Walk-in Tattoo Infection Treatment in Gastonia | AFC Urgent Care

Looking for treatment for your tattoo infection near Gastonia, NC? AFC Urgent Care is here to help. Visit us 7 days a week for immediate medical attention if you suspect your tattoo is infected.

Getting a tattoo is becoming increasingly popular, with more and more people choosing to get inked. Unfortunately, there are risks associated with tattoos, including the possibility of infection. At AFC Urgent Care, we want our community to be healthy and safe, so we offer treatment for tattoo infections.

AFC Urgent Care does not offer tattoo removal.

Call our office or fill out our contact form for more information.

What causes a tattoo infection?

Tattoo infections are caused by a variety of factors, including unsanitary tattooing equipment or surroundings, unsanitary aftercare practices and bacterial or fungal contamination. Some individuals may be more susceptible to infections due to certain medical conditions or medications. While it can be difficult to predict who will develop an infection, taking proper precautions such as choosing a reputable tattoo shop and following all aftercare instructions can greatly reduce the risk of infection.

Tattoo Infection Signs and Symptoms

When a tattoo becomes infected, a rash or red, bumpy skin can develop around the tattooed area. If you have sensitive skin, it may be irritated due to the needle, but this is common and should resolve within a few days. If symptoms persist for a week or more, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid complications and further infection.

Here are common symptoms of a tattoo infection:

• Redness and swelling near the tattoo
• Pain, tenderness and/or itching around the tattooed area
• Heat radiating from the tattooed area
• A pus-like discharge coming from the tattooed area
• Fever

Will I get a staph infection if my tattoo gets infected?

While it is possible for a tattoo infection to be caused by the staph bacteria, not all tattoo infections are staph infections. However, if left untreated, the infection can lead to a staph infection, which can be serious and even life-threatening. It is important to seek medical care if you suspect you may have a tattoo infection, so our providers can properly diagnose and provide the necessary treatment to prevent any potential complications.

Tattoo Infection Treatment

If you suspect that you have a tattoo infection, it’s important to seek professional medical help right away. At AFC Urgent Care, our experienced physicians can diagnose and treat tattoo infections quickly and effectively. Treatment may involve administering antibiotics, draining pus or fluid from the affected area or cleaning the wound thoroughly. It’s important to follow your provider’s instructions, keep the area clean and dry and avoid scratching or picking at the tattoo site to prevent further infection or scarring.

Preventing Tattoo Infections

Proper aftercare is essential to prevent infections after getting a tattoo. Follow the instructions given to you by your tattoo artist and keep the area clean, dry and moisturized with an unscented lotion. Avoid submerging your tattoo in water, soaking in a pool or exposing it to direct sunlight for an extended period of time. Additionally, refrain from itching or picking at your tattoo as this can increase the risk of infection.