ACCIDENTALLY swam 1 week after new tattoo and with open scab.

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Ok, so let me start by saying, I am incredibly sorry that I did this. I did not mean to spread my germs to others. I got a tattoo exactly one week ago and it was mostly done healing (a few small scabs and peeling). So, my artist didn't tell me not to go swimming. I guess he just thought I knew. SO I went swimming laps at the YMCA indoor public pool. After I got out, a guy saw my new tattoo and mentioned to me that I shouldn't be swimming with that cos it could cause infection. So, I googled it. And found a lot of horrifying stuff. I also had a small open scab from a stove burn that I had accidentally scratched open the night before. I immediately went home and washed everything with antibacterial soap. I put H2Ocean on the tattoo and Bacitracin on the open scab. So now I'm wondering, am I like, totally screwed? I'm all worried about flesh eating bacteria and infection. The open scab is still really itchy, but doesn't look infected at all. Any advice on how to handle this, other than NEVER doing this again would be greatly appreciated. Again, I am very apologetic for spreading my germs. The thought never occured to me to not do this and now that I know, I NEVER will do anything like this again. Thanks!

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1 Reply

  • Posted

    Hi Ben........please dont worry so much. Itching is a good sign ..it means the skin is healing. Stop using so much stuff on these lesions. Just once a day, a light wash with a mild soap,rinse well and keep dry.If you have to cover because they get knocked during the day,then take off the covering at night. Obviously,never pick at these lesions.

    You sound like a nice considerate guy. I am sure you will be fine. I,m also sure you havent spread a lot of infection. Pools are generally well chlorinated. A good idea though not to use pools when you have just had a tattoo.

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