Callum Jones
Here's the reason why you should never swim following a tattoo after a 31-year-old man tragically lost his life in Mexico.
Particularly while on holiday, it can be extremely tempting to get a new tattoo to mark the time away from normal life.
But with that comes the pleasure of enjoying a dip in the ocean being removed as you should technically keep areas of skin that have been inked up out of water for a period of two weeks.
Tragically, a man in Mexico lost his life after contracting a deadly infection due to entering ocean waters a matter of days after having a tattoo, the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Case reports.
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The man, who was unnamed, suffered a case of vibrio vulnificus septic shock following a dip in the sea five days after he had a tattoo, which included a crucifix and praying hands inked on his body.
Despite being recommended to follow a two-week healing programme, the man entered the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, which is full of saltwater.
Such is particularly common in warmer climates, and can contain harmful bacterias that can enter the body through fresh tattoos as it's essentially an open wound.
The man experienced a high fever and chills following the swim and even saw a rash appear near the tattoo.
Once admitted to hospital, the man's condition deteriorated after healthcare experts stated he had a serious bacterial infection caused by Vibrio vulnificus.
Because of pre-existing health conditions such as cirrhosis of the liver, which compromises the immune system, the man was particularly vulnerable.
After being placed on life support, the man died some two weeks after having the tattoo.
The horrid story is a stark reminder for tattoo lovers to stay out of the water after having fresh ink done.
While gentle washing is advised, immersing a new tattoo 'isn’t recommended' due to the risk of infection, Healthline explains.
The health site adds: "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.
"The risk may be lower in the heavily chlorinated water of a swimming pool than in open water, like a lake or ocean, but chlorine doesn’t kill all the bacteria."
Basically, listen to the advice of your tattoo artist after having a session to ensure it heals properly.