Tattoos are popular in the United States. About one-third of Americans have a tattoo, and 22% have more than one tattoo. Tattooing has become more acceptable in the past few decades, with many people considering tattoos a form of artwork.
However, tattooing can have serious health risks if it is performed incorrectly or negligently. A person may develop a serious tattoo infection, which could become life-threatening or cause numerous complications and permanent impairments. Understanding the signs and symptoms of tattoo infections may help you spot problems and seek medical treatment to prevent the condition from worsening.
Signs of Infected Tattoos
An infection in a tattoo can present one or more symptoms.
Signs a tattoo is infected include:
- Redness
- Bumps (papules) on the skin that may or may not contain pus
- Swelling
- Nodules on or below that skin that are larger than papules
- Fever
- Itchiness
- Inflammation
- Chills
- Soreness
- Pain that worsens
- Sweats
An infected tattoo may cause additional symptoms, depending on the type of infection and other factors. As the infection becomes worse, you may notice additional symptoms of infection. Seek medical treatment if you notice any signs of tattoo infection because the infection could worsen quickly.
Common Causes of Tattoo Infections in Minnesota
The tattoo artist uses needles to push the ink through to the dermis (second layer of skin). As the needles push through the skin, they create tiny open wounds. Unfortunately, these wounds are the perfect place for viruses, bacteria, and microorganisms to enter the body.
Common reasons for tattoo infections include:
- Contaminated tattoo ink
- Diluting ink with non-sterile water
- Failing to clean the skin before tattooing
- Using non-sterile tattoo needles
- Poor sterilization practices in the tattoo shop
- Lack of gloves and masks
- Inadequate aftercare for tattoos
A weak immune system may increase the risk of a tattoo infection. Once the microorganisms enter the body, they multiply, causing infection. Pathogens that can enter the body through tattooing include viruses such as hepatitis A, B, and C, HIV, and molluscum. Bacteria that may cause tattoo infections include streptococcus, staphylococcus, leprosy, and tetanus.
Types of Infections That Might Result From Tattoos
Depending on the pathogen that enters the body through the tattoo wounds, a person may develop several types of tattoo infections.
Examples of tattoo infections include, but are not limited to:
- MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) is resistant to many antibiotics. Doctors may need to operate to remove infected tissue in severe cases.
- Gangrene occurs when body tissue dies. The decaying tissue releases toxins into the bloodstream. It is usually necessary to remove the dead tissue.
- Sepsis is the body’s extreme reaction to an infection. The body takes drastic measures to fight the infection. A person may develop septic shock, which causes organs to shut down.
- Herpes simplex virus can cause ulcers and blisters. It is highly contagious and has no cure.
- Blood-borne illnesses such as Hepatitis can become chronic, eventually causing liver cirrhosis and death.
Tattoo infections can cause several complications, including disfigurement and scarring. In severe cases, a doctor may need to amputate the affected limb or body part. Some infections can result in death.
Can I Recover Compensation for a Tattoo Infection?
The tattoo artist and/or a tattoo shop could be liable for injuries and damages caused by tattoo infections. However, not all adverse reactions and outcomes are the result of negligence. You must prove that the person or shop failed to use reasonable care to prevent harming or injuring customers.
Negligent acts can include failing to sanitize materials or providing inadequate aftercare instructions. A tattoo shop could be liable if it fails to check a tattoo artist’s license and work history before hiring them.
If you prove negligence, you could recover economic and non-economic damages for a tattoo infection, including:
- The cost of medical care and treatment
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages and benefits
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Rehabilitative therapy
- Impairments and disabilities
- Diminished earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life and quality of life
- Out-of-pocket expenses
The damages you receive depend on the facts of the case. Hiring an experienced injury lawyer can improve your chance of receiving fair compensation. An attorney understands the legal elements to prove negligence and the value of damages.
Get Help With a Tattoo Infection Claim in Minnesota
Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer for a free consultation to discuss your legal options. A dedicated legal team can help you pursue a claim for damages and harm caused by a negligent tattoo artist or shop.
Contact the Minnesota Personal Injury Law Firm of Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys For Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Minnesota, including Minneapolis, St. Cloud, and Edina.
We proudly serve Hennepin County, Stearns County, and its surrounding areas:
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – Minneapolis
825 Nicollet Mall, Suite 615
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(800) 292-1979
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 44.97514068188609, -93.27349979814521
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – St. Cloud
1010 W St Germain St # 320
St Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 255-1000
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 45.55903612908877, -94.16420517306956
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – Edina
5200 Willson Rd #203
Edina, MN 55424
(952) 697-5560
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 44.90963991439301, -93.34937342327198
