I got a tattoo 2 days ago on my forearm. It’s my second one but it’s kind of worrying me. There is still a little redness and inflammation. It also still stings/burns quite a bit. I’ve been using Softsoap and Suave lotion to take care of it and I’m not sure but I think both have fragrance. Is there any way I can tell if it’s infected? What should I do??

Factors to look at for tattoo safety include the artist having a clean shop, sterilized equipment and a good local or national reputation. Avoid getting an infected tattoo by performing necessary safety research withtips from an experienced tattoo artist in this free video on body art. Expert: Brandon Bond Contact: www.allornothingtattoo.com/ Bio: Brandon Bond was voted Artist of the Year in 2005 at the South Florida Tattoo Convention. Filmmaker: Sheldon Bradley

You have a really great tattoo, but after a few days you are concerned that it might be infected. This article discusses some of the things to watch for, and other signs that are normal and not the show of infection.

• If your tattoo feels extremely hot to the touch then it could be infected.
• If you notice a big red ring or redness that surrounds the actual tattoo, it could be infected
• If you notice yellowish puss oozing from the tattoo area then it could be infected.
• Does your tattoo have a bad odor? If yes, then it could be infected.
• Is the tattooed area swollen? If yes, then your tattoo could be infected.
• If you are in extreme pain, then your tattoo could also be infected.

If you notice any of these things you should immediately call your doctor and schedule an appointment. Infection can spread fast and can cause much harm. Best to be safe. You also do not want to ruin your new tattoo for ignoring the signs. Nor face any serious health issues. Catch the infection before it is too late.

You might notice a clear liquid (plasma) running out of your tattoo, this typically is normal, however if you are concerned you should contact your doctor or physician.

Be sure to check the cleanliness of the tattoo parlor, dirty tattoo practices can almost always lead to an infected tattoo.

Your wish to get the tattoo of your choice has been fulfilled. You have gone through some pain and should not botch it up by showing laxity in its care. Without proper precautions and care, your new tattoo can end up becoming an issue and render the investment in terms of time, effort and money futile.

New tattoos can be quite fragile and sensitive to infection. Due to this, it could lose its color and design that has been put together so painstakingly by the artist. Following your artist’s instructions is paramount and that is what you should do.

Make sure you follow the two instructions given below:

1. Do not discard the bandage

The bandage is for your protection as the wound created by the process of tattooing would be still raw. Though some artists may advise you to discard the bandage after a couple of hours, you should ensure that you let the bandage stay on overnight to accord full protection to this open wound from any infection due to dust and other  bacteria.

2. Use appropriate technique while removing the bandage.

When it is time to get rid of the bandage, you need to keep a mild disinfectant ready with you to wash the wound and the surround area. Make sure you wash away any remnants of dried blood or left over ointment used by the tattoo artist. You must do this with your hand and not use a wash cloth. Having washed the area thus, you must pat it dry with a clean towel to ensure total hygiene and protection from any infections.