LUBRICATE The Weakest Ink

Even if you’re doing aftercare right – abiding by the advice above – you could still end up with an infection, colour bleeding or fading. But you needn’t. Dr Zeichner does some troubleshooting

The dilemma: Moderate to intense redness with liquid discharge and/or pus The diagnosis:

A bacterial infection or an allergic reaction

The prescription:

Self-treat with a topical antibiotic such as bacitracin. (Apply a small amount a few times daily.) If that doesn’t work after a week, it’s time to see a dermatologist, who may prescribe a more powerful antibiotic such as mupirocin.

The dilemma: Fading lines and/or colours The diagnosis:

A lack of skincare

The prescription:

Start applying an SPF30-plus sunscreen with zinc oxide at least daily, but ideally whenever you’re going to be outside for more than 10 minutes at a time. Some fading is inevitable after you’re inked, but continued UV damage will wreak long-time wear on your skin – and the tattoo within it.

The dilemma: Colour bleeding The diagnosis:

A bad tattoo artist The prescription:

Book another appointment… with someone else. The needle may have gone in too deep. ‘Unfortunately, if the tattoo colour bleeds, the only options are to go back to a tattoo artist to colour over it or to attempt to remove the excess pigment with a laser,’ Dr Zeichner says.