Signs of Infection After Tattoo Removal & How to Treat It
- Growth Foundry
- Feb 28
- 7 min read
Signs of infection after tattoo removal include prolonged redness, increasing swelling, severe pain, pus or oozing discharge, fever, and red streaks spreading from the treated area.
You can treat the infection by keeping the area clean, applying an antibiotic ointment, avoiding scratching, and seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen.
This guide covers everything in detail, including symptoms, treatment options, and preventative measures to ensure safe healing.
Click below to jump right in:
If you have any questions about laser tattoo removals in Mississauga, Ontario, call (905) 451-4545.
Signs of Infection After Tattoo Removal
Signs of an infection after tattoo removal include:
1. Prolonged Redness and Increasing Swelling
Redness and swelling are common in the first 1 to 3 days post-treatment, but when they persist beyond five days or become more intense, it could be an infection. The body’s immune response may be fighting off bacteria introduced through improper aftercare or skin irritation.
What to Look For
Redness that expands beyond the treated area
Swelling that worsens over time instead of improving
Skin feeling tight and inflamed for several days
The affected area is hot to the touch
How to Manage It
✔ Apply a cool compress to reduce swelling.
✔ Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen if recommended.
✔ Keep the area elevated and avoid excessive movement to reduce inflammation.
✔ If symptoms persist beyond one week, seek medical evaluation.
2. Severe or Worsening Pain Beyond the Expected Healing Period
Mild discomfort or tenderness is expected after laser tattoo removal, but sharp, throbbing, or escalating pain can signal an infection. This can occur due to bacterial infiltration in the healing tissue or if the area has been exposed to contaminants.
What to Look For
Pain that intensifies after 3-4 days instead of decreasing
Deep, radiating pain beyond the treatment site
Pain that persists despite using pain relief methods
How to Manage It
✔ Avoid scratching or touching the area to prevent further irritation.
✔ Take pain relievers as directed, but seek medical help if the pain does not subside.
✔ Monitor for additional symptoms, such as pus or spreading redness.
3. Pus or Oozing Discharge From the Treated Area
Clear or slightly yellow fluid is normal during the initial healing phase. However, thick, yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge is a clear sign of bacterial infection.
What to Look For
Excessive pus production at the treatment site
White, green, or yellow discharge with a foul odor
Formation of thick crusts that do not heal properly
How to Manage It
✔ Keep the area clean and dry, washing it gently with antibacterial soap.
✔ Apply a prescribed antibiotic ointment or seek professional medical advice.
✔ Avoid using non-sterile bandages that may introduce additional bacteria.
4. Fever, Chills, or Flu-Like Symptoms
A fever indicates the body is fighting an infection beyond the localized area. If the immune system detects a bacterial invasion, it can trigger a fever and flu-like symptoms.
What to Look For
A temperature over 100.4°F (38°C)
Shivering, chills, or body aches
Fatigue or dizziness
How to Manage It
🚨 Seek immediate medical attention if a fever develops.
✔ Stay hydrated and rest to support your immune system.
✔ Take doctor-approved fever-reducing medications if necessary.
5. Red Streaks Spreading Away From the Treatment Area
Red streaks extending outward from the treatment area could indicate cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection that spreads through the deeper layers of the skin. If untreated, it can lead to serious complications like sepsis.
What to Look For
Thin, red streaks radiating outward from the treated area
Tender, swollen skin along the streaks
Fever and chills accompanying the symptoms
How to Manage It
🚨 Seek emergency medical care immediately, as cellulitis requires urgent antibiotic treatment.
✔ Avoid self-medicating or ignoring symptoms.
✔ Follow up with a healthcare provider to ensure proper care.
6. Delayed Healing and Thick, Non-Healing Scabs
Scabbing is normal after laser tattoo removal, but when scabs persist longer than 2-3 weeks, it may indicate an infection or improper healing.
What to Look For
Thick, crusted scabs that ooze fluid
Scabs that reopen repeatedly and do not heal
Increased redness or irritation surrounding the scabs
How to Manage It
✔ Avoid picking at scabs to prevent bacterial exposure.
✔ Apply antibacterial ointment as directed.
✔ Consult a medical professional if the scabbing continues past three weeks.
How To Treat a Laser Tattoo Removal Infection
To treat a laser tattoo removal infection, clean the area twice daily with mild soap and apply an antibiotic ointment. Keep it dry and covered if necessary. If symptoms worsen, seek medical attention for possible oral antibiotics.
1. Keep the Area Clean and Dry
Gently wash the infected area twice daily with mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water.
Pat dry with a clean towel or sterile gauze—avoid rubbing or using contaminated materials.
Do not submerge the area in water (baths, pools, or hot tubs) until fully healed.
2. Apply a Topical Antibiotic
To prevent bacterial growth, use an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment like Neosporin, Bacitracin, or Polysporin.
