Tattoo Care - Essential Steps to Caring for a New Tattoo
by Mitch Green
Ok, so you have gotten your first tattoo. It is fresh, bright, and shiny. It may have hurt just a little, but it was well worth that short time of an uncomfortable feeling owing to the fabulous results.
Now what?
Well, now you have to take care of that tattoo. If you do not properly take care of your new tattoo, you could be opening up the door to a world of unwanted possibilities. Without the proper care, you could get an infection, lose some color, or completely destroy that beautiful new work of art. After the tattoo artist finished up his or her work of art, they took some steps to protect it. These steps were taken with good reason and you should adhere to any advice they gave you before you left.
Simply put, why pay that kind of money for a tattoo if you do not know how to take care of it properly? Never fear, your investment and artwork is going to be just fine after you have learned what to do after you have received your first tattoo.
Step One, Bandaging The Tattoo
Before you left the tattoo parlor, the artist likely put a bandage on the new tattoo. Why? For many reasons, but mostly for protection. Think about it, a needle was just used to create that great tattoo, which means your skin was broken, blood was seen, the whole gory outlook. This means that your tattoo is not only a work of art, but a wound as well. That bandage should stay on the tattoo for at the very least, 2 hours. Most artists will recommend overnight. This will help keep the tattoo free of dirt and lint from clothing, as well as protect against bacteria in the air.
Step Two, Bandage Removal
Once it is safe to remove the bandage, you may do so. Now it is time to use some soap and water to wash the tattoo. You should choose a soap that is either antimicrobial or antibacterial. The soap should also be liquid based and mild. Lukewarm water is best for a new tattoo. You want to clean the tattoo and surrounding area, making sure that you rid of any dried blood that may be left over and the ointment used by the artist.
It is important to use just your hand to clean the area as washcloths may damage the tattoo. Once you have finished cleaning the area, you should dry it. Drying should be done by firmly patting the area, never rub the tattoo. It is best to use a paper towel or a clean bath towel for this job.
Step Three, Treating the Tattoo
After you have cleaned the tattoo and dried it completely, it is time to treat the tattoo. Remember that the tattoo is a wound so it needs some form of protection. You will want to use an ointment that is made with an antibacterial agent. The best ointments to use might be Bacitracin or A&D ointment.
Tattoo artists may recommend lotions or other products specifically designed for new tattoos, which may include H2Ocean or Tattoo Goo. You do not have to use these, the antibacterial ointments work just fine, but it is a decision you will need to make.
No matter which method you choose, you will need to continue this process daily for at least three days and a maximum of five. After this time, the tattoo will still need to be cleaned regularly until completely healed, but ointment is no longer needed. You can use a mild lotion, one that is free of perfume and dye, instead if you need to. This will help keep your skin soft and protect the skin at the same time.
New Tattoo Care Facts
It is ok to use water on your new tattoo! You can still shower and take baths, but just be careful not to allow the new tattoo to soak in water. Do not allow the tattooed area to soak in water; it can create damage to the artwork. Instead, it may be best to avoid baths, depending on where the tattoo is, for up to three weeks, while it heals. Swimming, regardless of the water type, should be side tracked for a minimum of two weeks.
It is normal for a tattoo to scab or peal slightly. A slight amount of scab or peeling is nothing to be alarmed with. If the scabbing is excessive, it could be a sign that the tattoo artist did a poor job in his or her artwork. When you notice scabbing, do not pick the scabs, instead, you can apply a warm washcloth to the area and allow the scab to fall off by itself. Picking the scabs off a tattoo will cause damage, try to avoid scratching that itch, too.
You now know how to take care of your new tattoo and keep it looking great for years to come.
สมัครสมาชิก:
ส่งความคิดเห็น (Atom)
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น