How Can I Tell If My Tattoo/Piercing Is Infected?

Question: How Can I Tell If My Tattoo/Piercing Is Infected?

Answer: If you think your tattoo (or piercing) might be infected, don't sit around waiting for it to get worse! Signs of infection are severe pain, hot redness, swelling and/or a puss discharge (with or without the presence of blood), or a foul odor emanating from the area. Infection that is not properly tended to can result in serious health consequences and even death. It is not something to be taken lightly. See your doctor immediately. We are all susceptible to Staph infections - the bacteria that causes it resides on our bodies and just waits for an opportunity to take hold, like in a fresh new tattoo or piercing wound.

Incidentally, if you believe any tattoo or piercing infection is a result of poor sanitary conditions during the procedure, please let your doctor know and have yourself tested for blood disease such as Hepatitis.