Ink Trails Tattoo Forum: Tattoo Infection - Ink Trails Tattoo Forum

I am going to the doctor today as I think my boxer tattoo is infected. I have numerous tattoos and am pretty meticulous about caring for them, but this is my first experience with something like this. It's isolated to the area near the "ditch" of my arm. It started out getting all puff, and tender, then started to form like a crevice with a milky-colored liquid at times. Then over the weekend, the outside of my forearm broke out in small painful pimples with little white-heads.

It's been a week and I went in to my regular tattoo artist for a touch up on another piece and he said he couldn't work on me as having an infection could cause serious problems (Good to know). Anyway, I was curious if anyone here has had an infection and what the outcome was. Did the tattoo heal poorly? Was it salvageable?

Here's a pic (note: This is pretty gross!)

It looks like all the gray wash is messed up. I know you love conventions and collecting work but Convention conditions can be as bad if not worse then getting it from someone’s house. A lot of people don’t realize that just because it’s a convention full of professionals doesn’t mean it’s clean.

Goodluck at the doctor.

So I just got home and indeed the tattoo is infected. My doctor told me it's a classic Staph infection (Staphylococcus). He said teh the "honeycomb" crusting and the white pustules on my arm were tell-tale signs. he seemed to think it was relatively minor and might have cleared up on it's own. However he prescribed me a topical antibiotic ointment called "Mupirocin" (Generic for Bactroban). Luckily he spent about 15 minutes talking to me about infections, tattoos, and risks.

He thought that while it's impossible to pin-point the cause of the infection, the fact that the infection follows an exact line of the tattoo that I probably got infected while the needle was penetrating my skin. That doesn't mean that the needle itself was infected, as Staph can be present on the skin without causing infection. It only causes a problem once it finds a doorway in. He even said my tattoo should heal fine. let's hope he's right!

This is a lesson we should all take to heart.  It's a great peice by he way

I agree Rhyno (on both counts). I posted that nasty pic to show what it looks like so when others encounter this at some point, they will be better informed about what to do. Also, I forgot to mention that the doctor also mentioned MRSA, which is a form of Staph that is resistant to all forms of Penicillin.That's why you should check with a doctor if you notice any symptoms of an infection (fever, swelling, tenderness, puss, pustules).

Now only thing that sucks is you have to get that touch up..... HAHAHAHA take sandpaper to it like the retard i know he was like that  but more sick looking and he took sandpaper to it...... Not saying your a retard,the kid who did that to his tattoo....Your way more smarter than him.....

JASON.. Dude!! I’m not being a dick but… what took you so long to get to the doctor?

This is the kind of situation that can become Necrotizing fasciitis. Staph infection can quickly turn into flesh eating disease. And yes it is totally resistant to all the current forms of treatment.

Mark is right again. Clean is not sterilized and not all tattooists are cross contamination conscious.

I'VE Never had an infection that bad but i've gotten those exact little  pimples acouple of times from tattooing i've noticed it happened the couple of times i used prizm ink.I have also gotten them again from a differant ink but it has a really strong alcohol smell like prizm does also.So i was thinking the ink caused it the first time i got an infection with all those little pimples around the tattoo was from a red prizm ink.The other colors did'nt cause infection but they caused all those little pimples i wonder what it is because as i said it happens to me when the ink smells really strong of alcohol like prizm does

Quote

If you shaved the area, they could just be ingrown hairs or ingrown hairs that got infected, Particuarly if its in an area that gets rubbed up against alot

you can get STAPH from ANYWHERE/ ANYTHING, its out there.  like Jason said it may have already been on his skin and went in with the needle.  i have been using prizm inks and have never had any infectious reaction.

When it heals up send a pic so we can see the damage if any. And i wish you luck during the healiing process. Man thats a bummer. >:(

Jason and Dogma are right staph is a naturaly occuring bacteria on the the skin. To get a staph infection the bacteria just needs a portal. There are 2 types of bacteria that live in/on the human bidy. The bidy needs both of these to function The first type is bacteria that can cause an infection if left unchecked the second type is there to keep the first in line. If you lose the second type then more than likely you will get an infection from the first type. Example: Women naturaly have yeast in the vagina but there is also bacteria that keep it in check. When women take an antibiotic for another infection it can kill the bacteria that keeps it in check and then the yeast grows unchecked and the end result is a yeast infection. Sorry if this is an offensive example but it is the easiest to explain.

Not at all Notah. Good explanation. I will def add a photo when it heals. I think this is an interesting (albeit unfortunate) lesson for everyone.

So true Jason... A great lesson for all of us... sorry it had to be you to teach it.

Wow the lengths you go to help everyone... Start a web site.. start a forum... get a staph infection.

That's dedication!!!!

Get well soon man!!!

Paying dues, my man! Paying dues!

Man, my infection "wound" is like half-way closed...I am getting impatient and want to see how my tattoo heals.

It is hard to tell much from the picture, but it looks like its going to lose a little bit of ink.
is there much deep scabbing?

Quote

I use Prizm inks at the moment, and have yet to have any kind of infectious reaction on anyone i've worked on.

So Jason:
Your usual tattoo artist wouldn't work on you because you had an infection?
Did you know it was staph at that time?
Personally, I'm new at this whole staph thing....

My own dilemma: My boyfriend suspects having a recurring staph infection (he's an MMA fighter, where it's common) this time on his jaw area.  If my boyfriend really needs a cover-up job (of an offensive symbol) on his stomach, what do you suggest he do?  Should he hold off with the cover-up tat & just go to the ER already?  Should you not get any type of tattoo or piercing if you suspect already having staph?  Will this put other people in harm's way, etc? 

I'm totally clueless about this issue, & this seems like the best place to find out.  I really appreciate any info you can offer...
Thanks!

its never a good idea to have more than one wound  when one is infected. you want your system in good shape and healthy to take care of whats priority.

i myself have this same exact infection right now on my leg the piece is fucked . i never lead by example for aftercare sadly. so dont get yourself down. lol