You're a week into the tattoo healing stages, and you've been diligent with your aftercare. But then, you start to feel it—a scratchy throat, a stuffy nose, and the general misery of an oncoming cold or flu. Getting sick is never fun, but it's especially stressful when your body is already working hard to heal a new tattoo.
This common scenario can lead to a lot of worry. Will being sick ruin your tattoo? Will it get infected? And what should you be doing differently?
This is your complete guide to how to care for a new tattoo when you're feeling under the weather.
The #1 Challenge: Your Immune System is in a Two-Front War
The biggest issue when you get sick with a healing tattoo is that your immune system is being pulled in two different directions.
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Fighting the Illness: Its primary, most urgent job is to fight off the virus or bacteria that's making you sick.
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Healing the Wound: At the same time, it's supposed to be dedicating resources to repairing the large, open wound of your new tattoo, fighting off potential skin infections, and regenerating tissue.
When your immune system is compromised and trying to do two jobs at once, both processes can suffer. You might find that your cold lasts a little longer, and your tattoo's healing timeline might be slightly extended.
Your Action Plan: Prioritize Rest and Simplicity
When you're sick, your energy is low. The key to a successful heal in this situation is to make your aftercare routine as simple and effective as possible.
1. Rest is Non-Negotiable
This is the most important step. Your body needs rest to fight the illness and heal the tattoo. Don't try to "power through" your normal routine. Get as much sleep as you possibly can. The more rest you get, the more resources your body has for both tasks.
2. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of fluids is crucial for recovering from an illness and for healthy skin. Keep a large bottle of water by your side at all times.
3. Do Not Neglect Your Aftercare (Simplify It)
When you feel terrible, the last thing you want is a complicated routine. This is where having a simple, all-in-one system is a lifesaver.
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Keep It Clean: You must continue to gently wash your tattoo 1-2 times a day to prevent a skin infection, which your body is more vulnerable to when you're sick. Our No Pain Tattoo Cleansing Foam makes this step quick and easy, cleaning the skin effectively without any harsh rubbing.
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Keep It Moisturized: A dry, itchy tattoo is the last thing you want to deal with when you're already feeling miserable. After washing, apply a thin layer of a high-quality, breathable moisturizer. Our No Pain Tattoo Aftercare Balm provides long-lasting hydration, so you don't have to worry about it constantly.
When to Be Concerned
While being sick can slow things down, you should still be looking for the signs of a normal heal. You should still be asking, "is my tattoo healing properly?" If your sore tattoo becomes excessively painful, if you see thick, colored pus, or notice a foul odor, it's a sign of a potential infection, and you should contact a doctor.
The Verdict: Getting a cold or flu while your tattoo is healing is an unfortunate but manageable situation. Your top priorities are to get as much rest as possible and to maintain a simple but flawless cleaning and moisturizing routine. By using a professional aftercare system like our No Pain Tattoo Aftercare Bundle, you make the process easy and effective, giving your compromised immune system the best possible support to do its job. Focus on recovery, and your tattoo will heal right along with you.