How Long Should You Put Aquaphor On A Tattoo?
Julia
- 0
- 171
PROCESS FOR WASHING A FRESH TATTOO: –
- Carefully remove bandage and tape
- Make a lather in your hand with soap and warm water
- Gently clean tattoo using a circular motion, until all ointment, blood, and lymphatic fluid is removed
- Rinse the tattoo and wash once again, gently, until the skin is clean
- a hairdryer on the ‘cool’ setting may be used; a clean paper towel may also be used to dab the tattoo dry
3. Only use CLEAN HANDS to wash your tattoo. NO washcloths, bath towels, bath sponges, or loofahs on a fresh tattoo. Once the tattoo is dry apply AQUAPHOR healing ointment, made by Eucerin. Apply a thin layer and rub it in, then dab excess off with a clean paper towel.
- Use the Aquaphor for the first 2-3 days then switch to a regular FRAGRANCE-FREE lotion such as Lubriderm, or any other fragrance-free brand;
- Fresh tattoos sometimes “weep” during the first couple of days, meaning that plasma and ink form a thin moist coating on the skin;
This can be DABBED with a clean paper towel. Press the paper towel to the skin and remove. Do not wipe the tattoo or be rough with it. Do not panic when you see the colors of the tattoo on the paper towel, or on your hands as you clean it. This is simply excess ink being sloughed from the surface or the skin.
- Once a day, in the shower, is usually enough cleaning for any new tattoo;
- Consult your artist if you plan to do any strenuous activity within the first ten-day of having your tattoo;
- Lotion may be applied to the tattoo as it dries out; however if your skin is extremely sensitive, lotion may cause acne-like breakouts;
This can be taken care of by reducing the number of lotion applications per day. Wear loose, preferably cotton clothing over the fresh tattoo. The tattoo need not be rebandaged except in certain, rare instances. A bra strap, tight waistband, sweaty gym shoe or itchy cotton sweater can potentially create healing problems.
- Consult your tattoo artist for advice on what clothing to wear/avoid;
- If you choose to re-bandage your tattoo after washing be sure that only sterile bandages are used;
- After a few days, the tattoo will begin to form flaky scabs that will fall off on its own;
DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH AT YOUR TATTOO. Keep it moisturized and the scabs will slough eventually. Once again, they will be the color of the tattoo. It normally takes 2-4 weeks for a tattoo to completely heal. If you have ANY questions about your healing, please contact one of our artists at (512) 392-0938.
Contents
- 1 What happens if you use Aquaphor too long on a tattoo?
- 2 How often should I apply Aquaphor to my tattoo?
- 3 When should I stop putting ointment on my tattoo?
- 4 When should I switch from Aquaphor to lotion on my tattoo?
- 5 Can you use too much Aquaphor?
- 6 When should I stop using Aquaphor on my tattoo Reddit?
- 7 What is the best tattoo aftercare?
- 8 When should I switch from Aquaphor to lotion on my new tattoo?
What happens if you use Aquaphor too long on a tattoo?
Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor – When you apply the ointment, use just a little bit. Your tattoo does need some oxygen to heal, and putting on too much Aquaphor can suffocate the skin and clog pores. If you start to get bumps like pimples or a rash, then your skin might be telling you you’re using too much Aquaphor.
How often should I apply Aquaphor to my tattoo?
– You’ll repeat the process of washing, drying, and applying Aquaphor two to three times a day for several days after getting inked.
When should I stop putting ointment on my tattoo?
If you’ve just got some new ink, congrats! Now it’s crucial to take care of it, which includes many weeks of tattoo aftercare. Taking proper care of your new tattoo is essential, or else it can turn into a disaster in the coming weeks. One of the ideal ways of helping the tattoo heal in the coming months is by using a good quality tattoo ointment. Most tattoo artists will always suggest you to use high-quality tattoo aftercare cream every day to support the healing process.
