Off The Record
Tragic Warning: Man Dies After Swimming Days After Getting Tattoo — Experts Urge Caution
Days after receiving a fresh tattoo, a man died while swimming, prompting the issuance of a warning.
Five days after receiving a tattoo, a 31-year-old man in Mexico tragically passed away while swimming in the water.
After entering the seawater of the Gulf of Mexico, the guy contracted Vibrio vulnificus septic shock, sometimes referred to as the flesh-eating bacteria, which is a lethal bacterial infection, according to a case study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ).
According to the CDC, the illness entered through his healing tattoo, which included a cross and prayer hands. The pathogen prefers warmer seas and low-salt marine settings.
The man decided to swim in the ocean even though he was instructed to keep the tattoo dry and give it the recommended two weeks to cure.
His condition quickly deteriorated as he experienced chills, a rash close to the tattoo site, and a high fever. After he was brought to the hospital, medical professionals determined that he had a serious bacterial infection.
The man was particularly vulnerable to the infection because of his pre-existing liver cirrhosis. Two weeks after receiving the tattoo, he was put on life support and passed away.
The horrifying incident serves as a reminder of the serious health concerns associated with exposing fresh ink to open water, particularly in natural water bodies where bacteria are abundant.
Medical experts stress that freshly tattooed skin is essentially an open wound. Per Healthline: “Like with any open wound, which is essentially what a new tattoo is, submerging your tattoo could potentially expose it to harmful bacteria in the water. Infections can range from mild to severe.”
While it’s ideal to stay out of the water completely throughout the healing phase, exposure may be necessary in certain situations, such as physical therapy or medical rehabilitation. Experts advise taking the following safety measures if you must swim:
Use a water-resistant dressing, such as Saniderm, to help shield the tattoo. Apply these products, available in various sizes, immediately before entering the water and remove them as soon as you finish. However, limit the time you seal a tattoo, as prolonged coverage can hinder its recovery.
Additionally, immediately after swimming, you should pat the tattoo dry with a gentle hand before taking off the waterproof bandage. After that, gently wipe the tattoo with warm water and mild soap, then pat dry with a fresh paper towel.
If You’ve Got a New Tattoo Already:
You should watch for indicators of tattoo deterioration, such as bubbling, which is produced by the ink remaining wet for an extended period of time, and unexpected fading or scarring, if you unintentionally took a dip without protecting your tattoo.
If you notice anything suspicious, speak with your tattoo artist or a medical professional.
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