If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo, be prepared for the potential for infection. The “tattoo flu” is a term used to describe the phenomenon of people getting sick after getting tattoos. Tattoo flu is one of the most common problems that new tattooers face, and it can be frustrating.
What is tattoo flu?
The “tattoo flu” is a term used to describe the negative reactions that some people experience after getting tattoos. These reactions can include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Nausea
- Soreness
- Itchiness
- Fever
The immune system is trying to make sense of the ink, which it sees as an “invader.”
In simple terms, the body sees the new ink being introduced into the blood as a toxin, and it fights to neutralize it, which may cause fever, chills, fatigue, and nausea. There is no ink that the body will confuse with its own.
The immune system is trained to seek out “invading” materials. The body attempts to eliminate toxins and bacteria by heating itself to a temperature where the bacteria cannot survive.This is what a fever is. It is the body’s natural detoxification method. This is why experts suggest pushing through the fever and not trying to reduce it right away, so the body can naturally cleanse itself.
Instead of reaching for pharmaceuticals which will further tax the body, many are looking into homeopathic remedies that work in synergy with the body to heal it. There will be more details on this as well as homeopathic products described as you read on.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms after getting a new tattoo, it’s important to see your doctor if the symptoms are not being managed, or if you have had them for several days.
How long does the tattoo flu last?
Tattoo flu is a term used to describe the symptoms of an infection that can occur after getting a tattoo. Tattoo flu typically lasts for two to four days and includes fever, chills, and body aches.
It’s important to stay hydrated and take antibiotics if you develop any signs or symptoms of a serious illness. In most cases, tattoo flu resolves on its own without any need for treatment or doctor visits. Most people recover within a few days without any long-term complications, but in rare cases, it can lead to more serious infections such as sepsis.
What causes tattoo flu?
Some causes of the “tattoo flu” are:
- an allergic reaction to the ink or dye used in tattoos.
- Skin sensitivity to other ingredients in the ink mixture can cause “tattoo flu.”
- Contact dermatitis can develop, which is a skin condition caused by exposure to certain chemicals.
- Poor hygiene
- weak immune system while getting tattoos
If you experience any symptoms, such as inflammation or redness around your tattoos, it is important to see a doctor. Antibiotic treatment can not only help eliminate infection, but it may also relieve some of your symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove infected tissue.
How to Prevent Tattoo Flu
Tattoo flu is a common problem that many tattoo artists experience. It’s caused by the various toxins and chemicals used in the manufacturing of tattoos, as well as during the healing process. Anyone who has had any medical procedures should avoid getting tattoos until their immune system is stronger because they are at an increased risk for infection.
There are steps that you can take to help prevent tattoo flu from happening:
- If you are sick, avoid getting tattoos. The best way to avoid getting sick is to not get tattoos in the first place! If you do decide to get a tattoo, make sure it’s done by someone who knows understands tattoo hygiene during the process of getting a tattoo well.
- Keep Your Skin Clean and Dry: Before and after your appointment, make sure your skin is clean and dry. This will help reduce the amount of bacteria that can enter your body through broken skin or open wounds.
- Use Safe Tattooing Materials: Always use safe equipment when applying ink, including gloves, face shields, aprons, etc. Don’t let anyone else touch your work either; this includes assistants who may be helping with cleanup afterwards.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
Stay hydrated throughout the process, especially while you’re healing! This will help flush away any toxins that may have accumulated on your skin or in your system.
How do I get over tattoo flu? 4 ways
Whenever you get a new tattoo, there’s a chance that you’ll experience the dreaded “tattoo flu.” This is basically an uncomfortable period of time after getting your new ink that can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
There are a few things that you can do to ease the pain and make the tattoo process smoother.
- Drink plenty of fluids (especially water) in order to stay hydrated and combat dry skin conditions.
2. Get lots of rest; tiredness makes it difficult to focus and cope with the discomfort associated with tattoos.
3. Apply a moisturizing balm with natural anti-bacterial properties, such as tea tree oil, to the skin before bedtime; this is beneficial to the skin’s surface as well as internally when absorbed through the pores. Remedy balm works well to prevent infections naturally and is healthy for the skin and body.
Remedy Tea Tree Oil Balm – For Tattoo Flu, red, sensitive
Good things to know about this naturally medicated skin balm to keep skin healthy:
- Prevent or fight skin infections from tattoos
- Addresses itchy, cracked, inflamed, red, razor burned, unhealthy cuticles, itchy feet, and much more
- 100% natural and organic
- Tea tree, eucalyptus and lavender essential oils
- Smells great
- Good for all skin types
- For adults and children
- 2 oz size
- Highly rated on Amazon
4. Avoid wearing tight clothes or high heels around town — both will add additional pressure to your newly inked skin. Instead, wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes that allow you some freedom of movement.
Natural medication and solutions to tattoo flu
If you are interested in using natural medicine, homeopathic medicines are very powerful and effective. Many people are looking to avoid pharmaceuticals, whether over the counter or prescription, because of the lists of side effects that medication produces.
The liver is stressed when pharmaceuticals need to be filtered through it, and some of the toxins the liver can’t filter, so it stores the toxin deep within it. Eventually, there is no more room for the liver to store toxins and disease follows.
With homeopathic remedies, the liver can rest easy.
Boiron Oscillococcinum for Relief from Flu-Like Symptoms of Body Aches
Good things to know about this homeopathic medication to reduce the severity of flu like symptoms:
- 100% homeopathic flu relief
- Take at the first signs of flu symptoms
- Shorten your symptoms
- No unwanted side effects like being hard on the liver
- Non-drowsy
- Works naturally with your body
- No drug interactions
- Providing homeopathic relief since 1932
- Highly rated on Amazon
2. Sambucol Cold & flu relief tablets
Good things to know about this homeopathic medication to reduce the severity of flu like symptoms:
- Take at the onset of flu-like symptoms
- Quick dissolve tablets
- Provides fast relief that lessens the severity of the symptoms
- Addresses sinus congestion, runny nose, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, chills and fever
- Tastes great, like elderberries
- Non-drowsy
- Non-habit forming
- 60 count quick dissolve tablets
- Highly rated on Amazon
We hope you are feeling better from the tattoo flu soon!
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