The First Day
I will wrap your tattoo before you leave, keep this covering on for a few hours. Once the wrap is removed, DO NOT cover it again during the healing process. The tattoo will need to breathe in order to heal. If you need to cover it, wear clothing that is loose and non-abrasive.
With clean hands, remove the bandage and wash gently with warm water and an unscented antibacterial soap. Make sure you remove all traces of blood, ointment and secretions. Do not use a washcloth, loofah, or anything exfoliating on your tattoo while it is healing. Let it air dry, or gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel, do not rub it. Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean your tattoo.
Healing Process
Clean your tattoo twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. With clean hands, wash the tattoo as stated above and apply a small amount of unscented lotion (I recommend Lubriderm). Make sure to apply the lotion in a thin layer, using just enough to cover it. It is important that the tattoo is able to breathe, so make sure you are not applying too often. You can apply lotion after washing, and as needed throughout the day. It will take about a month to heal completely.
If we used a second skin bandage, leave it on for 3-4 days. If the skin becomes irritated, or the bandage leaks, take it off early. Once it is removed take care of the tattoo the same as you would otherwise.
Further Instructions
-
Do not swim or soak in a hot tub or bath for two weeks after getting your tattoo. Chemicals like chlorine and the bacteria found in most lakes or pools will cause your tattoo to fade or cause an infection. Soaking a healing tattoo will also cause any healing skin to soften and come off too soon and along with it some of the ink. Your healing tattoo is an open wound, therefore protecting it while gardening, working with dirty or oily equipment, or handling pets or other animals such as livestock, is highly recommended to prevent infection.
-
Do not tan for at least two weeks after tattooing to allow it time to heal. After it has healed, you may tan (either naturally or at a salon) as long as you apply SPF30 or higher sunblock over the tattoo. UV RAYS WILL FADE YOUR TATTOO! If you expose it to the sun, it WILL fade.
-
Like any other wound to the skin, your tattoo will itch during the healing process. DO NOT SCRATCH IT. Scratching or picking at a healing tattoo will remove healing skin, thus removing color from the tattoo. You may apply lotion to relieve the itching. Following these simple steps will help ensure that you end up with the best results and minimal complications.