One of the most common adverse effects of tattooing is superficial skin damage and tattoo infection. As more and more people turn to body art, the number of cases with infection outcomes has increased drastically. The reason for this being improper tattoo practices and untrained tattoo artists conducting work in non-sterile environments.

Since tattooing is an invasive procedure that opens your skin, a layer protecting the rest of your body and organs, skin and blood infections aren’t a surprising outcome. However, it is all fun and games until you have to deal with a medical professional and get tested for viruses like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, or bacteria like Staphylococcus.

So, if you’re about to get a tattoo and want to be informed of the possible adverse effects, you’re at the right place. In the following paragraphs, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of tattoo skin and blood infections. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Tattoo Infections: The Risk Of Infection Explained

Tattoos and Pathogens

To understand why tattoo infections occur, it is essential to understand the potential sources of infections when it comes to tattooing.

Now, our bodies are protected from various bacteria, viruses, and pathogens in general by our largest organ, which is the skin. During the tattooing process, the skin is repeatedly ad intensely pierced to have the ink placed in the dermis of the skin. In the process, the holes created by the tattoo needle create an open wound, which further creates an entranceway for pathogens.

So, when the pathogens enter the skin, they move into the est of the body via the bloodstream or remain located in the freshly tattooed area. As a result, people experience skin and blood infections.

But, why are pathogens even a part of the whole tattooing process? Isn’t everything supposed to be sterile, clean, and safe? Well, in the majority of cases, when we talk about professionals and reputable tattoo salons, the equipment, and the environment is sterile and clean. But, there is always the other side of the coin.