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Tattoo Aftercare
Keeping it
Clean:
Many complaints the Health Licensing Office receives from consumers about
tattoo services involve a tattoo that has become infected long after the customer left the tattoo facility. Understanding
that it takes two people to have a successful tattoo experience - a skilled tattoo artist and a customer knowledgeable
about tattoo aftercare during the healing time - can result in a positive tattoo experience. Please Note*** A large number of
infections are caused by the new tattoo coming into contact with sweaty shirts, work uniforms, dirty bandages worn at work
etc.
When to Remove the Cover? Following
the tattoo session, keep the tattoo covered for one to two hours to protect against foreign material entering the
skin during this critical recovery time. Resist the urge to look at the tattoo - touch the area as little as possible, and
do not allow others to touch the new tattoo. Once the appropriate hours have passed, remove the bandage and do not re-bandage
the tattoo.
Keep it Moist: Wash
your hands with soap before touching or cleaning the tattoo during the healing period. New tattoo care is similar to skin
care used for minor burns. The area must be kept clean and regularly moisturized (not smothered) until the tattoo has completely
healed.
Proper Care? Wash the tattoo
area with all-natural soap and water to remove all ointments and blood. Rinse thoroughly and lightly pat dry with a soft towel.
Do not use alcohol or peroxide on the tattoo, they will dry out and damage the skin. With clean hands, apply a light coat
of an antibiotic ointment such as, Betadine Plus (Clear Ointment), Neosporin, Bacitracin or Vitamin A & D ointment, etc.,
(whatever you prefer), once a day. Apply ointment to the tattoo lightly like lotion, rubbing it in, not piling it on.
The goal is for the scab to stay soft so it won't get hard and crack, which can damage the tattoo. Antibiotic ointment
can be purchased at any drug store. Ask a pharmacist if you have questions about reactions, especially if you are allergic
to any antibiotics. DO NOT apply petroleum jelly to the tattoo. It has no healing abilities and will cause
a heavy scab to form, which will result in a dull tattoo. Some skin peeling may occur, if it does, apply moisturizer, such as vitamin A & D ointment. Do
not pick or scratch scabs! If a rash occurs, stop using antibiotic ointment and use Vitamin A & D ointment
or a natural lotion that does not contain scent or color.
What type of Lotion? All brands of lotion contain different ingredients - some that are OK, but some that can be very damaging
to a new tattoo. Watch the ingredients-- lanolin is a common ingredient used in lotion and is very bad for a new tattoo.
Lanolin is the oil that comes from sheep's wool - if you're allergic to wool sweaters, you're going to be allergic to lanolin!
Some also contain products such as unpurified bee's-wax, which can clog-pores and even contain bacterial contaminants.
First and foremost, your tattoo needs to be clean and it needs to breathe. If you're applying too much
cream or lotion then the pores are clogged & its going to cause infection. So when you do apply lotion, find one that
is free of dyes and fragrances. We recommend natural or organic lotions with ingredients that promote healing such as Jojoba.
Slap it Don't Scratch it!
When your new tattoo itches, (which most wounds do while healing) don't scratch
it! If you tear scabs off you will damage the tattoo. Lightly slap or tap it to relieve the itch.
Sunlight & Tanning? Avoid exposure to direct sunlight for four weeks. Five minutes of direct sunlight on any part of a healing
tattoo may trigger an allergic reaction. A strong, water-proof sun-screen (45+ SPF) is recommended forever, not only to protect
sensitive skin but also to prevent pigments from fading. Do not use a tanning bed during the healing process. Even after the
tattoo has healed, always wear a bandage or 45+ SPF on the tattoo in a tanning bed.
What to Avoid? Soaking in a hot-tub, swimming, or taking hot-baths can ruin a tattoo. Avoid these activities until the
peeling has stopped.
Healing Time? Healing times for tattoos vary
based on the tattoo's location on the body. Within 7 - 10 days your tattoo should stop feeling tender. Continue to apply the
aftercare creams or lotion for at least two weeks.
Warning!
Do not share
aftercare creams or balms you dip your fingers into i.e. bagbalm (which we DO NOT recommend), or tattoo goo etc. with
roommates, family or friends--this is an infection waiting to happen! If you have a preferred product, which has been successful
for you in the past, buy your own personal can. You spent a reasonable amount of money for a quality tattoo five
more dollars won't kill you! And always wash your hands before applying any aftercare product to the new tattoo. Warning Signs for a Possible Problem? You may have an infection to deal with if the tattoo suddenly becomes red and swollen several days following
the procedure. Of course, it depends on the degree of how red and swollen your tattoo becomes. All tattoos will be a little
red and/or swollen for a few days after the procedure is performed. A tattoo is an abrasion, which puts your skin through
a minor trauma, therefore, your tattoo may be a little red. This is especially true if your tattoo is on the lower part
of your body, such as legs and ankles. Those areas usually take longer to heal for any type of wound, and are more prone to
swelling. This is especially true for tattoos that go completely around a limb, such as an arm-band style.
An infected tattoo will feel hot
to the touch and will be VERY red and swollen weeks later. Not only that, but the tattoo area itself (where the ink is) will
sometimes look sticky. A tattoo should only stay red for a few days. If it is red longer than that-- what you are using to
take care of your skin may be the problem. If you have concerns go to your doctor. It is better to be safe than have an infection
result in complications.
* Please Note *
Using brown Betadine as an antibiotic ointment will discolor
your tattoo. When we say Betadine PLUS we are recommending Betadine PLUS (clear ointment.)
Notice: You may not donate blood for one-year following a tattoo procedure.
If you have any additional questions, comments or concerns- please don't
hesitate to call, email or come in person to speak with our tattoo artist.
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