Apply a thin layer of ointment after cleaning the area, then cover with a sterile bandage if needed.
Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as they can slow healing and irritate the skin.
3. Take Oral Antibiotics if Prescribed
A doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics to fight bacterial growth if the infection worsens or spreads.
Complete the entire course of antibiotics as directed, even if symptoms improve early.
4. Avoid Touching or Picking at the Area
Do not scratch, pick, or peel scabs or blisters, as this increases the risk of scarring and deeper infection.
Keep hands clean before applying ointments or touching the affected skin.
5. Reduce Swelling and Pain
Apply a cool compress (wrapped in a clean cloth) for 10–15 minutes to ease inflammation.
If needed, take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
6. Wear Loose, Breathable Clothing
Avoid tight, non-breathable fabrics that may trap moisture and bacteria.
Choose soft, cotton-based clothing to reduce irritation.
7. Stay Hydrated and Support Immune Health
Drink plenty of water and eat a nutrient-rich diet (Vitamin C, Zinc) to support skin healing.
Avoid smoking and alcohol, as they can slow down the immune response.
8. Monitor for Worsening Symptoms
🚨 Seek medical attention if you experience:
Spreading redness, warmth, or swelling beyond the treated area.
Pus-filled blisters or foul-smelling discharge.
Fever above 100.4°F (38°C), chills, or flu-like symptoms.
Red streaks radiating from the infection site (a sign of cellulitis).
How To Prevent Infection After The Tattoo Removal Process
Follow these steps to prevent an infection after tattoo removal.
1. Keep the Treated Area Clean and Dry
Wash the area twice daily with mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water.
Gently pat dry with a clean towel—do not rub or use dirty materials.
Avoid submerging the area in water (no baths, pools, or hot tubs) until fully healed.
2. Follow Proper Aftercare Instructions
If recommended, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin or Bacitracin).
Cover the area with a sterile bandage for the first 24-48 hours if advised by your specialist.
Avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can irritate the skin and slow healing.
3. Avoid Touching or Scratching the Area
Do not scratch, pick, or peel at scabs or blisters to prevent bacterial exposure.
Keep hands clean before applying ointments or changing dressings.
4. Wear Loose, Breathable Clothing
Tight clothing can trap moisture and bacteria, increasing the risk of infection.
Choose soft, cotton-based fabrics to allow airflow and prevent irritation.
5. Avoid Sun Exposure and Use Sunscreen
Direct sunlight can cause irritation, hyperpigmentation, and prolonged healing.
Once the area starts healing, apply SPF 50+ sunscreen when going outdoors.
6. Stay Hydrated and Support Your Immune System
Drink plenty of water and eat a nutrient-rich diet (vitamin C, zinc) to support faster healing.
Avoid smoking and alcohol, as they can weaken immune function and delay skin recovery.
7. Monitor for Early Signs of Infection
🚨 Watch for symptoms like:
✔ Excessive redness or spreading swelling
✔ Yellow or green pus with a foul odor
✔ Persistent pain that worsens over time
✔ Fever or flu-like symptoms
Alternative Laser Health Offers Professional Tattoo Removal in Mississauga ON
At Alternative Laser Health, we provide safe, effective laser tattoo removal in Mississauga. Our expert technicians, led by Steven, with 11+ years of experience, use advanced laser technology for the best results.
We prioritize hygiene and infection prevention using sterile equipment, medical-grade aftercare, and strict sanitation protocols. Every session includes personalized care and detailed aftercare instructions to ensure smooth healing and zero risk of infection.
Call (905) 451-4545 for a free consultation today!
FAQs
What does an infected tattoo removal look like?
An infected tattoo removal site may appear excessively red, swollen, or warm, with thick yellow or green pus, worsening pain, or foul-smelling discharge. In severe cases, blisters, open sores, or red streaks spreading from the area may indicate a severe infection.
What happens if laser tattoo removal gets infected?
If laser tattoo removal gets infected, it can lead to delayed healing, increased pain, and potential scarring. In severe cases, the infection may spread to deeper tissues, requiring antibiotics or medical intervention to prevent further complications.
What are the first signs of a tattoo removal infection?
The first signs of an infection include persistent redness, increased swelling, throbbing pain, and warmth around the treated area. Other symptoms may include pus or fluid drainage, tenderness, and worsening discomfort after the initial healing period.
Is it normal to feel sick after tattoo removal?
Feeling slightly tired or fatigued is expected as the body processes ink particles, but fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms are not normal and may indicate an infection or immune reaction requiring medical attention.
Is tattoo removal hard on the immune system?
Tattoo removal engages the immune system as the body flushes out broken-down ink particles. While it is not hard on a healthy immune system, individuals with weakened immunity may experience slower healing or an increased risk of infections.
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