Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How Can An Infected Tattoo Be Treated?

I have an infected new tattoo. Went to urgent care today and the PA who saw me didn t sound confident in anything he was saying, barely looked at my arm, didn t ask me any questions, looked up some answers online, then prescribed me some oral antibiotics and wished me luck. To say the least, I m unsure and still worried. A portion of my tattoo is clearly yellow underneath the skin, probably pus and also visibly blood as well. I asked if I should still wash with soap or if I should keep it dry? Do I put any ointment on.. Do I cover and bandage up or leave it open? He wouldn t give me any straightforward answers, his answer was I would stick with normal procedure... I d shower normal... Help?
Tue, 6 Sep 2016
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi welcome to health care magic...

According to history it seems to be superficial bacterial infection of tatto area....

The infected area having pus collection as well in that area... Try to avoid water contact with affected area....
No need for applying bandage over that. ..
Medicated bandage can be applied....

If wound open and pus had been drained than local betardine ointment can be applied. ..

If you post photo than size and wound condition can be decided and accordingly more comment can be given...
If size big enough and pus not drained than you might need Incision and drainage with dressing application...

Advise : Consult surgeon for examination ...

Take care
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
How Can An Infected Tattoo Be Treated?

Hi welcome to health care magic... According to history it seems to be superficial bacterial infection of tatto area.... The infected area having pus collection as well in that area... Try to avoid water contact with affected area.... No need for applying bandage over that. .. Medicated bandage can be applied.... If wound open and pus had been drained than local betardine ointment can be applied. .. If you post photo than size and wound condition can be decided and accordingly more comment can be given... If size big enough and pus not drained than you might need Incision and drainage with dressing application... Advise : Consult surgeon for examination ... Take care