Learn everything you need to know with this Tattoo Aftercare guide ! What Happens If You Don’t Use Tattoo Ointment? There are many reasons why using the an industry leading tattoo ointment like Inke-eze is essential.
Using a tattoo ointment cream will make sure that your skin remains soft and tender. Thus, the scabs fall off easily without hassles.
FAQ
You can use a tattoo ointment for at least 2-3 weeks after getting a new tattoo. You must ensure that you apply tattoo cream for at least the initial weeks after getting a tattoo.
Take a small bit of tattoo ointment and not too much of it when applying it. Taking the cream in small quantities will ensure that you do not over apply the cream over the tattoo.
A tattoo ointment helps to boost the healing process. They are made of ingredients which help to prevent infections and keeps it safe from different external pollutants. It also moisturizes the tattoo at all times..
Does Aquaphor take ink out of tattoos?
Does Aquaphor Pull Ink Out Of Tattoos? – Now, if you put Aquaphor on a new, fresh tattoo, chances are it will pull out the excess ink from the tattoo. This means that the ink would have left the tattoo even without the Aquaphor. However, once there is no excess ink left, the ointment shouldn’t be able to even reach the ink (since it is placed inside the skin layer known as the dermis).
How do you know your tattoo is healed?
– It’s important to know the signs that your tattoo isn’t healing properly or has become infected. Symptoms of improper healing include:
- Fever or chills. A fever may indicate that your tattoo has become infected, and you should see a doctor right away.
- Prolonged redness. All tattoos will be somewhat red for a few days after the procedure, but if the redness doesn’t subside , it’s a sign that your tattoo isn’t healing well.
- Oozing fluid. If fluid or pus is still coming out from your tattoo after 2 or 3 days, it may be infected. See a doctor.
- Swollen, puffy skin. It’s normal for the tattoo to be raised for a few days, but the surrounding skin shouldn’t be puffy. This may indicate that you’re allergic to the ink.
- Severe itching or hives. Itchy tattoos can also be a sign that your body is allergic to the ink. The allergic reaction to a tattoo can happen right after, or as much as several years after getting the tattoo.
- Scarring. Your tattoo will scab over because it’s a wound, but a properly healed tattoo shouldn’t scar. Signs of scarring include raised, puffy skin, redness that doesn’t fade, distorted colors within the tattoo, or pitted skin.
When should I stop washing my tattoo twice a day?
What do I need to do? – Good aftercare is the single most important thing you can do to protect your tattoo. While it is healing, NEVER touch your tattoo without first washing your hands with a mild, liquid antibacterial soap. Initially, leave your bandage on for 1-3 hours. Until the surface of the tattoo is healed (at a minimum of two to three weeks), wash the area gently 2-3 times per day. After cleaning the tattoo during this two to three week period, gently apply a thin coat of a lotion-based care product. We recommend After Inked tattoo moisturizer and aftercare lotion. Gently rub the product into the tattoo area. DO NOT allow the area to dry but NEVER apply more than a thin layer of aftercare product at one time.
When should I switch from Aquaphor to lotion on my tattoo?
What to Wear the Day After and How to Deal With Leaky Ink: – So it’s the day after your tattoo and you have to go to work. What do you do about clothing? For starters, you’ll definitely want to wear something loose, or something that doesn’t touch your tattoo at all if possible.
But if it’s winter and you need to wear sweaters or pants over your tattoo, you can cover it with plastic wrap for the length of your commute, then repeat your wash/dry/Aquaphor routine before letting it air out through the day.
This content is imported from Instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Make sure to wear dark colors in case you have any ink leaking out. You’ll want to occasionally dab at the tattoo with a paper towel to keep it dry, and reapply Aquaphor once or twice throughout the day.
Once you get home, wash/dry/Aquaphor it again and let it air out until bedtime. I tend to wash my new tattoos two to three times a day, so you may choose to wash it again before bed or just reapply a little more Aquaphor.
