Way Too Much Information About:
TATTOO AFTERCARE - HEALING TIPS
(1) In 1 to 2 hours: Wash hands, remove bandage, hand wash tattoo with warm
water & mild soap, rinse well, blot with a paper towel & let air dry about 5 minutes
(2) Wipe on a small dab of the product of your choice - use just enough to make it
shine & don't let it get greasy or wet (dab off any liquid).
* I recommend auquaphor, plain A&D, triple antibiotic, bacatracin ointment,
vitamin E, or eucerin cream.
* Don't re-bandage the tattoo -your skin needs to breath.
* Keep damn dirty fingers off! Always wash your hands before washing the tattoo.
(3) For 4 days: Wash tattoo, let air dry 5 min & apply ointment at least twice a day.
* Wash the tattoo anytime it starts to get crusty & wipe on a fresh dab of ointment.
* Fresh tattoos weep excess ink the first few days- dab off any liquid, put old sheets
on your bed & wear something like a soft dark t-shirt under work clothes.
(4) 5th day: Stop using ointment! Your tattoo should have some light flakey scabs
like a minor scrape or scratch -keep it clean and let it peel.
* It's ok to use a little unscented lotion to moisturize while peeling.
* Don't pick, scratch, or rub. No soaking, swimming, or direct sun/wind for 2 weeks!
* Questions or problems? -Ask your artist
* It can take longer than two weeks for the tattoo to finish peeling.
* Tattoos should be completely healed within 6 weeks.* Never use ointments for more than 4 days or put ointment on scabs
-a dry, scabby tattoo is better than a smothered, soggy tattoo that never heals and
stays open to infection
* Eat well, get rest, and let your skin heal itself
* Itching is normal during healing -a couple of light slaps will help
* Avoid ointments/salves/lotions that contain sunblock, aloe, itch/pain-relief, or
scar reducing ingredients... they usually cause irritaton or have bleaching agents
* Wash off and stop using any soaps, ointments, or lotions that cause burning or
irritation. A tattoo can be healed dry without products.
* Be aware of your fresh tattoo and your environment during the first four days of healing
You don't have to be totally paranoid -just remember soap and water are your friends.* Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo
* Don't let other people touch your fresh tattoo
* Be cautious about surfaces in public places (bars, restraunts, gyms, hospitals)* Don't put your finger in your nose & then touch your tattoo.
* Watch out for acrylic fingernails -they hold lots of bacteria.
Being careful and washing frequently can save you a trip to the doctor for an antibiotic.
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