Increasing redness that spreads beyond the tattoo
Swelling that gets worse instead of better
Warmth or heat around the tattoo
Severe or worsening pain
Thick yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge
Pus or excessive oozing
Fever or chills
Red streaks extending from the tattoo
Skin that feels hard, tight, or increasingly tender
Blisters or open sores
Itching with worsening rash or hives
Swollen lymph nodes
Symptoms that do not improve after a few days or get worse quickly