Is my tattoo infected?

Question

Its been a week since i got it, some stars on the top of my foot and my foot is still swollen, it hurts in some areas and when i apply pressure on my foot its uncomfortable. I didnt think anything of it cause i thought the swelling would go down which it has a little bit, but other ppl keep telling me it shouldnt be swollen anymore. Is my tattoo infected? please help im scared =(

Answer 1

no! foot tattoos swell ridiculously! i have had both of my feet tattooed and the first one was swolen for about 10 days and still was tender to the touch until the 14th day. it didn't stop peeling until the 16th day. feet are so far from the heart that they get worse circulation and it just takes longer to heal. you should have been keeping your foot elevated as much as possible, especially for the first three or four days. i hope your artist told you that. it'll speed up your healing immensely. good luck!

Answer 2

Foot tattoos are notorious for swelling up and being uncomfortable during healing. The skin on your feet is really tender, and spends most of its time covered up and protected by shoes and socks - so having a tattoo done comes as a hell of a shock to it! It's therefore quite normal for it to swell up in response.

If you're still worried, then for reassurance I'd suggest taking it for someone to take a look at. For preference I'd say start with your tattoo artist rather than a doctor; doctors tend not to know all that much about tattooing, whereas tattoo artists clearly do. Your artist can tell you if your tattoo is doing anything unexpected. But from what you've said - particularly the fact that the swelling has now started to subside - it sounds fairly normal to me.

Best wishes, and enjoy your tattoo!

Answer 3

You say your tat is on your foot - have you been wearing tight shoes, boots or strap sandals? All these can apply pressure to the top of the foot (and hence, the tattoo).

Provided you are following the artist's instructions on caring for your tat, an infection is unlikely (although possible) - so I would suspect the above.

That said, you should never take risks - go see your artist or a doctor, even if only to put your mind at rest.

Answer 4

Nope, unless there is pus coming out of the tattoo, you are fine. Foot tattoos can be a bugger, since there is really not alot there except bone and skin. My foot was swollen and painful like that for almost 2 weeks, until my scabs fell off.

Answer 5

Congrats on getting your tat.. Please ignore the ignorant answers to your question, they clearly are not educated enough to be answering this question... Its a shame that they are willing to gamble and give false responses to serious questions...

As long as your tattoo is not weeping and only inflamed, I wouldn't really be alarmed.. Your feet can cop a battering, they are the most neglected part of your body and with shoes your tattoo can become irritated.. As already stated, your feet don't get alot of circulation so healing does take longer. Keep applying your aftercare and try to keep elevated.. You can always go back to your artist if you are really concerned..

Good luck!! :)

Answer 6

I suggest you go to your tattoo artist and have them take a look at it, they should be able to tell you if its ok or whats going on with it, I also got a tattoo last weekend and its tender in some areas still but doing just fine.

Answer 7

Lmao DEF not a pro tat. Good lord. Next time you want to save a couple bucks go but a temp tat from a vending machine.

Answer 8

Dont be scared youwill be totaly fine alpy anticeptic cream twice a day and clean your foot twice aday if ure scared go to ure doc he will help but dont worrie you will be totaly fine i promise :)

Answer 9

You better go see a DR because having an infection is your foot could lead to other serious problems

Answer 10

i dont know.mines where only swollen for like a couple of days.go get it checked out!