Procedure
Tattoo
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Tattoo
See Also
Ear Piercing
Body Piercing
Adverse Effects
Bacteria
l
Skin Infection
(e.g.
Cellulitis
)
Allergic Reaction
Scar formation (e.g.
Keloid
)
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,
Pustule
s, fould drainage)
Seek medical attention if these occur
Avoid preventive topical antibiotic use (e.g.
Bacitracin
)
Likely ineffective and risk of reaction
Clean Tattoo sites with
Mild Soap
and water twice daily
Standard
Mild Soap
s 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
Management
Longterm
Sunscreen
regular use
Prevents skin cancer as well as Tattoo fading
Vaccination
s
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)
References
(2017) Presc Lett 24(9): 52
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