Quick 10 step after-care guide for tattoos :

Don't really know how to take care of your new tattoo? We got some tips that you will find very helpful!

By: Wes Wood

Tattoos: Explanations as understood and developed from “Infection Control in the Community” Jean Lawrence, Dee May and other authoritative sources.

1. Because a wound kept moist will heal fastest when it is kept moist, a light coating of

ointment will keep your tattoo moist because the body will then provide the moisture

from the inside. Follow this for three or four days without drying.

*Basic. The below is additional exposition.

2. Before bandaging (non-absorbent) check runny oozing. Exudate should be blotted off the

surrounding skin. Any black spots in the first 20 minutes gently remove. Your skin is

already getting some inflammation, redness. The area is attracting necessary growth

factors, so don’t wash that away. Covering the tattoo is to protect it. A minimum of

ointment will keep it shiny under a covering and force the body to keep the area moist.

Keep thinking: a moist wound heals faster than a dry one. Don’t let it dry.

3. Don’t wash your new tattoo. Antibacterial ointments are no longer automatically used

except as an adjunct to oral antibiotic treatment for infections. Treat the area gently.

Don’t rub it. If showering, cover with plastic wrap to protect the new cells and growth

factors from being washed away. Don’t wash and pat dry.

4. For the first few days apply and keep on a thin (shiny-looking) application of an ointment

or special tattoo healing-based skin protective so that it will stay moist.

5. Bandaging is not required other than to protect the tattoo and keep it moist. After 3 days

it should look regular and a thin layer sloughing off. Congratulations, but there is a lot of

deeper healing going on which may be another few weeks so be kind for a while.

6. If covering with clear film it is usually kept in place for 3 days and then removed. Keep

the area around the tattoo free from oozing.

7. Complications and infections are rare. NYC Dept of Health testified that tattooing is not a

public health problem when performed by licensed tattooists wearing new rubber

gloves, new needles and following universal precautions. A tattoo is not open infection-

prone surgery. It is more a superficial abrasion.

8. If the area becomes red, swollen, hurts or looks unusual to you after 3 days, be safe,

repeatedly apply alcohol to the area, it may have microbial contamination. Consult your

personal care provider.

9. If a tattoo accidentally dries out it will form a scab. Your body produces a scab to protect

the injured skin. Keep the area safe until new cells grow beneath the scab and cause it to

fall off.

10. The good news is your tattoo will ultimately heal in spite of what you do (maybe not crisp

or solid). Not to worry if your tattooist recommends something different, it’s up to you.