Tattoo After Care (1-2 weeks)
After 1hr., remove bandage carefully. If dried to skin run under warm water for 30 seconds then peel off.
- Step 1. With clean hands, wash area with warm water and anti-bacterial soap until clean. Do not scrub or use abrasives to new ink.
- Step 2. Blot DRY with fresh paper towels. Repeat this 3 times daily;morning , noon, & night,
- Step 3. Apply a small drop of Fragrance Free Lotion (Lubriderm Original or Aquaphor by Eucerine) every 3-4 hours between cleansing. Repeat this for the next 10-14 days or until healed. (First 2 nights before sleep, cover new ink with paper towel to avoid bacterial infections or staining linen.)
- DO NOT Rub, Pick or Scratch Tattoo!!! Apply lotion for itch/pain relief or for larger size Tattoo apply liquid Oragel or Bactine Antiseptic Spray to affected area to numb area after cleansing (step 1) and before lotion (step 3)
- No direct contact with chlorine water or sun within the first 48 hours. If a chance of sun or water exposure, after 48 hrs. of healing, cover entire area with a 'Sport' 50+spf Sunscreen (Anti Sweatproof/ Waterproof) and as directed apply as needed to protect your new ink from sun/water damage. * recommended products that will be needed: *4-6 oz liquid Dial (anti-bact) *4 oz Lubriderm Original (alcohol/fragrance free) white lotion. *Bottle of Bactine or Oragel liquid Max Strength * 2 rolls of Viva Paper towels & scotch or cloth tape. *60 spf SpotStick by Ocean Potion to waterproof and protect from Sun damages. It is normal for your new ink to flake after 5 days of healing (use steps 1-3) and if burning occurs the first couple of days, your lotion has alcohol or fragrance. Do not use butters, medicated ointments, or vaseline petroleum jelly, causes burning, scabbing and longer healing time or pulls/fades ink, Please do not take any other advice but your professionals.
THE AFTER CARE PAGE
Aftercare & Tattoo links- How to Take Care of Your New Tattoo
By Karen L. Hudson, About.com Guide &
Tattoo & Piercing Aftercare Page Created by Merny , SkinArtbyRayE.weebly.com
See More About: Sponsored Links Wrecking Balm Tat RemovalRemove Your Tattoo Now! No lasers. In-Home 60-Day Risk-Free Trial!www.wreckingbalm.com
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Tattoo Ads Tattoo Design Tattoo Images Tattoo Parlors Tattoo Idea Tattoo Pics
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Now, that you have your fresh & new tattoo, and you want to take good care of it! From this point on, your artist is not responsible for any infection or problems you may have with your tattoo if you don't take proper care of it. It is very important that you follow these instructions carefully. A really beautiful tattoo can turn into a disaster if the proper aftercare is not taken. Leave That Bandage Alone!
Your artist took the care to cover up your new tattoo for a very good reason - to keep air-born bacteria from invading your wound. Yes, as pretty as your new tattoo is, it is still a wound. Open flesh is a breeding ground for bacteria and infection. Leave the bandage on for a minimum of two hours. Excitement of having a new tattoo will make you want to remove the bandage so you can show your friends, but your friends will just have to wait until later.
The only exception to this rule is if your artist covered your tattoo with paper towel. This is extremely detrimental to a tattoo, so it should be removed an hour after leaving your artist. If covered with saran wrap, remove when you get home from your artist .You're better off not having any covering than to be suffocating your new tattoo with plastic wrap.
Step One: Wash and Treat
After you remove the bandage, you will want to wash your tattoo. Use lukewarm water and mild, liquid antibacterial or antimicrobial soap (Satin and Provon are my highest recommendations. SoftSoap or Liquid Dial is fine - generic brand antibacterial soaps are actually better) to gently wash away any ointment, blood and/or plasma and to completely clean the area. Do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive. Your clean hand is your best tool in this case. (If your tattoo feels slimy and slippery, you have probably been oozing plasma. Try to gently remove as much of this as possible - when the plasma dries on the skin surface, it creates scabs.) ** See below for helpful hints.
