After Care for your New Tattoo

• Remove bandage in 1 to 3 hours time.
  
  
• Using clean hands, wash tattoo with hot soapy water and pat dry. You want to remove any slimy substance or dried blood, but do it quickly so as not to soak it in the water for very long.
  
  
• Wait about a half hour and monitor for plasma seepage. If you have a little seepage, wipe gently with a clean paper towel.
  
  
• When there is no evidence of seepage, apply a small amount of your chosen healing medication. Rub it in good and wipe off any excess. You do not want the tattoo to look wet.
  
  
• Rub the medication on 3-5 times per day for a week to ten days. Do not use an antibiotic ointment. If you are using vitamin A&D Ointment, Discontinue use after 3 days and switch to an alcohol free moisturizing lotion for the remainder of the healing process.
  
  
• Do not sunburn.
  
  
• Do not scratch.
  
  
• Do not pick any scabbing.
  
  
• And most important of all…….. Do not soak in water!!!! I cannot stress this enough. Water destroys a fresh tattoo. It causes scabs to form and pulls color out. You may wash it lightly for the first few days, but take quick showers and dry it immediately and make sure it is not soaked until completely healed.
  
  What is normal:
  
  
• Swelling, redness and tenderness are normal for the first 3-4 days. Tattoos located on the legs have a tendency to swell more, especially if you are on your feet a lot. Taking breaks from walking and standing to prop up your leg will help reduce swelling. Ibuprofen can also help alleviate any discomfort and swelling.
  
  
• Flaking, peeling and itching indicate progress in healing. You will notice color in the skin that peels off. This is normal and does not mean that your tattoo is losing color. DO NOT pick or scratch during this stage.
  
  What not to do:
  
  
• Don’t soak your tattoo or let it get too wet. Too much moisture causes scabs which could result in color loss.
  
  
• Don’t pick or scratch your tattoo.
  
  
• Don’t wear tight fitting clothes that rub or irritate your tattoo.
  
  
• Don’t apply too much ointment. Only a small amount is necessary - be sure to rub it in thoroughly.
  
  
• Don’t apply ointment before bed. Your body temperature slightly elevates during sleep which can result in perspiration. Ointment will seal in the perspiration and cause scabbing.
  
  
• Don’t listen to your friends advice on tattoo healing. Even if they have tattoos they are NOT experts. Consult your artist if you have any questions or concerns about your tattoo.
  
  Tips to speed up healing time:
  
  
• Get plenty of rest
  
  
• Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
  
  
• Drink plenty of spring or filtered water - at least 8 glasses a day.
  
  
• Minimize your consumption of alcohol, caffeine and sodas.
  
  
• Take a multi-vitamin that includes zinc.