Keep doing this for the next four to six days, until scabbing begins to form and your tattoo starts peeling. Once your tattoo starts to scab, switch from Aquaphor to Lubriderm unscented lotion, but continue washing it twice a day.
Can you use too much Aquaphor?
Use AQUAPHOR to HEAL your NEW TATTOO!!
Use Aquaphor (Topical Emollients) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
- Clean the skin where you will apply the topical emollient;
- It may help to apply this product when your skin is wet or damp;
- Follow directions on the product label;
- Shake the product container if recommended on the label;
Apply a small amount of topical emollient to the affected area and rub in gently. If you are using a stick, pad, or soap form of topical emollient, follow directions for use on the product label. Do not use this product over large area of skin. Do not apply a topical emollient to a deep puncture wound or severe burn without medical advice.
- If your skin appears white or gray and feels soggy, you may be applying too much topical emollient or using it too often;
- Some forms of topical emollient may be flammable and should not be used near high heat or open flame, or applied while you are smoking;
Store as directed away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle, tube, or other container tightly closed when not in use..
Should I let my tattoo dry out and peel?
The takeaway: – Peeling is normal (to an extent) but that doesn’t mean you should peel it yourself. Let your skin do its thing for the two-ish weeks and keep the tattoo clean and dry while it heals for the best results. If you experience any scabbing that seems abnormal (like thickening over the entire tattoo or green or yellow areas that fill up with puss), see your doctor to address the infection.
A poorly healed tattoo sucks but an infection left untreated would be way worse than that, trust. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses.
You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano. io.
Why is my tattoo fading after 3 days?
This is a bit of a trick question. The reason being, is that a tattoo “fades” to the naked eye within days of application. This occurs because as the skin heals, the top layer dies and new skin forms to take its place. During this period the epidermis typically has a faded appearance. However, this is a natural part of the tattoo healing process and as the peeling subsides and the dead skin falls away the design will once again look crisp and fresh.
- Still, it won’t have that same deep dark tone as it did when your tattooist put his/her gun away;
- Anyone who has received a tattoo already knows this;
- But what you want to know now, is when can you expect a tattoo to fade in the longer term;
Let’s have a look.
How do you know if you over moisturize a tattoo?
What Are The Risks of Over Moisturizing a Tattoo? – By applying thicker layers of lotion or ointment, several times a day (or every hour or two as some people do), you’re risking over-moisturizing a tattoo. By over-moisturizing a tattoo, you can cause the following problems;
- Due to excess moisture, the tattoo won’t be able to dry and heal
- Excess moisture can create a perfect environment for bacteria and germ growth
- Over moisturizing can lead to tattoo inflammation and infection
- Excess moisture can cause clogged pores since the moisturizer prevents the skin from breathing
- Excess moisture can cause the tattooed skin to break out
To avoid these issues, make sure to follow the moisturizing rules we mentioned before. However, make sure to not under moisturizing your tattoo as well. Some people are afraid they might over-moisturize their tattoo, so they leave it dehydrated, which results in heavy scabbing and tattoo dryness. So, make sure to stay in the middle and simply apply a thin layer of lotion/ointment twice a day.
Can too much ointment fade a tattoo?
NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! There are a lot of different ideas and theories as to what is the best method of aftercare for your tattoo. I honestly believe that not one particular method will work best for everyone, seeing as everyone’s biology is different. I believe it takes time and experience to figure out what particular method works for you. Here is a set of instructions that I believe works well for many people, and have used this method on myself successfully:
- No more than a few hours after the finish of your tattoo, you should remove the bandage and wash the tattoo. I personally recommend you wash the tattoo with an anti-bacterial hand soap, such as Dial antibacterial hand soap , to reduce your risk of infection. Also, use lukewarm water as opposed to hot water, which would burn the tattoo. It is important to wash the tattoo lightly, but be sure to remove all ointment, blood, and any other residue.
