Congratulations on your brand new tattoo! Now is the time to take care of it.This period is crucial, in part, to preserve the quality of your tattoo, prevent touch-ups and avoid skin infections.
There are 2 types of bandages:
Plastic wrap commonly called “Saran Wrap”
Duration: 2 hours
With clean hands, remove & carefully rinse away any fluids with warm water & uncented neutral soap.
Allow to air dry, or pat dry with paper towel. (No towels or rags)
Apply unscented cream 24hrs after removing saran wrap. Follow the rest of the care instructions below.
Sticky Bandage on Skin (second skin, tegaderm)
Duration: 3-5 days.
Remove if it begins to irritate your skin, or causes any discomfort, becomes puncted, leaks ink, slides around because of sweat or liquid underneath.
Blurred, blotchy lines under the bandage is normal.
Some people are allergic to 2nd Skin - if irritation (red, heat) moves beyond the limits of the tattoo after 36hrs, remove the bandage.
Shower as usual, but avoid soaking in bodies of water (baths, spas, lakes etc)
If the bandage comes off and the tattoo is exposed to air, remove the bandage completely.
Do not glue it back on; you could trap bacteria underneath & cause an infection. Do not apply a new piece; you could pull ink out of your skin.
Under running water (in the shower or sink) and with clean hands, gently remove your bandage by holding it close to the skin. Do not rip it off; take it off slowly.
Wash the tattoo gently with water and fragrance-free soap afterwards.
Do not rub or scrub the new tattoo; even if glue residue is left over, it will fall off naturally over time.
Allow to air dry, or pat dry with a clean paper towel. (No towels or rags)
With clean hands, apply a thin layer of unscented moisturizer once or twice per day. Avoid products that disinfect or contain petroleum jelly.
Please be aware of contaminants that can come in contact with your tattoo, such as pets, dishes, children, harsh cleaning products, and occupational/lifestyle hazards. When necessary, use gloves. Wash tattoo with unscented soap.
Do not scratch or pull off dry, dead skin or pieces of ink.
Day 0 to 7: Avoid training sessions that cause profuse sweating. It is reccomended to remove it afterwards to avoid infection. Do not attend a public gym with a fresh tattoo.
Day 0 to 21: Protect yourself from the sun. Cover your tattoo with loose clothing.
No soaking in baths, spas, or lakes etc. Wash your tattoo if you come in contact with contaminants.
Once fully healed (no flaking, itching or shiny parts), it is safe to take baths, or be in the lake or spa.
Sunscreen will protect your tattoo for the rest of your life!
Contact me directly by text or call with any questions or concerns about healing-
250-241-6679