aftercare

Aftercare is, perhaps the most important thing that you can do to ensure that your tattoo will heal well and last for years. If you follow this very simple guide, your tattoo should heal quickly and comfortably.

A tattoo is very much like an abrasion-type wound. The epidermis has been scraped and punctured and the dermis has received some trauma as well. After your session, the area where you were tattooed will feel tender, warm and raw with a slight stinging sensation similar to a sunburn.

You should expect it to continue to seep plasma and ink for a few hours. This is normal and it will stop on its own once the skin begins to heal.

About 4 hours after your tattoo, you may remove the bandage. The bandage may stick due to dried plasma. To aid in removal use warm water and a light amount of Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser or a similar gentle soap. Gently wash the area with warm water and cleanser using a very light touch and a minimal amount of water. You want to rinse the area to remove any loose plasma and ink and to generally keep the area clean of any contaminants that could cause an infection. This might be best achieved in the shower.

After washing, gently pat the area dry with a clean paper towel. Apply a thin layer of a polysporin or triple anti-biotic ointment.

For the first night, it’s okay to apply a light dressing before going to bed to help protect the bed linens. It’s also a good idea to change the bed linens to protect the tattoo.

Continue to apply a thin coat of a polysporin or triple anti-biotic opintment for about three or four days. Do this approximately four times a day or any time it feels tight or dry.

Around the forth day, the tattoo will begin to shed skin. When this happens, switch to using Aveeno or any high-quality lotion that is free of dyes and fragrances. The best way to know when to switch to lotion is to pay attention to the healing sensations your tattoo is giving you. You’ll know when the time is right.

Not all ointments and lotions are created equally. Some have ingredients that I feel are a detriment to the healing process. I advise against using A+D ointment because it contains Lanolin. Additionally, I do not advise the use of Aloe Vera during the healing process. Even though Aloe is good for the skin, it will make the tattoo heal too quickly. Always check the ingredients in any ointment, lotion or soap that you use on your tattoo to make sure it does not contain any harsh ingredients.

While it’s healing, your tattoo will itch. Sometimes really badly. No matter how tempting it might be, do not scratch it. My advice is to gently apply more lotion and/or slap it lightly. The itching is natural and it’s the sensation of your skin healing itself. The itching should stop in a few days, but it’s completely natural for it to take a week or longer to stop itching.

If your tattoo forms any scabs, do not pick at them. Doing so may cause additional trauma to the healing skin as well as pull out some of the ink. Keep any scabs moist with ointment and/or lotion.

Wash your hands before and after cleaning your tattoo or applying any ointments or lotions. For the first two weeks, do not go into baths, hot tubs or swimming pools. Try to avoid excessive sweating. Keep your new tattoo out of the sunlight.

Healing times vary by location and individual. If your tattoo exhibits any unnatural swelling, extended pain or if an infection occurs, consult a physician or dermatologist.

If you have any blood conditions or Diabetes, it’s possible to experience complications or longer healing times. You should consult a physician before getting a tattoo.