- After washing the tattoo, apply an ointment. Some commonly recommended ointments would be Bacitracin , A+D Ointment and Aquaphor ; I would recommend staying away from Vaseline and petroleum jelly. It is VERY IMPORTANT to only use a very tiny amount of ointment and that you lightly rub in on in a thin, shiny, “barely there” layer over the tattoo. ”
- I would recommend use of the ointment for around 3–5 days. During these days, wash your tattoo every morning right when you wake, and right before bed. It is also important to wash the tattoo several times throughout the day. The more you wash your tattoo, the easier and faster your tattoo will heal. If your tattoo is in a hard-to-reach area, have a friend assist you — just make sure they wash their hands thoroughly before they do so.
The tattoo should just have a slight sheen after rubbing in the ointment. Using too much ointment can oversaturate the tattoo and cause excess scabbing, or cause scabs to come off prematurely. It is NOT “the more, the better.
If you do not keep your tattoo clean, you run the risk of both infection and excess scabbing which could result in poor healing. During these first few days, depending on where your tattoo is located, the tattoo may be prone to swelling. Using a bag of ice, elevating the tattooed area, and taking ibuprofen can help reduce the swelling.
- Around the third to fifth day, you should notice your tattoo has formed a thin, hard layer, which will begin to peel. The peeling is similar to that of a sunburn peeling — only the skin will come off in the colors of the tattoo. This is normal. At this stage in the healing process, you can switch from using the ointment to a non-scented hand lotion. Aveeno , Curel , and Lubriderm non-scented are some common recommendations.
- For the next two weeks, keep washing the tattoo and use the lotion as needed;
- Keep the skin moisturized to prevent cracking and bleeding;
- There may be a couple scabs on your tattoo that take longer to come off then others — some taking up to a few weeks to come off;
If this is the case, just let the scabs fall off on their own and be mindful not to pull them off prematurely, as this could result in loss of ink. The majority of your tattoo’s healing should be over in 2 weeks, but it does take up to 4 weeks for a tattoo to be fully healed.
Things to avoid during the tattoo healing process:
- Try not to sleep on your tattoo. For example, if the tattoo is on your back, sleep on your stomach. Not only will the tattoo become stuck to your clothing and linens, it will leave a lovely imprint on your sheets. Should you wake up and your clothes are stuck to your tattoo, do not rip them off, for this could result in the ripping off of scabs.
- Avoid submerging the tattoo. Soaking in water could cause scabs to come off prematurely. Also, avoid swimming due to possible bacteria and irritants in the water. So no ocean, lake, pool, jacuzzi, or bath tub for two weeks! Showers are okay … and encouraged.
- Avoid the sun! Getting a sunburn on your tattoo can cause some serious problems. Think of your tattoo as like a bad sunburn; you wouldn’t want to get more sun on it. If you’re going to be in the sun for an extended period of time, wear loose cotton clothing over the tattoo.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing that will rub on the tattoo, as excessive rubbing can lead to scabbing and loss of ink. Some key areas where this is common is around the pants line and the bra line. Try to wear loose fitting cotton clothing over the tattooed area so that it’s breathable, or if you’re not in public, go without! If you had your foot tattooed, try to stick to a more open-type of shoe such as a flip-flop. Also, for the first couple days of healing, the tattoo will tend to “ooze” colors that tend to stain fabric, so don’t wear your Sunday best!
- Avoid over-working the tattooed area. For example, if you are an avid gym-goer, lay off the arm exercises for two weeks if you just had your arm tattooed. Or, if you just got your foot tattooed, don’t plan a hiking or a five-hour mall trip. Over-working the tattooed area can result in scabbing and poor healing.
Infection Infection is not super common, but let’s face it: With so many invisible bacteria floating around out there, it’s bound to happen at some point. Here are some tips on dealing with your tattoo should it become infected:
- First and foremost, find out if your tattoo is indeed infected. Some key signs of tattoo infection are a red haze surrounding the tattoo after it’s already past a week (or more) of the healing process, which could also be accompanied by: a white haze over sections of the tattoo; indentation of the tattoo; extreme scabbing which may turn green or yellowish; a bad smell; and puss.
