Which signs of infection should prompt immediate medical attention after a tattoo?

• A. Mild itching at the site.
• B. Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, or severe pain at the site.
• C. Itchiness without other symptoms.
• D. Slight color change in ink.

Answer: (B)

Signs of infection after a tattoo that require immediate medical attention are when the area shows increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus discharge, fever, or severe pain. After tattooing, some redness and mild swelling can be part of normal healing, and itching can be common as the skin heals. But when redness becomes more pronounced or spreads, the skin feels hot, swelling worsens, there is discharge of pus, a fever develops, or pain becomes severe, these indicate an infection that needs prompt medical evaluation. Itchiness by itself is not a reliable sign of infection and can be part of normal healing. A slight color change in the ink also does not signal infection and can reflect healing processes or pigment settling. If any of the urgent signs appear, seek medical care promptly to prevent complications.