How to Cure an Infected Tattoo?

Wash your hands before touching the tattoo

Gently clean the tattoo with mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water

Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel

Stop using any ointments, lotions, or products that irritate the skin

Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free, non-medicated moisturizer only if the skin is dry and not oozing

Keep the tattoo clean and dry

Do not pick, scratch, or peel the tattoo

Avoid soaking the tattoo in baths, pools, hot tubs, or lakes

Avoid tight clothing and friction over the tattoo

Change any bandage or dressing as directed by a healthcare professional

Seek medical care promptly if there is increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, bad odor, fever, chills, or worsening pain

See a doctor immediately if red streaks spread from the tattoo or if you feel unwell

Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or harsh antiseptics on the tattoo

Do not attempt to drain pus or pop any bumps

Follow all prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed if a doctor diagnoses an infection

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