Instead, wet the area of clothing that is stuck to the tattoo with water, and it will become unstuck. Working out will also cause you to sweat, which is also not good for the tattoo’s healing process. Contacting your tattoo artist so they may confirm whether or not your tattoo is infected (and suggest ways to combat the infection) is a good idea, although the best way to deal with an infection is by calling your physician.
He or she will know the absolute best way to combat your infection and may prescribe antibiotics.
- The best ways to avoid infections are by keeping your tattoo clean and by making your artist aware of any sensitivities or allergies you may have before getting tattooed. For example, many tattoo artists use latex gloves during the tattooing process, so if you have an allergy to latex, let your tattoo artist know so they can switch to nitrile gloves. Also, many people have a sensitivity to certain tattoo inks; red ink is a common color that people have a sensitivity to because of the nickel content in that particular color.
After your tattoo is healed
- In order to keep your tattoo looking good for as long as possible, it is important to keep your skin moisturized. And when you’re going to be exposed to sun for a prolonged period, use sunblock to help avoid fading.
When should I stop using Aquaphor on my tattoo Reddit?
I am currently on day two of the aftercare, and using Aquaphor. It seems to be the most popular choice. I know many instructions say to use Aquaphor for about 3-4 days after getting a tattoo; then switching to fragrance free lotion. Can we still use Aquaphor after that? Does using Aquaphor for an extended time after going to impact anything? or is Lotion a better choice? Lotion is lighter and wont suffocate the tattoo as much as Aquaphor – but is that the only issue at hand? is ensuring the tattoo can breathe for it to heal faster..
What is the best tattoo aftercare?
How often should I wash my new tattoo?
Download Article Download Article Taking good care of your new tattoo right after you get it will help it heal quickly and stay vibrant. Keep the bandage that your tattoo artist applied on for at least a few hours before gently removing it, washing your tattoo with lukewarm water and antibacterial soap, then patting the skin dry. By keeping your skin evenly moisturized and clean, staying out of the sun, and avoiding picking or itching your new design, your tattoo will heal beautifully.
- 1 Leave the covering on for 2-3 hours. Once the tattoo is complete, your tattoo artist will clean the area, apply an antibacterial ointment and cover the tattoo with a bandage or plastic. Once you have left the tattoo parlor, resist the temptation to open the bandage. The bandage is there to protect your tattoo from dirt and bacteria and should be left on for up to 3 hours before you remove it. [1]
- Since different tattoo artists have different methods of wrapping new tattoos, ask your tattoo artist when they recommend removing the bandage. Some artists may not wrap the tattoo at all, depending on the products and technique they use.
- If you leave the bandage on longer than the artist suggests, you are more prone to infection and the ink may bleed.
- 2 Wash your hands before carefully removing the bandage. Washing your hands beforehand will help prevent your tattoo from getting infected when you go to touch it. To remove the bandage more easily, you can apply warm water to it to prevent the bandage from sticking to your skin. Pull the bandage off slowly and carefully so you don’t damage your new tattoo. [2]
- Throw away the used bandage.
Advertisement
- 3 Wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and antibacterial soap. Instead of soaking your tattoo in water, cup your hands together and scoop lukewarm water over it. Use a mild, unscented liquid antibacterial or antimicrobial soap to rub the tattoo gently with your fingers, removing all traces of blood, plasma, or leaked ink. [3]
- Do not use a washcloth, loofah or any sponge to clean the tattoo, as these may harbor bacteria. Do not resume use of the items until the tattoo has healed completely.
- Avoid holding the tattoo directly under the water—the stream of water from the faucet may be too harsh on your new tattoo.
