Tattoo Aftercare Instructions
- Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo!
- When you get home: Remove bandage within 1 - 2 hours after getting your tattoo. Do not re-bandage. Your tattoo needs to breathe, just like an open wound.
- Wash your tattoo with an anti-bacterial liquid soap. Be gentle, do not use a washcloth or anything that will exfoliate your tattoo. Only use your hands.
- Gently pat your tattoo dry with a paper towel. Do not rub, or use a fabric with a rough surface.
- The first 3-4 days: Rub a small amount of lotion/ointment on your tattoo. You may use an unscented lotion (with no alcohol in the lotion) like Cetaphil or a tattoo ointment – whatever you know you’re not allergic to. Always use clean hands and do not place your fingers back into the ointment after touching your tattoo. Make sure to rub the ointment in so that it is not shiny, or greasy– you want the thinnest amount possible. Pat off any excess ointment with a clean paper towel. Do not use Vaseline, petroleum, Neosporin, or Bag Balm. Wash, dry, and apply lotion/ointment 1-3 times daily, as needed.
- On the first night, you may want to wrap your tattoo in saran wrap to prevent sticking to your bedding. Do not use any cloth bandages or pads, as the fibers of this material can adhere to your open tattoo and hinder the healing process.
- Wear clean, soft clothing over your tattoo for the first 2 weeks– nothing abrasive or irritating. For a foot tattoo: go barefoot as much as possible. If you must wear shoes, first wrap your clean tattoo in saran wrap, then cover with a clean cotton sock before putting on your shoe. Avoid sandals or flip-flops for this period to prevent chafing and damage to the tattoo.
- After day 3 or 4: On the 3rd or 4th day your tattoo will begin to peel. This is normal! Do not pick at the skin. Begin using a mild, white, unscented lotion, free of dyes or Perfumes.
- Use lotion for minimum 2 weeks, 1-2 times daily.
Things to Avoid
- Do not pick, scratch, peel, slap, rub or irritate your tattoo.
- You can shower, but you may not soak your tattoo for 2 weeks. No swimming, soaking, or hot tub.
- You may not expose your tattoo to the sun for at least 3 weeks, after that you must use sunblock.
- Do not wear abrasive materials, jewelry, or shoes that rub against your tattoo.
- Do not let anyone touch your tattoo unless they wash their hands.
- Beware of gym equipment; wash it well before using it.
You Can Also
- Ice your tattoo to reduce swelling.
- Elevate your tattoo, to reduce swelling.
- Take short showers.
Source: http://www.tattoojunkies.com/aftercare/
Tattoo Aftercare Instructions with Saniderm/Second Skin/Dermilize/Ect.
Wet Heal Tattoo Healing Instructions & FAQs Utilizing a Tattoo Adhesive Product
- Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo!
- Clean and dry your new tattoo and surrounding skin (do not use any lotions or ointments).
- Peel off the paper backing of Saniderm/Second Skin to reveal the adhesive side.
- Gently apply over the tattoo, leaving about 1 to 2 inch(es) of the bandage in contact with undamaged skin around the tattoo. More than an inch may be needed in highly mobile areas such as knees, hands, etc.
- Remove the top surface backing, leaving only the Saniderm bandage on the tattoo.
- The first piece of Saniderm/Second Skin should stay on for 10-20 hours, depending on how much the tattoo bleeds. It’s normal for blood and fluids to collect under the bandage.
- Remove the bandage, clean and dry the area and wait 1 -2 hours and then apply the second piece (do not use any lotions or ointments before applying the second piece of Saniderm/Second Skin) If you just got linework or a very small tattoo the artist might suggest to keep the first piece on for 3 to 4 days.
- The second piece can be worn for up to 4 days. Your body will typically tell you when it’s ready to come off. It will be itchy or just uncomfortable when it is ready to come off.
Application Tips:
- For maximum comfort ensure skin is in a neutral position when applying Saniderm
- When cutting to size, rounded corners provide the best adhesion.
- For large areas, pieces of Saniderm/Second Skin may be overlapped by 1/2 inch (1 cm).
- When applying to elbows and knees the joint should be in a neutral position, neither straight nor completely bent.
- Do not use Saniderm/Second Skin if you have allergies to adhesives.
Things to Avoid
- Do not pick, scratch, peel, slap, rub or irritate your tattoo.
- You can shower, but you may not soak your tattoo for 2 weeks. No swimming, soaking or hot tub.
- You may not expose your tattoo to the sun for at least 3 weeks, after that you must use sun block.
- Do not wear abrasive materials, jewelry, or shoes that rub against your tattoo.
- Do not let anyone touch your tattoo, unless they wash their hands.
- Beware of gym equipment; wash it well before using it.
You Can Also
- Ice your tattoo to reduce swelling.
- Elevate your tattoo, to reduce swelling.
- Take short showers.
For more information on Saniderm click here.
For more information on Second Skin click here.