Tattoo Care Instructions

Have you also been bitten by the tattoo bug? Can't blame those who are fond of tattoos. The beautiful designs drawn in colorful ink are really tempting. A tattoo is made by filling ink in the skin by first making a puncture with a needle. As the wound heals a beautiful design bearing the ink that was injected into it emerges. Getting a tattoo done involves some pain and takes time to heal. It is probably due to this reason that many people can't decide on whether to get one done. However, tattoo care instructions are simple and if followed properly, the tattoos heal without any complications.

Tips on How to Take Care of Tattoos

Leave That Bandage On: Do not remove the bandage that your tattoo artist tied over your design after he finished making it. A tattoo must be beautiful but remember that until it heals it is fresh wound. Leave that bandage on for at least two hours after you have it done.The bandage will keep bacteria out of the wound and inhibit any infection that they may be caused. It is important to know that certain tattoo artists cover the tattoo with a plastic wrap. While looking for a tattoo artist, confirm what material he uses to cover the wound. Stay clear of tattoo artists who wrap fresh tattoos in plastic as this will suffocate the wound and protract the healing time.

Wash and Clean: After you remove the bandage, clean the tattoo with mild soap and lukewarm water. As far as soaps are concerned, using one with anti-microbial or anti-bacterial properties would be the best option. Avoid using towels to remove ointment, blood or plasma that may be oozing out of the tattoo. They may be abrasive on the tender skin. Wash your hands with soap and use them to gently clean the area. To dry the area use a paper towel or a hand towel. Do not wipe but pat the area gently with the towel. Be it a paper towel or a cloth towel ensure that it is CLEAN. Cloth towels generally harbor bacteria that may cause infection in the area. So be sure you have disinfected the towel before using it. While washing it with water do not expose it to a direct spray. Rather let the water just trickle down the tattooed surface.

Moisturize: Let the area dry for about 10 minutes and then apply some antibiotic cream or a light moisturizer to the surface. You could get such products from stores specifically meant for tattoo healing. Your tattoo artist is the best person for advice on tattoo care products. Use the products as directed on the label. Use this lotion for about a week to retain the moisture of the area. However, do not over apply cream on the area.

Dealing with Scab: One of the important aspects of tattoo care is to resist the temptation of pulling off the skin that starts peeling after a couple of days. As the skin heals, scabs may form and the skin may start to peel off. Do not scratch or pull off the dead skin. Let it take place on its own. As the skin comes off on its own it facilitates richer color in the tattoo. Hence, do not worry if color comes off with scabbing.

Tattoo Aftercare Instructions:

• After removing the bandage that the tattoo artist had tied around the tattoo, do not re-bandage it.
• Keep out of swimming pools, hot water baths tubs, and spas for at least two weeks after getting the tattoo done.
• Try to stay out of the sun for about 2 weeks. Do not expose it to tanning salon bulbs for about a month. Once the tattoo has healed wear a sunblock every time you step out in the sun.
• As the tattoo heals it will itch. Resist itching. This is one of the most important tattoo aftercare instructions and also the most difficult to follow. Gently slap or pat the area. You could also use a lotion to relieve the itching sensation.
• Never touch the tattoo with dry or sweaty hands.
• Avoid wearing tight fitting clothes as the fabric may rub against the surface and cause irritation. Wear clothes that are loose and that allow air to circulate around the area.
• In case there is swelling in the area, apply ice packs.

These tattoo care instructions discussed work well in taking care of tattoos. However, how the skin reacts to a tattoo and the time taken to heal, varies from person to person. Some individuals may develop allergic reactions to the products that they use after getting the tattoo done. If such is the case, visit the tattoo artist or see a doctor.