Tattoo Care

Taking care of your new tattoo

Caring properly for your tattoo once you have gone through the pain and discomfort of getting it is as important as your decision to go in for the tattoo in the first place. It is all the more essential when you realize the time and money that you have spent on it, and that you will have to live with that tattoo for the rest of your life. So tattoo aftercare is just as important as finding the correct tattoo parlor.

Leave that bandage on

The tattoo artist must have taken the trouble to cover up your new tattoo. This is to prevent any invasion of your fresh wounds by air borne bacteria. So follow his instructions and leave the bandage on for a minimum of two hours and a little more if you have the patience and fortitude. Remember your tattoo is with you for life and a few hours here or there is not going to make a difference and you can definitely wait for showing off the tattoo to your friends. If however the tattoo artist has used saran wrap which is a kind of plastic, you would do well to remove it as quickly as you can as this wrap can only cause tattoo problems.

Wash your tattoo

Once you have removed the bandage on your tattoo wash the tattoo with lukewarm water using an antibacterial soap. Gently wash away the ointment, blood etc to completely clean the area. Use only on your hand and no other washcloth or mop. The tattoo can feel slimy if plasma is still oozing from the wound. Remove this as gently as possible to prevent any scab formation. Then pat the area clean with a clean towel till it is completely dry. Now use the ointment suggested by the tattoo artist, preferably one with vitamin A & D enrichment. Make the application a light one. Be careful of any ointment that causes allergic reactions as this would remove some of the ink as well and cause your new tattoo to become dotty.

Tattoo care lotions

There are special products like Tattoo Goo or H2Ocean, but there are other cheaper products that will do the job just as well. Apply this tattoo lotion for a minimum of 5 days. Continue to keep your tattoo clean and apply the tattoo lotion as this will keep the skin soft. Just make sure that the lotion you are using is free of any dyes and also has no fragrance. The skin of every individual is different and some people may find certain lotions easier on the skin than others. Use the one that you find the best and which does not sting when applied.

Getting your tattoo wet

Getting your tattoo wet is no big deal. In fact you must shower, taking care to see that your tattoo is not soaked. For this reason it is best to avoid tubs especially a hot one for at least three weeks after you have had your tattoo done. Remove any soap or tattoo that has got on to your tattoo as quickly as possible, using plain water. It is also necessary that you avoid going swimming in the ocean or a pool for at least three weeks after you have had the tattoo.

 Scab formation

Tattoos will peel and you may also notice some scabbing. If it is excessive this could be due to a poorly done tattoo, but any scabbing can be treated by using warm moist compresses twice a day for about 5 minutes at a time. This will cause the scabs to soften and ultimately come of on their own. Never, ever, pick or scratch it, because it is itching. Put some lotion on it if the itch is too irritating. The scabbing actually indicates that the tattoo is healing and your scratching or rubbing it could ruin the tattoo.