II. Adverse Effects
- Bacterial Skin Infection (e.g. Cellulitis)
- Allergic Reaction
- Scar formation (e.g. Keloid)
III. Management: Acute
- Symptomatic relief
- Ice packs (applied no more than 20 min/hour) decrease local swelling and pain
- Avoid topical Diphenhydramine
- Risk of skin sensitization
- Avoid topical Hydrocortisone
- Risk of secondary infection
- Infection Risk
- Patients should be made aware of infection signs (redness, fever, Pustules, foul drainage)
- Seek medical attention if these occur
- Avoid preventive Topical Antibiotics(e.g. Bacitracin, triple Antibiotic, neosporin)
- Likely ineffective and risk of reaction
- Avoid antiseptics (e.g. Hydrogen Peroxide, Alcohol)
- Risk of delayed Wound Healing
- Clean Tattoo sites with Mild Soap and water twice daily
- Standard Mild Soaps are as safe and effective as specific targeted products (e.g. Tattoo Goo)
- Apply hypoallergenic Skin Lubricant after washing skin
- Petroleum-based products are likely safe (despite concern that they may fade Tattoo)
- Avoid swimming until Tattoo site heals (2-4 weeks)
- Life threatening, serious infections have occurred in those with new Tattoos and contaminated water exposure
- Patients should be made aware of infection signs (redness, fever, Pustules, foul drainage)
IV. Management: Longterm
-
Sunscreen regular use
- Prevents Skin Cancer as well as Tattoo fading
-
Vaccinations
- May be safely administered through a Tattoo site after it has healed
- Transdermal patches
- Avoid placing over a Tattoo site (especially a fresh Tattoo site)
-
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Rare burns and other reactions have occurred at Tattoo sites during MRI (postulated due to metals in certain inks)
- Tattoo Removal
- Avoid OTC Tattoo removal creams (risk of reaction, and ineffective)
- Refer for Tattoo laser removal
V. References
- (2017) Presc Lett 24(9): 52
- (2023) Presc Lett 30(2): 11