- 4 Let the tattoo air dry or pat it dry with a clean paper towel. While it’s best to let your skin air dry after the tattoo has been cleaned, you can also use a clean, dry paper towel to gently blot the tattoo until it’s dry. Avoid rubbing the tattoo with the paper towel to avoid irritating your skin. [4]
- Regular towels can irritate your tattoo or cause little bits of fluff to get stuck in them, so it’s best to only use a paper towel for drying.
- 5 Apply a non-scented antibacterial cream. Once your tattoo is fully dry, apply a little moisturizing ointment, preferably an all-natural aftercare, to the tattoo. Make sure to apply only a very thin layer and pat it in gently until it’s absorbed by the skin. If you’re not sure what kind of ointment to use, ask your tattoo artist what they recommend for your skin. [5]
- Aquaphor is a good, recommended option for a moisturizer.
- Don’t use petroleum-based products, such as Vaseline or Neosporin, as these are too heavy and may clog the pores.
- Once your tattoo is clean and moisturized, avoid rewrapping it.
- 6 Listen to your tattoo artist’s advice. Your tattoo artist will explain how you should care for your tattoo immediately after getting it, so try to follow their instructions. The way they bandage your tattoo may be different from other tattoo artists, so take the advice they give you seriously to ensure your tattoo heals correctly. [6]
- Write down the instructions they give you on a piece of paper or type them up on your phone so you don’t forget.
Advertisement
- 1 Wash and moisturize your tattoo daily until the scabs are gone. You should continue to wash your tattoo 2-3 times a day with antibacterial soap and lukewarm water until it’s fully healed. This can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the size and location of the tattoo. [7]
- While moisturizing is important, be careful not to smother the tattoo in lotion or ointment—a thin layer is all you need.
- Continue using an unscented mild soap when washing.
- 2 Avoid scratching or picking at your tattoo. As it heals, your tattoo will start to scab over, which is normal. Let the scabs dry out and fall off by themselves, and don’t speed up the process by picking or scratching at the scabs. This can cause the scabs to fall off too soon, which can leave holes or light spots on the tattoo. [8]
- Dry, scabbing or peeling skin can become very itchy, but scratching at your tattoo may also cause scabs to fall off.
- Keep using moisturizing ointment to combat itchiness if it is a problem.
- 3 Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight. The harsh rays of the sun may cause your skin to blister and bleach some of the colors from your tattoo. For this reason, it is best to keep your tattoo covered and away from the sun for at least 3 to 4 weeks until the initial healing is complete. [9]
- Once your tattoo is healed, you’ll want to wear sunscreen to prevent the tattoo from fading.
- 4 Avoid soaking the tattoo in water. Until your tattoo is fully healed, don’t swim in a pool or the ocean. Avoid soaking in the bathtub as well. Exposing your tattoo to lots of water can pull the ink out of your skin and do damage to the tattoo’s appearance. The water may also be carrying dirt, bacteria, or other chemicals that can infect your tattoo. [10]
- It will be safe to resume these activities once your tattoo is healed, but for now you should stick to rinsing your tattoo in the sink or shower.
- 5 Wear clean, loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritating your tattoo. Try not to wear tight or restrictive clothing on the area with your new tattoo, especially at first. As your tattoo heals, it will seep plasma and excess ink, which may cause the clothing to stick to the tattoo. The clothing will then be painful to remove and may rip off any freshly formed scabs. [11]
- If your clothing does stick to your tattoo, do not pull! First wet the area with water, which should loosen the clothing to where it can be removed without damaging your tattoo.
- Tight clothing will prevent enough oxygen from getting to your tattoo, and oxygen is essential for the healing process.
- 6 Wait for your tattoo to heal before doing strenuous workouts. If the tattoo covers a large surface area or is near your joints (such as elbows and knees), it may take longer to heal if the skin is forced to move around too much during physical activity. The movement will cause the skin to crack and become irritated, prolonging the healing process. [12]
- If you work in a job that involves physical activity, such as construction or dance, you may want to consider having your new tattoo done right before you have a day or 2 off so it has time to heal before you return to work.