Step Two :
Then pat (do not rub) the area firmly with a CLEAN towel or paper towel to get it completely dry. Follow with small drops of white unscented hand lotion and gently smooth over until absorbed. For best results use Eucerins Aquaphor or Lubriderm but if you don't have any, use any white fragrant free/ non alcohol hand lotion is acceptable. (Small drops 8-10 times a day until healed. 10 to 14 days depending on how well you heal.) Everyone is different so use your best judgement during this process. Persons that heal fast and do not take medications will normally heal in 10 days. Also depends on the size and detail of your tattoo.
Helpful over the counter tools and Hints:
** For the first 2 nights, before bed, cover your fresh tattoo after cleaning with a fresh paper towel to avoid any stains on linen and bacterial infections. Keep Clean and Moisturized.
** What also is helpful is Bactine Pain Relieving Cleansing Spray to use as antiseptic and numbing. Which should be used after each cleaning before applying lotion 3X a day, spray entire tattoo let sit for 30 sec then pat excess with paper towel. then proceed to lotion application.
**Avoid Sun & Chlorine exposure for at least 14 days. If a must you can use products to waterproof; Ocean Potion 70spf Stick or balm.
**Do not use Neosporin. This is a wonderful product for cuts and scrapes, but not for tattoos. Some can have an allergic reaction to the Neosporin, which causes little red bumps. When the bumps go away, so does the ink, and you end up with a polka-dotted tattoo and fading.**
What to do if your Tattoo becomes infected?
* Do not use any ointments such as bacitracin or anything medicated. This could worsen the scabbing and damage your ink. Please follow instructions for 48 hrs. to rid of a bacterial infection.
Must keep clean and wash with antibacterial soap, Blot dry with fresh paper towel. Apply Bactine (antiseptic spray). Let sit for 30 sec. Spray Alcohol on the infected area and air dry. This will dry out the infection and flaking will begin. Let your skin flake off naturally. Do not pick or peel. Apply small drops of Fragrance Free Lotion after every wash and 2-4 times in between. Keep area free from dirt. If you must, cover with fresh paper towel to avoid any dirt causing bacterial infection, while sleeping or outdoor activity. If any questions or concerns, contact your Artist.
Specialty Products and Lotions
If you prefer, you can also use a specialty product such as Tattoo Goo or H2Ocean. It's not necessary, as many over the counter products ( Ocean Potion SPF 45 + Stick ) work just fine, but it's your choice. Use the products as directed as continue for 3-5 days.
After that, wash off sunscreen immediately and apply FRAGRANCE FREE lotion as instructed in step 2. Whatever lotion you use, it should be alcohol, dye and fragrance free. A lot of artists recommend Lubriderm, but I have found that Lubriderm stings when I apply it. Instead, I have had great success with Eucerins Aquaphor. See also: Aftercare Contradictions: Why there are so many views on what product is best.
Bathing, Showering, Hot Tubs, and Swimming
Yes, you can (and should!) shower with a new tattoo. It's OK to get your tattoo wet - just don't soak it. Submerging your tattoo in a bath or hot tub can cause serious damage, so you'll want to avoid those for 2-3 weeks, but showering is perfectly fine as long as you don't soak your tattoo. Swimming - whether it be a pool, fresh water or salt water - should be avoided for at least 2 weeks.
Scabbing and Peeling
(** see helpful hints)
After a few days, you will notice some peeling and possibly a little scabbing. Excessive scabbing could indicate a poorly-done tattoo, but a little is sometimes normal and there is no need to panic. Apply warm moist compresses to the scabs for about 5 minutes 2-3 times a day to soften them and they will eventually come off on their own. (Do not apply ointment or lotion to a softened scab - wait for it to dry) You will also start to itch, just like a sunburn when it begins to heal. The advice here is, don't pick, and don't scratch! If the skin itches, slap it. If it is peeling, put lotion on it. And if it is scabbing, just leave it alone. Your tattoo is almost healed, and now is not the time to ruin it!
Protection from the sun
After your tattoo is healed, from now on, you will always want to protect it from the sun's ultraviolet rays. These can fade and damage a brilliant tattoo very fast. Before spending a lot of time in excessive heat, protect your tattoo with a minimum 30SPF sunblock. This will keep your tattoo vibrant for many years, and it will continue to be a source of great pride.
