Tattoo AfterCare

There is a large and varied number of opinions on the proper steps to tattoo aftercare. One thing we do know is that improper tattoo aftercare can lead to infection, fading of ink and loss detail and definition to a tattoo that quite possibly is a very expensive piece of body art. In a worst case scenario you could even end up with a very costly scar. Many people believe that once the needlework is done all you have to do is wait for the wound to heal. Nothing could be further from the truth. You don't need to stay in an ICU ward at the local hospital, but there are certain things that need to be done to protect your investment.

 

AfterCare Procedure

Although there are many opinions on how to treat your new tattoo most artists agree that the original bandage should remain in place for the first 6 – 12 hours unless the artist covered the area with some kind of plastic or Saran Wrap. The plastic/Saran Wrap prevents air from getting to the “wound” and lack of air is detrimental to proper healing. In this case the plastic should be removed as soon as possible and replaced with with a proper bandage for the next several hours.

 

After removing the bandage wash your hands and then gently wash the tattooed area with warm water and antibacterial soap using your fingers only. Nothing even remotely abrasive, such as a wash cloth, should be used. Quickly rinse the area with cool water, but do not soak the area. Gently pat the wound dry with an absorbent paper towel, making sure you do not rub the area. If while removing the bandage it becomes stuck to the wound, gently soak it with warm water so that no skin is accidentally pulled off with the bandage.

 

Keep It Clean and Moisturized

Once the bandage has been removed and the tattooed area cleaned and dried a thin layer of a moistening/healing ointment should be applied. Popular brands recommended by parlors are A&D ointment and Bacitracin, although there have been instances of an allergic reaction to the zinc in Bacitracin if used to often over a long period of time. Never use Neosporin as it will facilitate ink depletion and could possibly cause a loss of vibrancy in multi colored tattoos.

 

There are specific products that were created to be used for tattoo aftercare. These include Tattoo Goo, H2Ocean Aftercare, and Black Cat Tattoo Cream. If you just had a large, expensive or brightly colored tattoo carved into your skin it might be prudent to spend the money on one of these aftercare specialty creams.

 

Once the area has been covered with aftercare cream do not apply another bandage. Over the next several days the tattoo wound will continue to ooze so wear loose fitting clothing, preferably something you won't mind if a little aftercare cream, tattoo ink or blood stains the garment. Be sure to keep the area moist by applying a very thin layer of cream every 4 – 6 hours so that the tattooed skin does not become dry, but do not apply so much that it pulls out ink. Keep a watch on the area and at the first sign of infection go immediately to a Doctor.

 

After 4 - 6 days you can replace the aftercare ointment with a mild perfume and dye free lotion such as Emu oil, Vitamin E or Lubriderm. Emu oil is very effective, but expensive. Vitamin E and Lubriderm are readily available at any Drug Store and have the advantage of being more affordable. The idea is to prevent excessive scabbing, which is an indicator of poor healing. A large scab posses the danger of pulling excessive amounts of ink from the skin before it has had a chance to settle into the dermis where the tattoo ink will reside for the remainder of your life.

 

Resist Itching and Avoid Sun

During the last few days of the healing process the tattooed area may begin to itch, but you must resist scratching the area in order to prevent any damage to the skin surface and if there is a scab do not pick at or remove it, let it come off without your assistance. Keeping the area moisturized will help reduce itching and scabbing. Also stay out of swimming pools and hot tubs as the chemicals in the water may have a detrimental effect on your tattoo before it has properly healed.

After about two weeks the area should be healed. From this point on you will need to protect your new tattoo from the ultraviolet rays of the sun to prevent fading. If the tattoo is in an area that will be exposed to the suns' rays always use a sun block with a minimum SPF of 30 to keep your tattoo looking like new for years to come.

 

One More Time

Do's

  • Use an approved aftercare healing and moisturizing ointment
  • Leave the initial bandage on for 6 – 12 hours unless it consists of plastic or Saran Wrap
  • Keep the tattoo moisturized, but don't over do it
  • Pat the skin dry when it gets wet, do not rub.

 

Don'ts

  • Don't apply a new bandage once the original bandage has been removed
  • Don't let your tattoo dry out
  • Don't over moisturize the area
  • Avoid swimming pools and hot tubs for at least 2 weeks
  • Don't pick scabs or scratch an itch
  • Don't expose to sunlight until the tattoo has completely healed
  • After complete healing do not expose the tattoo to sunlight without first applying 30 SPF sun block