Advertisement
What happens if you use too much Aquaphor?
Side Effects – Most emollients can be used safely and effectively with no side effects. However, burning, stinging, redness, or irritation may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If your doctor has prescribed this medication , remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusual changes in the skin (such as turning white/soft/soggy from too much wetness), signs of skin infection.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction , including: rash , itching /swelling (especially of the face/ tongue /throat), severe dizziness , trouble breathing.
- This is not a complete list of possible side effects;
- If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist;
- In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects;
- You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www;
fda. gov/medwatch. In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
What happens if you apply too much Aquaphor?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using the topical emollient and call your doctor if you have severe burning, stinging, redness, or irritation where the product was applied.
What happens when you put too much ointment on tattoo?
NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! There are a lot of different ideas and theories as to what is the best method of aftercare for your tattoo. I honestly believe that not one particular method will work best for everyone, seeing as everyone’s biology is different. I believe it takes time and experience to figure out what particular method works for you. Here is a set of instructions that I believe works well for many people, and have used this method on myself successfully:
- No more than a few hours after the finish of your tattoo, you should remove the bandage and wash the tattoo. I personally recommend you wash the tattoo with an anti-bacterial hand soap, such as Dial antibacterial hand soap , to reduce your risk of infection. Also, use lukewarm water as opposed to hot water, which would burn the tattoo. It is important to wash the tattoo lightly, but be sure to remove all ointment, blood, and any other residue.
- After washing the tattoo, apply an ointment. Some commonly recommended ointments would be Bacitracin , A+D Ointment and Aquaphor ; I would recommend staying away from Vaseline and petroleum jelly. It is VERY IMPORTANT to only use a very tiny amount of ointment and that you lightly rub in on in a thin, shiny, “barely there” layer over the tattoo. ”
- I would recommend use of the ointment for around 3–5 days. During these days, wash your tattoo every morning right when you wake, and right before bed. It is also important to wash the tattoo several times throughout the day. The more you wash your tattoo, the easier and faster your tattoo will heal. If your tattoo is in a hard-to-reach area, have a friend assist you — just make sure they wash their hands thoroughly before they do so.
The tattoo should just have a slight sheen after rubbing in the ointment. Using too much ointment can oversaturate the tattoo and cause excess scabbing, or cause scabs to come off prematurely. It is NOT “the more, the better.
If you do not keep your tattoo clean, you run the risk of both infection and excess scabbing which could result in poor healing. During these first few days, depending on where your tattoo is located, the tattoo may be prone to swelling. Using a bag of ice, elevating the tattooed area, and taking ibuprofen can help reduce the swelling.
- Around the third to fifth day, you should notice your tattoo has formed a thin, hard layer, which will begin to peel. The peeling is similar to that of a sunburn peeling — only the skin will come off in the colors of the tattoo. This is normal. At this stage in the healing process, you can switch from using the ointment to a non-scented hand lotion. Aveeno , Curel , and Lubriderm non-scented are some common recommendations.
For the next two weeks, keep washing the tattoo and use the lotion as needed. Keep the skin moisturized to prevent cracking and bleeding. There may be a couple scabs on your tattoo that take longer to come off then others — some taking up to a few weeks to come off.
If this is the case, just let the scabs fall off on their own and be mindful not to pull them off prematurely, as this could result in loss of ink. The majority of your tattoo’s healing should be over in 2 weeks, but it does take up to 4 weeks for a tattoo to be fully healed.
Things to avoid during the tattoo healing process:
- Try not to sleep on your tattoo. For example, if the tattoo is on your back, sleep on your stomach. Not only will the tattoo become stuck to your clothing and linens, it will leave a lovely imprint on your sheets. Should you wake up and your clothes are stuck to your tattoo, do not rip them off, for this could result in the ripping off of scabs.
