Lip tattooing is a technique that helps women achieve bright, radiant lips. However, not everyone who undergoes lip tattooing attains the desired effect. Numerous cases of infected lip tattoos have caused concern among many women, who are unsure about the cause of this situation and how to address it. This article aims to provide you with the answers you seek.
Causes of infected lip tattoos
The lip tattooing method is considered one of the safest ways to enhance beauty without causing harm to nerves or blood vessels. This technology only minimally affects the lips’ epidermis. However, due to several reasons, lip infections may occur after the tattooing process, affecting your health. These reasons include:
Use of outdated tattoo spraying methods
One of the causes of infected lip tattoos is the use of outdated tattoo spraying techniques. Many substandard beauty establishments utilize spray technology with large needle heads and unsafe color injection systems. This can cause difficulties for the technicians and result in adverse consequences for the customer’s lips. The strong impact of the needle on the epidermis can invisibly damage the lips, leading to open wounds, swelling, and blisters. It is advisable to choose a tattoo spray facility that employs a safe and effective lip spray method.
Use of poor-quality inkjet ink
The quality of the ink spray significantly affects the outcomes of the tattoo. Using inkjet ink mixed with chemicals or of poor quality can darken or infect the lips. Paying attention to the quality of the ink used is essential to avoid irritation after lip tattooing.
Inadequate post-tattoo skin care
Aside from selecting the wrong tattoo spray facility and using poor-quality inkjet ink, improper post-tattoo skin care can also lead to lip infections. Many clients often consume foods that cause lip swelling, fail to clean their lips, and frequently use stimulants such as tobacco or alcohol. This can affect the lip color and cause irritation and infection.
Now that you are aware of the causes of an infected lip tattoo, you can find the most accurate symptoms for this condition below.
How to identify signs of lip infection after tattooing
One of the most fundamental signs of an infected lip tattoo is the presence of blisters on your lips. Typically, within 1-3 days post-tattooing, you may notice small, white pimples on your lips, seemingly containing fluid. If left untreated, these blisters can spread and increase in size.
Blisters on the lips: A blistered and festering lip condition is a clear indication of a compromised lip tattoo. If you experience pain, discomfort, or a burning sensation persisting for 2-3 consecutive days after the procedure, it is imperative to promptly consult your doctor for timely treatment. This is the most evident sign of an infected lip tattoo.
Sore and watery lips: This represents a severe symptom following lip tattooing. According to medical professionals, it is a dangerous complication resulting from lip tattooing. If you encounter this symptom, it is crucial to seek immediate treatment from a beauty professional or a doctor.
Painful lips and bruising: For this condition, it is advisable to observe any changes for approximately 1-10 days. If your lips remain sore, movement is restricted, and bruising persists after this time frame, it is also indicative of an infected lip. Seeking guidance from a doctor for close monitoring and timely intervention is crucial.
Many of you may be curious about the methods to address the situation after developing an infected lip following tattooing. Find out more about it here.
What to do if the lip tattoo is infected
The severity of lip tattoo infections can vary, with each case requiring different treatment methods based on the specific symptoms exhibited.
For cases of mild infection with swollen lips
Disinfect your lips using physiological saline, avoiding products containing other detergents. Physiological saline helps alleviate lip irritation and inhibits bacterial growth, reducing swelling and preventing further infection. You can also use an ointment for lip disinfection. If there is no improvement in your lip condition after approximately 2 days, it is advisable to seek prompt treatment from a dermatologist.
For lip tattoos resulting in blisters
Blisters signify significant damage to the lips post-tattooing, necessitating medical intervention. Alongside medical assistance, you should also disinfect your lips with saltwater to mitigate bacterial activity.
For severely infected lips
If you experience severe symptoms such as intense inflammation, sores, persistent pain, prolonged swelling, and other concerning indications, it is crucial to visit a dermatological hospital or medical facility for thorough examination and timely treatment by a healthcare professional.
For cases of dark lips lacking color
If your lips remain dark and colorless even after 1-2 weeks, ensure you stay hydrated and provide your body with essential nutrients. If there is no improvement, consider revisiting the practitioner for a touch-up. Note that the recommended time for lip balm application is after 2 months post-tattooing.
In addition to the methods for addressing infected lip tattoos, it is essential to be aware of the following skincare practices to minimize the risk of lip tattoo infection.
Methods for Caring for an Infected Tattooed Skin
Skin Care Recommendations
To prevent infection, attention should be given to post-tattoo lip care, including:
- Ensuring sufficient water intake to prevent chapped lips. However, it is advisable to use straws to minimize direct lip contact with water.
- Applying ice to the lips within the initial 4-5 hours post-tattooing. Additionally, it is recommended to use doctor-approved skin cream regularly with the assistance of a cotton ball. Vaseline is also a suitable product for consideration.
- Strict avoidance of lipstick for approximately 1 week following lip tattooing. Furthermore, refrain from touching or peeling off scabs, and avoid exerting pressure on the lips.
To minimize the risk of lip tattoo infection, it is crucial to refrain from hot baths, as well as swimming in the sea or lake for roughly 1 month after the tattooing procedure. Water-based environments can facilitate the entry of bacteria into the lips.
Dietary Considerations
After getting a tattoo, it is advisable to incorporate foods rich in vitamins into your diet to bolster the immune system and prevent lip infections. Such foods include oranges, grapefruits, papayas, tangerines, pineapples, and tomatoes.
Simultaneously, it is recommended to steer clear of stimulants and dark-colored foods, such as alcohol, tobacco, and coffee, as these substances can exacerbate the condition of an infected lip tattoo.
Furthermore, it is advisable to avoid seafood, beef, chicken, and other food groups that can potentially cause irritation and delay the healing process of the skin. Certain foods, such as water spinach and glutinous rice, should also be avoided, as they can cause skin irritation and swelling.
Having reviewed the aforementioned information, it is hoped that you now understand the causes and symptoms of an infected lip tattoo.
Johnny Jacks was born in 1985 in Texas, USA. He is the founder of Good Health Plan and is passionate about helping people improve their health and physical well-being. With over a decade of experience working in the healthcare industry, he currently works at Goodheathplan.com – a blog that shares knowledge on beauty and health.