My Tattoo Is Leaking Plasma: Is This Normal? - AuthorityTattoo (2024)

Why Your Tattoo Is Leaking Plasma

The tattoo healing process is a strange process that lasts for several weeks. During this time, the skin where the tattoo was applied will go through many changes as it tries to fight the wound and keep you safe. Let’s take a look at the science behind plasma from a tattoo, so you can determine if this is normal or worth seeking medical help.

The Science Behind It

Plasma is usually something we only see when we cut ourselves badly. Since our tattooed skin seems relatively intact after the application process, it seems odd that we’d see plasma oozing from the skin. However, you have to keep in mind that any tattoo is technically a wound. Just as your body would when you scrape your knee, it immediately begins working to protect your body from threats and heal the vulnerable area.

If your body is leaking clear fluid (not the same thing as pus), don’t worry. This isn’t an indication of an infection; it’s just a sign that your body has gone beyond its typical threshold for a wound and is working overtime to heal it. When you see this, take it easy for a few days to give your body all the resources it needs to heal this particular area.

The goal of plasma is to create a barrier between the skin and the air by moving to the surface and hardening. The leftover scab stops blood flow (to prevent bleeding) and seals the body off from the outside world to reduce the risk of infection. While this happens, the rest of your body’s foot soldiers (proteins and nutrients,) get to work to heal the injury.

When To Expect Leaking Plasma

You should expect to see leaking ink and fluids from the tattooed area for a few days, nevertheless, if it goes longer than that, it may be a sign that you’re interfering with the process. Certain ointments can actually cause more leakage, so if you’ve been using something like petroleum jelly in an attempt to help your body heal, you may be doing more harm than good and should switch to a more tattoo-friendly product.

If your leaking extends beyond the first 3-4 days, first discontinue or reduce ointment use. You might see the leakage reduce after this. Remember: less is more and a little goes a long way. If your skin feels wet or slimy to the touch after applying, you’ve used too much. Just a tiny bit is all you need.

If the leaking still doesn’t stop after this, you may need to seek professional help.

When To Be Concerned

There’s always a small risk of infection anytime a needle is used to pierce the skin. If you’re seeing leaking plasma and are also leaking pus, that’s not a good sign. Other symptoms which indicate a possible infection include your tattoo being hot to the touch, inflamed and red. Additionally, any foul odor emanating from the tattoo is bad news.

All of these symptoms are signs of an infection. If you think this might be the case, you should make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. While it might be tempting to go back to the tattoo parlor, a medical professional is best suited to diagnose the issue and treat it.

Final Thoughts

Anytime you see fluid leaking from the skin, it’s natural to be a bit worried. Since we’re used to only seeing leaking plasma after a major cut or wound, it’s confusing to see it coming from (what seems to be), in-tact skin.

However, all tattoos are wounds. One of your body’s first responses is the production of plasma to create a safe barrier between the world and your skin and keep you safe while your body fends off infection. Seeing a bit of plasma during the first few days is completely normal.

As long as you’re aware of the signs of infections, you can take a deep breath and relax. If you see a symptom of infection, see a doctor. If not, trust that a bit of leaking plasma is simply part of the healing process.