- Avoid submerging the tattoo. Soaking in water could cause scabs to come off prematurely. Also, avoid swimming due to possible bacteria and irritants in the water. So no ocean, lake, pool, jacuzzi, or bath tub for two weeks! Showers are okay … and encouraged.
- Avoid the sun! Getting a sunburn on your tattoo can cause some serious problems. Think of your tattoo as like a bad sunburn; you wouldn’t want to get more sun on it. If you’re going to be in the sun for an extended period of time, wear loose cotton clothing over the tattoo.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing that will rub on the tattoo, as excessive rubbing can lead to scabbing and loss of ink. Some key areas where this is common is around the pants line and the bra line. Try to wear loose fitting cotton clothing over the tattooed area so that it’s breathable, or if you’re not in public, go without! If you had your foot tattooed, try to stick to a more open-type of shoe such as a flip-flop. Also, for the first couple days of healing, the tattoo will tend to “ooze” colors that tend to stain fabric, so don’t wear your Sunday best!
- Avoid over-working the tattooed area. For example, if you are an avid gym-goer, lay off the arm exercises for two weeks if you just had your arm tattooed. Or, if you just got your foot tattooed, don’t plan a hiking or a five-hour mall trip. Over-working the tattooed area can result in scabbing and poor healing.
Infection Infection is not super common, but let’s face it: With so many invisible bacteria floating around out there, it’s bound to happen at some point. Here are some tips on dealing with your tattoo should it become infected:
- First and foremost, find out if your tattoo is indeed infected. Some key signs of tattoo infection are a red haze surrounding the tattoo after it’s already past a week (or more) of the healing process, which could also be accompanied by: a white haze over sections of the tattoo; indentation of the tattoo; extreme scabbing which may turn green or yellowish; a bad smell; and puss.
Instead, wet the area of clothing that is stuck to the tattoo with water, and it will become unstuck. Working out will also cause you to sweat, which is also not good for the tattoo’s healing process. Contacting your tattoo artist so they may confirm whether or not your tattoo is infected (and suggest ways to combat the infection) is a good idea, although the best way to deal with an infection is by calling your physician.
He or she will know the absolute best way to combat your infection and may prescribe antibiotics.
- The best ways to avoid infections are by keeping your tattoo clean and by making your artist aware of any sensitivities or allergies you may have before getting tattooed. For example, many tattoo artists use latex gloves during the tattooing process, so if you have an allergy to latex, let your tattoo artist know so they can switch to nitrile gloves. Also, many people have a sensitivity to certain tattoo inks; red ink is a common color that people have a sensitivity to because of the nickel content in that particular color.
After your tattoo is healed
- In order to keep your tattoo looking good for as long as possible, it is important to keep your skin moisturized. And when you’re going to be exposed to sun for a prolonged period, use sunblock to help avoid fading.
When should I switch from Aquaphor to lotion on my new tattoo?
What to Wear the Day After and How to Deal With Leaky Ink: – So it’s the day after your tattoo and you have to go to work. What do you do about clothing? For starters, you’ll definitely want to wear something loose, or something that doesn’t touch your tattoo at all if possible.
- But if it’s winter and you need to wear sweaters or pants over your tattoo, you can cover it with plastic wrap for the length of your commute, then repeat your wash/dry/Aquaphor routine before letting it air out through the day;
This content is imported from Instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Make sure to wear dark colors in case you have any ink leaking out. You’ll want to occasionally dab at the tattoo with a paper towel to keep it dry, and reapply Aquaphor once or twice throughout the day.
- Once you get home, wash/dry/Aquaphor it again and let it air out until bedtime;
- I tend to wash my new tattoos two to three times a day, so you may choose to wash it again before bed or just reapply a little more Aquaphor;
Keep doing this for the next four to six days, until scabbing begins to form and your tattoo starts peeling. Once your tattoo starts to scab, switch from Aquaphor to Lubriderm unscented lotion, but continue washing it twice a day.