Congratulations on your new tattoo! In order to keep that ink
looking good, be sure to follow proper aftercare procedures to ensure it heals well.
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Directly following your appointment:
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Avoid overly strenuous activities. Do not partake in things that will raise your blood temperature, like going to a sauna. Make sure to stay hydrated, eat a good nutritious meal, and do NOT consume alcohol. Give your body a chance to relax, ESPECIALLY after a long session.
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If we did NOT use second skin:
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The temporary covering that was put on your tattoo is exactly that: temporary. Remove the covering within two hours, making sure to then gently wash the area with fragrance-free, liquid soap, rinse, and pat dry with a clean paper towel. Be sure to wash your hands before touching the tattoo.
You will need to repeat washing the tattoo twice a day for at least a week, then once a day for the following week, being sure to monitor the condition of your tattoo.
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If we DID use second skin:
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Second skin is a great option for healing your tattoo. With it on, you can shower and do most typical daily activities, just don't submerge your tattoo or do excessively sweaty activities. It is best to leave it on between 4 - 7 days, but there are some reasons it may need to come off early:
- Itching/redness/irritation around the perimeter of the second skin (this could mean that you're having an allergic reaction to the adhesive)
- The second skin peels back enough to expose any part of the tattoo
- A bubble over any part of the tattoo becomes punctured
- You notice any leakage coming from the second skin.
Before taking off your bandage, wash your hands. It's best to take the bandage off in a warm shower to let the water assist with the adhesive removal. Pull up a small corner and pull the bandage straight down, against the skin. Pulling perpendicular to the skin can cause more irritation. You can also pull from the bottom, like a command strip. Take your time as needed.
Once the bandage is off, wash the tattoo gently with a liquid fragrance-free soap and your hand (no wash cloths or abrasives). Rinse off the soap, and pat dry with a clean paper towel. After this initial wash, continue washing in this manner twice a day for AT LEAST 2 days, and then once a day for the following week.
If the second skin leaves behind a sticky residue, the first step is simply gently washing with warm water and liquid, fragrance-free soap. If the residue remains, you may apply baby oil or cocount oil and leave on the skin for 1 minute before gently washing all oil from the skin. This allows time for the oils to break down the adhesives. You may do this twice, but be cautious so as to avoid irritating the skin. Any leftover adhesive will be fine to remain on the tattoo so long as you keep the area clean.
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Overall Aftercare Reminders:
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Do not wash more than 3x per day. Overwashing can irritate the skin.
Once your tattoo starts feeling dry/itchy, you can apply a thin layer of tattoo ointment or fragrance-free lotion. I recommend avoiding products that are primarily petroleum-based.
While healing your tattoo, the most important things are to keep it clean, dry, and out of the sun. Avoid picking, scratching, and soaking. Be mindful of the clothes that you are wearing - avoid direct contact with dirty clothes, dirty sheets, or pets. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to your artist.
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Infections
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While rare, infections can occur - especially if you have autoimmune diseases, an extended healing period, or do not follow propper aftercare. Infections should be taken seriously, and you should see a doctor if you believe you may have an infected tattoo. Here are some things to look out for:
• Chills
• Fever
• Inflammation
• Itchiness
• Pain that worsens
• Soreness
You may experience some of the same symptoms in the few days following your tattoo as your skin experiences irritation, without the presence of infection. This is especially true if you have existing skin sensitivities. The main difference is that the symptoms should get better, whereas infections will worsen.
Symptoms of a serious infection:
• red lesions around the area
• red streaking from the area
• areas of hard, raised tissue
• Waves of chills and fever
• Raised bumps, papules or pustules on the skin
See a doctor promptly if you experience these symptoms.
Tattoo Allergies
Around 1 in 1,000 people may experience an allergic reaction from their tattoos. Allergies occur when the body's immune system reacts to pigments or other ingredients in tattoo ink, and may occur shortly after the tattoo is completed or develop years after. Sometimes sensitivities are triggered by multiple allergens present simultaneously, or by the presence of sunlight on the tattoo.
Like infections, allergies can cause the skin to redden, become itchy or swollen, or develop bumps. The difference is that infections are caused by bacteria being introduced to the skin.
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What is Tattoo Flu?
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"Tattoo flu" is what happens when your immune system responds to the trauma of being tattooed, especially when enduring a longer tattoo session. Your body is working to heal the 'wound', AKA your new tattoo, and is working overtime to get rid of foreign bodies (ink particles). Tattoo flu can look like extreme tiredness, soreness, headache, weakness, and generally feeling unwell. It should not last more than a day or two. Be sure to hydrate, rest, and eat nutritious meals.
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Healed? Send a Pic!
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As your tattoo artist, I LOVE to see healed pics! I benefit from seeing my work healed in that I can learn more from the process AND I can share it so that others can understand how my pieces look healed. Please let me know if you’re comfortable with me sharing your images*
Thinking you might want a touchup? I offer a free touchup within the first year. Send me an email to book!