A British woman’s foot was at risk of amputation after she suffered a severe infection following a tattoo she got while on holiday in Turkey. Kirsty Griffiths, a mother of five, had travelled to Marmaris, Turkey, with her family for a week-long vacation. Before her trip, she had scheduled an appointment to get a new tattoo at her regular salon in Turkey. However, during her holiday, Kirsty decided to cover up an existing tattoo on her right ankle with a new design at a tattoo salon in the hotel where she was staying.
The two-hour tattoo session on October 31st was excruciatingly painful for Kirsty, to the point where she vomited and nearly fainted. Despite the initial pain, she thought nothing of it until the next day when she noticed her right leg had swollen significantly. Upon returning to the UK on November 1st, Kirsty was immediately taken to Whiston Hospital in Prescot, Merseyside. Blood tests revealed she had cellulitis in her ankle, which had spread to affect her gallbladder and stomach, leading doctors to consider the possibility of amputating her foot.
Kirsty believes the infection was a result of the tattoo artist inserting the needle too deeply. However, the tattoo studio claims that the infection could have been due to Kirsty covering the tattoo with a sock and using a numbing cream. After a four-day hospital stay where she received antibiotics and painkillers, Kirsty was discharged but continues to experience pain and limp, needing to take paracetamol every four hours.
Following the incident, Kirsty has been vocal about her experience, warning others about the dangers of getting tattoos abroad. She stressed the importance of researching tattoo artists and studios before getting inked, emphasizing the need for caution and vigilance. Despite her ordeal, Kirsty expressed regret for not thoroughly investigating the tattoo parlour in advance and hopes her story serves as a cautionary tale for others.
When contacted, the tattoo studio denied responsibility for the infection, citing Kirsty’s actions post-tattooing as a possible cause. The hotel where the tattoo salon was located also absolved itself of any responsibility for the incident. Despite the lack of accountability from the tattoo artist and the hotel, Kirsty remains determined to raise awareness about the risks associated with getting tattoos abroad, urging people to be cautious and informed before undergoing such procedures.
In conclusion, Kirsty’s harrowing experience serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of tattoos gone wrong, especially in unfamiliar environments. Her story highlights the importance of thorough research and due diligence when considering body art, as well as the need for tattoo artists and establishments to uphold strict hygiene and safety standards. As Kirsty continues to recover from her ordeal, her advocacy for safer tattoo practices resonates as a vital message for anyone contemplating getting inked abroad.