From the Guidelines
If you have a tattoo infection, seek medical attention promptly and consider taking clindamycin 300-450 mg PO TID, as it is effective against both b-hemolytic streptococci and CA-MRSA, which are common causes of tattoo infections 1. When it comes to treating tattoo infections, it's essential to consider the severity of the infection, medical history, and local resistance patterns.
- Signs of infection include increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, or red streaks extending from the tattoo.
- While waiting for medical care, gently clean the area with mild soap and water, apply a thin layer of over-the-counter antibiotic ointment like bacitracin, and cover with a sterile bandage.
- Tattoo infections occur when bacteria enter the skin during or after the tattooing process, with Staphylococcus aureus being a common cause.
- Antibiotics that target this organism, such as clindamycin, are often prescribed.
- Clindamycin is a recommended treatment option for purulent cellulitis, with a dosage of 300-450 mg PO TID for adults and 10-13 mg/kg/dose PO every 6-8 h for pediatric patients 1.
- Other treatment options may include TMP-SMX, doxycycline, and linezolid, but clindamycin is a preferred choice due to its effectiveness against both b-hemolytic streptococci and CA-MRSA.
- It's crucial not to attempt self-treatment for significant infections, as delayed treatment can lead to serious complications, including bloodstream infections or tissue damage.
- The specific antibiotic and dosage will depend on the individual case, and medical attention should be sought promptly to determine the best course of treatment.
From the Research
Antibiotic Treatment for Tattoo Infections
- The choice of antibiotic for treating tattoo infections depends on the causative agent, with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) being a common cause 2, 3.
- For uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections, including those related to tattoos, antibiotics such as clindamycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, or long-acting tetracyclines may be used empirically in areas where community-acquired MRSA is prevalent 2.
- In cases of complicated skin and soft tissue infections requiring hospitalization or intravenous therapy, vancomycin is often the drug of choice due to its efficacy and safety 2, 4.
- Other effective antibiotics for MRSA infections include linezolid, daptomycin, and tigecycline, although data on their use specifically for skin and soft tissue infections may be limited 2, 5.
- The increasing resistance of MRSA to commonly used antibiotics highlights the need for careful selection of antibiotics and consideration of local resistance patterns 5, 4.
Considerations for Tattoo-Related Infections
- Tattooing is considered a skin trauma, and infections can occur during the healing phase 6.
- Bacterial infections during the healing phase of tattoos are typically treated with oral antibiotics, with the choice of antibiotic depending on the severity of the infection and the causative agent 6.
- Severe infections may require intravenous antibiotic treatment to prevent septic shock and death 6.
- It is essential to consider the potential for MRSA in the differential diagnosis of skin infections, including those related to tattoos, and to adjust antibiotic treatment accordingly 3, 4.