Tattoo aftercare refers to the steps you take after getting a tattoo. Proper aftercare is important to prevent side effects and any other infections. If one can deny aftercare, it leads to fading, infection, and other problems. Here are some guidelines and tattoo aftercare tips include which can help you care properly and effectively.
Why Tattoo Aftercare Matters?
A tattoo always needs adequate care because, without proper care, sometimes it can fade and spoil. For this, proper care is necessary after getting a tattoo. Here are some important points that include why aftercare is required:
- Prevents Infections: After getting a tattoo, proper care is needed. Without proper care, there will be a risk of bacterial infections. Sometimes it also causes serious health issues.
- Ensures brightness: When a tattoo is accurately cared about treatment, it can help maintain the brightness and appropriately show the colours of the tattoo.
- Promotes Faster Healing: Appropriate care can help return to a normal state of health when getting a tattoo. It can also reduce discomfort and inactivity.
- Prevents injury: Correct care of a tattoo can minimize the risk of causing harm or hurt, also minimizing other skin difficulties.
Note:
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, proper tattoo aftercare reduces the risk of infection, promotes healing, and helps maintain the appearance of your tattoo over time.
Immediate Tattoo Aftercare: The First 24 Hours
1. Leave the Bandage On:
The new tattoo will be covered with a plastic wrap or a bandage by your tattoo artist. This type of covering can protect your tattoo from bacteria and prevent it from clothes. Your artists also tell you to keep the bandage on for at least 3-5 hours, or a required time. Some medical-bandage tape, also known as ‘second skin’, is popular now. Some bandages, like Tegaderm, Dermalize, Saniderm, etc. that can remain for up to 24 hours.
2. First Wash- After removing the bandage:
- Wash Your Hands: Before touching your tattoo, you can wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap. If you cannot wash your hands properly, your tattoo will fade, and a chance of getting damaged.
- Clean the Tattoo: Use warm water and a mild, aroma-free soap to clean the area. Don’t use sponges, and also avoid using washcloths because they create bacteria and can be scratchy.
- Pat Dry: To pat the area dry, use a clean paper towel or air dry. After that, apply ointment and lotion, which can be recommended by your artist. Also, keep in mind, don’t rub the area.
Ongoing Care: Days 2 to 14
- Regular Cleaning: Wash your tattoo 2-3 times daily with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap. By doing this tattoo area is clean and protected from infections. A clean paper towel is used to pat dry the area. You might notice some ink running in the sink, which is excess ink.
- Moisturize: Use a gentle and aroma-free moisturizer in the tattoo area. Products like Tattoo Goo, Aquaphor, or Aveeno are perfect for applying. A thin layer of moisturizer is used 2-3 times daily. Over-moisturizing also harms your tattoo area; skin will be affected, and healing will also be delayed. Sometimes it causes irritation and clogged pores.
- Avoid picking and scratching: Avoid picking at them and try to pull them off. They pull off naturally. Can’t remove the ink by forcing. Peeling means your skin is regenerating. If you can’t get scabs to fall off naturally, it can cause Permanent damage and colour loss. Skin may become itchy, red at this time, which is a sign of infection. You consult with your tattoo artist at this time.
- No soaking and swimming: Avoid soaking your tattoo in water. It can make your tattoo last longer. For this, you can avoid hot tubs, bathtubs, pools, and any type of water. Taking a shower is fine, but try to avoid the tattoo area.
- Protect from the Sun: When you go outside, keep your tattoo covered and protect it from the sun. Because UV rays may make your tattoo fade and damage healing skin. For this, always try to avoid the sun and apply a sunscreen with at least SPF 30++/ SPF 50+++. So, be careful when going outside and take care of your tattoo.
- Wear Loose Clothing: Wearing tight clothes can create irritation and rub against your tattoo. So, wear breathable and loose-fitting clothes that help your tattoo heal quickly. Allow loose-fitting clothes at this time.
- Avoid Physical Strain: More movement and strain can effect on healing tattoo. Do limit exercise when getting a new tattoo. Heavy workouts can cause more perspiration, which might create an irritating tattoo. You can do normal activities and avoid unfolding the tattooed area.
Days 15 to 30:
At this time, continue caring for your new tattoo. Avoid shedding and peeling and protect from sun. Continue moisturising with lotion and fragrance-free soap 1-2 times daily. Also, avoid over-moisturise the area. Use lukewarm water when washing the area. If the area looks dry again, keep moisturizing until it looks hydrated again.
It may take a second or third week to heal the outer layer of the skin. After 3 to 4 months, the lower layer will also completely heal as your tattoo artist targeted.
After a Month Tattoo Care:
Try to stay hydrated, use products without fragrance, avoid sunlight, and continue to consult with your tattoo artist.
Signs of Infection
- Redness: If redness spreads over the full body, it can worsen.
- Pus or Discharge: When yellow or green fluid leaks from the area, it also looks like an infection.
- Fever: It indicates an infection because the body temperature is high at that time.
- Persistent Pain: After a few days, increasing pain is also a sign of infection.
If you notice any symptoms from them, you need to consult with a physical consultant.
Long-Term Care: After your tattoo has healed, you need to take proper care to ensure its longevity. Some tips are included here:
- Sun protection: Always protect your tattoo from sunlight and use sunscreen when going outside.
- Hydration: To maintain the tattoo’s brightness, skin can be moisturized regularly.
What not to do?
- Not to cover the tattoo with plastic wrap again.
- Do not expose tattoos in front of pets or any dirty place.
- Do not wear heavy and tight clothes.
- Avoid using NEOSPORIN because it can block pores.
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Tattoo Aftercare Faqs
How much time does a tattoo take to heal fully?
Usually, it takes 2 to 4 weeks for the healing to be complete. Sometimes it takes more than 3 months.
Can I work out after getting a tattoo?
Avoid more workouts for at least 48 hours after getting the tattoo. If the tattoo art is near muscles, avoid exercise.
Is it safe to sleep on my tattoo?
Try to avoid this. If your tattoo is on your arm, hand, or backside, don’t put pressure on this area. Use soft sheets and wear a breathable shirt.
Conclusion:
Proper aftercare of a tattoo is necessary for maintaining the quality of the ink and for healing quickly. You can ensure your tattoo heals and keep the tattoo bright for years, you follow the guidelines. Also, follow your tattoo artist’s specific instructions. They give you some personal recommendations based on your tattoo style, location, and size.