QOW: Is My Tattoo Infected?

Question: I got my tattoo about two weeks ago and it felt healed, so I thought I could go swimming. Then about a few days after I started swimming, it became bright red and kind of blotchy and it itches alot. Now my mom told me to keep cleaning it regularly, stop swimming and put A&D cream on it, but I was wondering if there was anything else I could do to speed up the process of it to heal?

Answer: I think your mom's advice is right on the money for right now. I don't think it sounds infected - just really irritated. Signs of infection are a red halo around the tattoo, feeling hot to the touch, oozing puss (especially yellow or green in color) and emanating a foul smell. Watch for those signs and go to the doctor if it manifests any of those symptoms, because it can go as far as being life threatening if you let it get really bad. In the meantime, just do what your mom suggested and hopefully you'll be in the clear in a few days.