutaneous bacterial infections, such as those caused by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species, can occur after tattooing 3
- Fungal infections, including those caused by yeast, can also occur after tattooing, especially if proper antifungal prophylaxis is not used 4
- Other types of infections, such as mucormycosis, can be treated with antifungal therapy, and the use of doxycycline in combination with antifungals has shown in vitro advantages 5
Prevention and Treatment
- The use of prophylactic antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, can help prevent bacterial infections after tattooing or laser resurfacing 4
- Antifungal prophylaxis, such as oral ketoconazole or fluconazole, can help prevent yeast infections after tattooing or laser resurfacing 4
- Treatment of tattoo-related complications may include local destructive measures, surgical excision, and thermolysis of the pigment using Q-switched laser therapy 2