What is the risk of tattooing over an infection?

Tattooing over an infection poses significant health risks, primarily because introducing ink into an already compromised area can exacerbate the infection. When the skin is infected, it is already in a state of inflammation, and attempting to tattoo over it can worsen this condition. This not only jeopardizes the individual's health but can also lead to more severe complications, such as the spread of the infection to surrounding tissues, systemic infection, or even sepsis in extreme cases.

The skin's barrier is compromised when infected, making it more susceptible to further pathogens and complicating the healing process. Tattooing in this scenario can also interfere with the body’s natural healing mechanisms, as the trauma of the tattoo process can deepen existing issues. Thus, it is essential to ensure that the skin is completely healthy before proceeding with a tattoo to avoid these significant risks.