What is skin infection, nos?

Skin Infection, NOS
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Infection from tattoos: Overview

An infected tattoo can be serious. The area around your tattoo may be painful, swollen, red, and hot. You may see red streaks or pus at the tattoo site. You may have a fever. Or you may have swollen or tender lymph nodes.

It's important to take good care of your infection at home so it doesn't get worse.

Preventing skin infections when your child has chickenpox

Scratching chickenpox blisters can lead to skin infections, not to mention scarring. In rare cases, infected chickenpox lesions can lead to toxic shock syndrome.

Here are some tips to help prevent skin infections.

  • Clean and closely trim your child's fingernails.
  • Have a small child wear mittens or clean cotton socks on his or her hands to prevent scratching.

    Or use light bandages over open blisters.

  • Wash your child's hands often.
  • Distract your child when you find him or her scratching.
  • Use loose-fitting cotton clothing.
  • Change clothes and bedsheets daily.
  • Use a household cleaner such as Lysol or Pine-Sol to wash any items that are soiled with fluid from chickenpox blisters.
  • Bathe daily with a soothing, mild soap.

    Look for soaps that are made for sensitive skin or are recommended for babies. You can also try a soap that contains oatmeal.

  • Use a mild laundry detergent if clothes or linens seem to be irritating the skin.

Teens: How can you care for an infection from a body piercing?

  • If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Or if your doctor prescribed an antibiotic ointment, apply it as directed.
  • Leave the jewelry in place unless your doctor says to remove it. Soak the area in warm water for 20 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day. If it's too hard to soak the site (for example, if you had your belly button pierced), apply a warm, moist cloth instead.
  • If your doctor told you how to care for your infected piercing, follow your doctor's instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice:
    • Wash the area with a mild soap and water 2 times a day. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.
    • You may cover the area with a thin layer of antibacterial ointment and a nonstick bandage.
    • Replace the bandage as needed.
  • If it isn't better in 5 to 7 days, check with your doctor. You may need antibiotics. Or you may need other medical care to prevent a serious infection.
  • Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

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