First Page > Return to Start of Beginner's Guide Feature
Other Articles in this Feature
Tattoos Guide
Sponsored Links Jergens® Shea ButterEnriches skin with pure shea butter for all day softness & radiance.www.Jergens.com
DoctorsSet up an Aesthetic Practice We'll show you how!www.aestheticpracticehelp.com
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By Karen L. Hudson, About.com Guide &
Tattoo & Piercing Aftercare Page Created by Merny , SkinArtbyRayE.weebly.com
See More About: Sponsored Links Wrecking Balm Tat RemovalRemove Your Tattoo Now! No lasers. In-Home 60-Day Risk-Free Trial!www.wreckingbalm.com
Best Tattoo Removal CreamCompare Tattoo Removal Creams. What Works? Find Out Before You BuySkin-Health-Association.org
Tattoo Ads Tattoo Design Tattoo Images Tattoo Parlors Tattoo Idea Tattoo Pics
Sponsored Links Tattoo AidCustom Logos For Tattoo Aftercare Tattoo Aftercare www.tattooaid.com
Top 10 MoisturizersGet Perfect Skin Today With The Best Skin Hydrating Offers Herewww.AllMoisturizers.com
Now, that you have your fresh & new tattoo, and you want to take good care of it! From this point on, your artist is not responsible for any infection or problems you may have with your tattoo if you don't take proper care of it. It is very important that you follow these instructions carefully. A really beautiful tattoo can turn into a disaster if the proper aftercare is not taken. Leave That Bandage Alone!
Your artist took the care to cover up your new tattoo for a very good reason - to keep air-born bacteria from invading your wound. Yes, as pretty as your new tattoo is, it is still a wound. Open flesh is a breeding ground for bacteria and infection. Leave the bandage on for a minimum of two hours. Excitement of having a new tattoo will make you want to remove the bandage so you can show your friends, but your friends will just have to wait until later.
The only exception to this rule is if your artist covered your tattoo with paper towel. This is extremely detrimental to a tattoo, so it should be removed an hour after leaving your artist. If covered with saran wrap, remove when you get home from your artist .You're better off not having any covering than to be suffocating your new tattoo with plastic wrap.
Step One: Wash and Treat
After you remove the bandage, you will want to wash your tattoo. Use lukewarm water and mild, liquid antibacterial or antimicrobial soap (Satin and Provon are my highest recommendations. SoftSoap or Liquid Dial is fine - generic brand antibacterial soaps are actually better) to gently wash away any ointment, blood and/or plasma and to completely clean the area. Do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive. Your clean hand is your best tool in this case. (If your tattoo feels slimy and slippery, you have probably been oozing plasma. Try to gently remove as much of this as possible - when the plasma dries on the skin surface, it creates scabs.) ** See below for helpful hints.
Step Two :
Then pat (do not rub) the area firmly with a CLEAN towel or paper towel to get it completely dry. Follow with small drops of white unscented hand lotion and gently smooth over until absorbed. For best results use Eucerins Aquaphor or Lubriderm but if you don't have any, use any white fragrant free/ non alcohol hand lotion is acceptable. (Small drops 8-10 times a day until healed. 10 to 14 days depending on how well you heal.) Everyone is different so use your best judgement during this process. Persons that heal fast and do not take medications will normally heal in 10 days. Also depends on the size and detail of your tattoo.
Helpful over the counter tools and Hints:
** For the first 2 nights, before bed, cover your fresh tattoo after cleaning with a fresh paper towel to avoid any stains on linen and bacterial infections. Keep Clean and Moisturized.
** What also is helpful is Bactine Pain Relieving Cleansing Spray to use as antiseptic and numbing. Which should be used after each cleaning before applying lotion 3X a day, spray entire tattoo let sit for 30 sec then pat excess with paper towel. then proceed to lotion application.
**Avoid Sun & Chlorine exposure for at least 14 days. If a must you can use products to waterproof; Ocean Potion 70spf Stick or balm.
**Do not use Neosporin. This is a wonderful product for cuts and scrapes, but not for tattoos. Some can have an allergic reaction to the Neosporin, which causes little red bumps. When the bumps go away, so does the ink, and you end up with a polka-dotted tattoo and fading.**
What to do if your Tattoo becomes infected?
* Do not use any ointments such as bacitracin or anything medicated. This could worsen the scabbing and damage your ink. Please follow instructions for 48 hrs. to rid of a bacterial infection.
