Which of the following is a warning sign of possible infection after a tattoo?

• A. Swelling after 24 hours
• B. Slight itching on day of tattoo
• C. Normal redness of healing
• D. Quick scab formation

Answer: (A)

Swelling that shows up or continues after the first 24 hours is a warning sign to watch for infection. While some swelling right after getting tattooed is normal, persistent or worsening swelling beyond the initial day can indicate the body is fighting an infection or that the healing process has been complicated. Not every healing reaction signals infection: slight itching on the day of the tattoo can be part of normal healing, and some redness is expected as the skin heals. Quick scab formation isn’t itself a sign of infection, though extreme or unusual scabbing can be a sign of other issues. The key idea is progression: swelling that lasts beyond 24 hours deserves attention.