Tattoo Infections - An Overview

Introduction:

A tattoo infection is a skin infection that occurs when ink gets contaminated or when a person gets a tattoo under nonsterile conditions. The tattoo contains thousands of small pieces of ink that deposit behind the human skin surface. If a person has a tattoo, that can lead to minor inflammation. Depending upon the condition, there may be a risk of infection or other reactions that are difficult to treat. If the infection is not treated correctly, it can lead to life-threatening conditions. Nowadays, the trend and popularity of tattoos in people are growing daily. Tattoo infections are very risky when a person gets a tattoo from a shop that does not adequately clean their tools and is not licensed. Tattoo infections are more prevalent in the United States and developing countries. Around 40 % of people aged 18 to 69 in the United States have a tattoo, and 19 % think of getting a tattoo. Around one to six percent of adults suffer from tattoo infections and complications. The risk of tattoo infection includes scarring, bumps, allergies, and even life-threatening complications.

What Are the Causes of Tattoo Infections?

When the ink is injected into the body, it does not always cause a reaction. When the ink components are infected with bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens, there is a risk of infection and reaction. The causes of tattoo infection include.

• Bacterial and Viral Causes: The contaminated ink can cause infection by introducing bacteria and viruses to the wound site. The bacteria causing infections are Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. When an infection develops, it can lead to complications and even life-threatening diseases. The bacterial and viral infection can result in cellulitis (bacterial infection), Herpes Simplex infection (viral infection), viral warts (viral infection caused by the Human Papillomavirus), impetigo (skin infection), syphilis (bacterial infection), hepatitis (viral infection), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

• Contaminated Ink: Using contaminated ink or when the ink is diluted with nonsterile water can lead to an infection. The bacteria Mycobacterium chelonae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the leading cause of skin infection. The infected person shows redness, swelling, and bumps in the tattoo area.

• Effect of Ink: Tattoo ink consists of metal and other chemical substances. These metals provide color to the tattoo. For example, red tattoo ink contains mercury sulfide. Lichenoid reactions (eruption of erythematous papule) or itchy skin patches and purple or red nodules are seen on the tattoo site.

What Are the Types of Infection Can Tattoo Cause?

The two types of infections that can tattoo caused are as follows.

• The superficial infection affects the outer layer of the skin, such as impetigo (contagious skin infection).

• A deep bacterial infection such as cellulitis (bacterial infection) and sepsis (body response to an infection).

What Are the Risk Factors of Tattoo Infection?

Tattoo infection can occur from bacteria, viruses, and other substances. The factors that increase the risk of tattoo infections include.

• Using contaminated ink.

• Unhygienic practices in an unlicenced tattoo shop.

• Need for proper wound care after getting a tattoo.

• Weekend immune system.

• Higher risk due to preexisting conditions like eczema (a condition is causing dry, itchy, and scaly skin).

How Do Tattoo Infections Happen?

Tattoo infection occurs when a person gets a tattoo that involves a mechanical needle depositing the ink into a deeper layer of the skin. Due to immune response, the ink permanently traps inside the skin cells and causes skin infections.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Tattoo Infections?

The signs and symptoms are different in different types of tattoo infections. These include.

• The symptoms of tattoo infections are redness, pain, fever, chills, open sores at the tattoo site, painful bumps, foul odor, pus coming out of the tattoo area, muscle pain, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

• The rash can be due to an allergic reaction to an ink. The rash appears immediately or weeks or years after getting the tattoo. The rashes are painful, red, and raised bumps from the tattoo site. The raised blisters can be open or leaky.

• The symptoms are associated with skin diseases, including psoriasis, eczema, lichen planus, scars, skin cancer, and keloid.

• Some people feel burned on tattooed skin during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

• Some infections can spread and cause life-threatening conditions like cancer.

How Can Tattoo Infections Be Diagnosed?

Tattoo infections are diagnosed in the following ways.

• Physical Examination - The doctor can confirm an infection based on the symptoms and past tattoo history or the signs of wound infection.

• Laboratory Examination - The doctor can prescribe a skin sample or biopsy to diagnose the bacteria and virus in the wound infection.

How Can Tattoo Infection Be Managed?

Treatment helps in reducing inflammation and discomfort after tattoo infections. The treatment includes the antihistamine medications like Benadryl, which helps in allergic reactions such as small red bumps or rashes around tattooed areas. The doctor may recommend Tylenol and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help with pain and inflammation. Topical creams can prevent the skin from drying out. For severe infections, intravenous antibiotics may be necessary. Surgery is required if the infected person does not respond to antibiotics.

How Can Tattoo Infection Be Prevented?

The tattoo infection can be prevented in the following ways.

• Maintenance of personal hygiene.

• Use a clean and dry washcloth to pat the area.

• If the person is allergic to a tattoo, then avoid it.

• Use of sterilized tools by the tattoo artist.

• Always go to a licensed tattoo shop.

• Avoid scratching or pricking at the tattoo.

What Are the Complications of Tattoo Infection?

There are various complications of tattoo infection, including organ failures such as kidney, liver, brain, and other organs, septic shock (sepsis), endocarditis (inflammation of the heart's lining), keloid scarring (thick raised scar), and skin cancer.

Conclusion:

A tattoo infection is a skin infection that occurs in people with tattoos. There are many causes of tattoo infection, including contaminated ink or water and using unsterilized tools. People can reduce the risk of infection by going to a licensed shop and asking about sterilization practices. If a sign of infection is observed, then a medical professional must be immediately contacted to prevent and decrease the spread of infection and relieve symptoms.