From the Research
If you have an infected tattoo, seek medical attention promptly and your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics such as doxycycline (100mg twice daily for 7-10 days) depending on the severity of infection, as suggested by the most recent study 1. When treating an infected tattoo, it is essential to prioritize morbidity, mortality, and quality of life as the outcome. The treatment guidelines for infected tattoos involve a combination of wound care and antibiotic therapy.
- 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. According to the study 2, oral antibiotics such as doxycycline are effective in treating skin and soft tissue infections, including those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
- Avoid scratching, picking at the tattoo, or applying harsh chemicals.
- Keep the area dry except during cleaning, and avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and direct sunlight. The study 3 also highlights the importance of selecting the most appropriate antibiotic based on local antibiotic resistance, type of infection, potential adverse effects, and cost for the individual.
- Take all prescribed antibiotics for the full course even if symptoms improve. Tattoo infections occur when bacteria enter breaks in the skin during or after the tattooing process. If you develop fever, increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, red streaks extending from the tattoo, or the infection worsens despite treatment, seek emergency medical care as these may indicate a serious infection requiring immediate attention, as emphasized by the study 1.