Healing a fresh tattoo can be a stressful experience. Scrupulous aftercare can help prevent many potential problems, but even those of us who take aftercare seriously can still run into trouble. One particular problem that can occur is the appearance of tattoo pimples. These small cysts tend to show up several days after getting tattooed, just when you think you’re on the road to recovery. Initially, they may seem like random bumps, but they can quickly evolve into a serious outbreak, making your fresh tattoo resemble the face of a teenager with acne. So, what exactly are these pimples and why are they appearing on your tattoo?
Understanding Tattoo Pimples
Tattoo pimples are small cysts that form when the surface of your skin becomes clogged, similar to regular pimples. However, tattoo pimples can appear in areas where you don’t usually get pimples. There are a few reasons why this happens. One common cause is over-application of ointment. While your healing tattoo needs some ointment, excessive application can suffocate the skin, leading to bacteria build-up and inflammation. This, in turn, results in small pimples clustering around the tattoo.
Another cause is the introduction of bacteria to the healing tattoo. If the bandage becomes dirty or is left on for too long, heat combined with the bacterial build-up underneath creates an ideal environment for infection. This can cause an outbreak of pimples, along with redness and swelling. However, it’s important not to panic. Not all tattoo infections are severe. Most pimples, including tattoo pimples, are a form of inflammation that resolves itself and disappears after several days.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most tattoo pimples will resolve on their own, there are cases where you should seek medical attention. If you experience pimples accompanied by excessive swelling, pus, open sores, a high fever, or radiating red lines from the tattoo, it may indicate a serious infection that requires immediate treatment from a medical professional. However, in the absence of these symptoms, what should you do about a rash of pimples on and around your healing tattoo? The answer is surprisingly simple – do nothing.
The Importance of Doing Nothing
When it comes to tattoo pimples, the hardest thing to do is nothing at all. It is crucial not to pick, squeeze, touch, or “treat” those pimples. Avoid using acne creams or any other ointments. Instead, allow the area to dry out and heal naturally. Keep your showers short and minimize soaping and scrubbing. Do not use abrasive washcloths or loofahs. It may take your body up to a week or more to resolve the outbreak, but if you leave the pimples alone, they will not affect your tattoo. Picking or squeezing them can create an open wound on top of your healing tattoo, increasing the risk of a serious infection like staph and potentially causing scarring and ink pullout. Instead, cover the area with lightweight, clean, loose clothing made of 100% cotton and wait for the pimples to subside.
In a couple of weeks, your healing tattoo should be fully healed, and the pimples will be nothing more than a distant memory. Remember, for future tattoos, avoid leaving the bandage on for too long and refrain from using excessive amounts of ointment. Make sure to keep yourself and everything around your new tattoo extra clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can tattoo pimples lead to long-term damage or affect the final tattoo result?
A: Tattoo pimples, if left alone, should not cause any long-term damage or affect the final result of your tattoo. However, picking or squeezing them can lead to scarring and ink pullout, so it’s important to resist the urge to touch them.
Q: How long does it take for tattoo pimples to go away?
A: It can take around a week or more for tattoo pimples to resolve themselves and disappear. It’s important to be patient and let your body heal naturally.
Q: What should I do if I suspect an infection?
A: If you experience excessive swelling, pus, open sores, a high fever, or radiating red lines from your tattoo, it may indicate a serious infection. In such cases, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.
Q: Can I use acne creams or ointments to treat tattoo pimples?
A: It is best to avoid using acne creams or ointments on your healing tattoo. These products can interfere with the natural healing process and potentially cause more harm than good.
Conclusion
While the appearance of red pimples around a fresh tattoo can be worrisome, most cases are mild and can be resolved by doing nothing at all. By resisting the urge to pick or squeeze the pimples and allowing your body to heal naturally, you can ensure that they do not affect your tattoo. Remember to follow proper aftercare instructions, keep the area clean, and refrain from over-applying ointment. If you have any concerns or suspect an infection, it is always best to consult a medical professional. Trust the healing process, and soon those pimples will be a thing of the past, leaving you with a beautiful, fully healed tattoo.
