5 Signs Your Tattoo Might Be Infected
Quick answer
Some redness, tenderness and a little oozing of blood and ink are normal in the first days of healing. Signs a tattoo might be infected include redness that keeps spreading farther from the tattoo, a bad smell or heavy drainage, pain that increases instead of getting better, red streaks running from the tattoo toward the center of your body, and fever, chills or sweats. If you notice any of these, see a doctor. Red streaks need care right away.
Most tattoos heal without any trouble. But a fresh tattoo is a wound, and like any wound it can get infected. The hard part is telling normal healing from something that needs a doctor.
A fresh tattoo is usually red, tender and a little swollen at first, and it may ooze a mix of blood and ink in the first days. That's normal1. Here are five signs that aren't. This is general information, not a diagnosis. If you're worried, see a doctor.
1. Spreading redness
Normal: some redness around a fresh tattoo, especially a large one, that settles as it heals1.
See a doctor if: the redness keeps spreading farther and farther from the tattoo1.
2. Odor or heavy drainage
Normal: a little oozing of blood and ink in the first days1. See 5 Things That Look Wrong While Your Tattoo Heals (But Aren't).
See a doctor if: there's a bad smell or significant drainage from the tattooed skin1, or bumps that fill with pus2.
3. Pain that gets worse
Normal: soreness at first that eases a little each day.
See a doctor if: the pain increases instead of getting better1[2], or the skin feels warm to the touch1.
4. Red streaks
Normal: no streaks.
Get care right away if: you see red streaks running from the tattoo toward the center of your body1. Red streaks can be a sign that an infection is spreading through the lymph system, and they need prompt treatment3.
5. Fever or chills
Normal: feeling fine, apart from a sore spot.
See a doctor if: you have a fever, chills or sweats along with a red, painful tattoo1[2].
Normal healing vs. signs of infection
| Sign | Normal | See a doctor if |
|---|---|---|
| Redness | Some early redness that settles | It keeps spreading |
| Drainage | A little ooze of blood and ink early | Bad smell, heavy drainage or pus |
| Pain | Soreness that eases | Pain keeps building |
| Streaks | None | Red streaks: get care right away |
| How you feel | Fine | Fever, chills or sweats |
When in doubt, get it checked
Most tattoos heal without trouble. Spreading redness, odor or heavy drainage, worsening pain, red streaks or a fever are reasons to call a doctor, not to wait it out. Don't try to treat a suspected infection on your own, and let your artist know too.
The best defense is good aftercare from day one: clean hands, a clean tattoo and a breathable cover early on. See 5 Ways to Heal a Fresh Tattoo, Ranked.
FAQ
How do I know if my tattoo is infected?
Watch for redness that keeps spreading, a bad smell or heavy drainage, pain that gets worse instead of better, red streaks running from the tattoo, and fever, chills or sweats. If you notice any of these, see a doctor.
Is redness normal on a new tattoo?
Some redness and swelling are normal at first, especially with larger tattoos. Redness that keeps spreading farther from the tattoo is not, and is a reason to see a doctor.
Is it normal for a new tattoo to ooze?
A little oozing of blood and ink in the first days is normal. A bad smell, heavy drainage or pus is not.
What do red streaks from a tattoo mean?
Red streaks running from the tattoo toward the center of your body can mean an infection is spreading. Get medical care right away.
Should I see a doctor for an infected tattoo?
Yes. Any signs of infection are a reason to see a doctor rather than wait it out or treat it yourself.