Must keep clean and wash with antibacterial soap, Blot dry with fresh paper towel. Apply Bactine (antiseptic spray). Let sit for 30 sec. Spray Alcohol on the infected area and air dry. This will dry out the infection and flaking will begin. Let your skin flake off naturally. Do not pick or peel. Apply small drops of Fragrance Free Lotion after every wash and 2-4 times in between. Keep area free from dirt. If you must, cover with fresh paper towel to avoid any dirt causing bacterial infection, while sleeping or outdoor activity. If any questions or concerns, contact your Artist.
Specialty Products and Lotions
If you prefer, you can also use a specialty product such as Tattoo Goo or H2Ocean. It's not necessary, as many over the counter products ( Ocean Potion SPF 45 + Stick ) work just fine, but it's your choice. Use the products as directed as continue for 3-5 days.
After that, wash off sunscreen immediately and apply FRAGRANCE FREE lotion as instructed in step 2. Whatever lotion you use, it should be alcohol, dye and fragrance free. A lot of artists recommend Lubriderm, but I have found that Lubriderm stings when I apply it. Instead, I have had great success with Eucerins Aquaphor. See also: Aftercare Contradictions: Why there are so many views on what product is best.
Bathing, Showering, Hot Tubs, and Swimming
Yes, you can (and should!) shower with a new tattoo. It's OK to get your tattoo wet - just don't soak it. Submerging your tattoo in a bath or hot tub can cause serious damage, so you'll want to avoid those for 2-3 weeks, but showering is perfectly fine as long as you don't soak your tattoo. Swimming - whether it be a pool, fresh water or salt water - should be avoided for at least 2 weeks.
Scabbing and Peeling
(** see helpful hints)
After a few days, you will notice some peeling and possibly a little scabbing. Excessive scabbing could indicate a poorly-done tattoo, but a little is sometimes normal and there is no need to panic. Apply warm moist compresses to the scabs for about 5 minutes 2-3 times a day to soften them and they will eventually come off on their own. (Do not apply ointment or lotion to a softened scab - wait for it to dry) You will also start to itch, just like a sunburn when it begins to heal. The advice here is, don't pick, and don't scratch! If the skin itches, slap it. If it is peeling, put lotion on it. And if it is scabbing, just leave it alone. Your tattoo is almost healed, and now is not the time to ruin it!
Protection from the sun
After your tattoo is healed, from now on, you will always want to protect it from the sun's ultraviolet rays. These can fade and damage a brilliant tattoo very fast. Before spending a lot of time in excessive heat, protect your tattoo with a minimum 30SPF sunblock. This will keep your tattoo vibrant for many years, and it will continue to be a source of great pride.
First Page > Return to Start of Beginner's Guide Feature
Other Articles in this Feature
- Introduction to Beginner's Guide
- Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
- Finding the Right Studio & Artist
- Choosing Your Design & Where to Put It
- Safety Checklist & Vital Information
- Safety Advisory Against the Use of Plastic Wrap on Tattoos
- Tattoo Aftercare - How to Care and Protect a Tattoo Video - About.com
- Tattoo and Piercing Aftercare Contradictions - Page 2
- Contradictions in Tattoo Aftercare Instructions
- Answers to Embarrassing Questions about Tattoos and Piercings
- Choose a Tattoo Design
Tattoos Guide
Sponsored Links Jergens® Shea ButterEnriches skin with pure shea butter for all day softness & radiance.www.Jergens.com
DoctorsSet up an Aesthetic Practice We'll show you how!www.aestheticpracticehelp.com
NIU Top Rated MBA ProgramTwo Locations. Multiple Formats. Ranked Among Chicago Area's Best.cob.niu.edu/mbaprograms
Explore Tattoos / Body PiercingsMust Reads
- Beginner's Guide To Tattoos
- Beginner's Guide to Piercings
- Tattoo & Piercing Galleries
- How To Become a Tattoo Artist
- Convention & Expo Calendar
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- Featured Artists
- News and Views
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- Tattoos, Art and Photos
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- Piercing Picture Galleries
- Locate a Studio or Artist
- Safety Issues
- Temporary Art
- Permanent Cosmetics
- Body Art TV and Movies
- Extreme Modifications
- Organizations
- Products and Retailers
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