Tattooing is the process of creating a design or picture on the skin by breaking its outer layer. Tattoo machine is used to puncture the skin surface with small needles to create the required design. Getting a tattoo done has become increasingly popular in new generation. However tattoo aftercare and using clean/sterilized equipments is crucial to prevent any infection. It is better to learn about the various factors that may cause infection and inflammation on the skin than waiting for it.
Preparation :
Now you have decided to have a tattoo on your body. Next you have to choose the design to be drawn. Plenty of shops have their brochures and you can even get help from online. Selecting a design take many days and even months for some people. You can go through the pre-drawn designs on the shops and also download pictures from internet. In case you want a unique design you can discuss with your artist.
Process :
After getting the appointment from the tattoo artist you will have to visit the shop. The artist would prepare the skin by cleaning and removing the hair from the area. Then she would draw an outline of the design on your skin. The picture is exactly a replica of the original tattoo to be drawn. The artist may use special inks to draw the design on the skin surface. The image would give you clear idea about how the tattoo will look on your body.
A special instrument or machine that contains tiny needles is used to prick the skin many times to create the design. The outer layer of the skin will be punctured with tattoo machine carefully to make the drawing or picture. The needle would move up and down and accordingly special ink would be placed on the pierced skin. Final touch is given by highlighting the borders making fine lines and shades. The entire process of tattooing may take several minutes to hours depending on the area/site and the complexity of the picture.
Healing and Aftercare :
Aftercare is very important for any kind of piercing done on the skin. It might take 2-3 weeks or even more for complete healing. Your tattoo artist would clean the area after completing the drawing and gently apply a bandage over it. The area should be kept covered to prevent any infection. Initially there would be mild to moderate pain on the area where tattoo is drawn. The skin surface gets inflamed and become swollen. The color of the skin may look red or pink and differ from normal skin color for few days. You can remove the bandage after 24 hours and gently wash the area with mild soap water.
In the next stage scabs are formed on the skin surface which can cause itching. You will be tempted to scratch the skin but you should not. Scabbing is part of healing process and you can continue washing the skin surface twice a day. The skin would just begin to flake off and the area would look like sunburn. In the final stage the skin becomes dry and less vibrant on the site. There would be withering of dead cells for the next few days and now your tattoo has healed completely.
Images, Pics, Photos and Pictures of Infected Tattoo :
Infection :
Getting an infection on the tattoo is not quite common. Many people would have mild pain for few days after tattooing. Touching the site with dirty hands and using unclean instruments can lead to infection. The area of the skin can develop swelling and in rare cases blisters are formed. This may lead to bacterial infection causing more complications. The total area of design can look miserable and you may require medical attention in that case.
Tips For Preventing Infection :
- You need to follow the aftercare instructions given by your tattoo artist.
- Do not touch the area even if you are tempted.
- Wash the area with soap water twice a day and gently pat it dry.
- Avoid exposure of sun directly on the tattoo.
- Keep the area moist until it heals totally.
- Don’t hesitate to get medical help if you think it is an infection.
