TATTOO AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

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FOLLOWING A TATTOO​

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• Leave saniderm bandage on for a minimum of 3 hours, and ideally to the next morning. If there is no irritation or fluid build-up, you can keep the adhesive bandage on for up to 3 days.

 

WASH

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• Using your finger tips and a mild unscented soap, gently wash your tattoo under warm running water then rinse in cold.

• Pat dry using a clean paper towel.

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APPLY CETAPHIL LOTION

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• Put a very small amount of CETAPHIL LOTION on a clean finger and rub in thoroughly until there is no greasy residue. Repeat this process until the entire tattoo has been moisturized.

• Apply CETAPHIL LOTION several times a day or whenever it feels dry.

• Wash your tattoo  once a day in the shower when you wash yourself. Unless it seems goopy

        or like it should be cleaned. Use your judgement. Don't over do it and irritate it but don't let it

        get gross either. Goop turns into scabs and no one needs that.

• DO NOT OVER MEDICATE! With CETAPHIL LOTION less is more! Use like a lotion and NOT an ointment; using only a small amount and gently massaging it into the skin. DON'T GLOB IT ON! This can cause the pores to clog and a rash to develop. It will usually look like little  pimples and that's just what it is. If you get a reaction or any other aftercare issues or concerns please email Jackie immediately and she can advise you on how best to proceed.

       

DO NOT PICK AT IT

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• As the tattoo heals you might have a spot or two that acquire a scab. DO NOT PICK AT SCAB!

• Your tattoo is fully healed once the tattoo is the same texture as the skin around it.

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DON’T GO SWIMMING

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• Do not submerge your tattoo in water until it’s fully healed. Showers are fine though.... Please bathe

 

KEEP TATTOO OUT OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT 

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• Be aware that even if your tattoo is healed enough to go in water it is still VERY thin skin for the first month. If your tattoo is healed enough to go swimming then use a waterproof sunblock of at least SPF 50 for the first year. And for the duration of your life your tattoo is going to be sensitive to sunlight and other concentrated UV light like tanning beds. Sunlight can and will DESTROY your tattoo!

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LIMIT YOUR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

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• You don’t want to go to a public gym/Hospital/Jail while your tattoo is healing.

• These places are seething with MRSA (a flesh eating strain of Staph infection). If you must visit a place like this please make sure your healing tattoo is either bandaged with Saniderm or covered by clothing.

• If you have pets then be aware of your fresh tattoo while handling them. Don’t let them touch

        your healing tattoo.

• If you garden then make sure your healing tattoo is appropriately covered to ensure it does not get dirt or chemicals on it.

• Do not let anything touch your tattoo while it’s healing other than clean hands, clean clothing/bandage and moisturizer .

• Wash your bed sheets and be sure your general environment is free of potential bacteria or contaminates

 

PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR TATTOO

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• Your clothing matters. Wear loose,  clean and comfortable clothing over your tattoo. If your clothes are making  your tattoo hurt, then they are hurting your tattoo.

• Areas that tend to bend a lot have a more troublesome time healing and you should focus on or “baby”  these areas as your tattoo heals.

 

REMEMBER THAT YOUR FRESH TATTOO IS A WOUND

 

• Infection is rare but it can happen.The signs of an infected tattoo include:

• Excessive heat around your tattoo lasting longer than 48 hours.Swelling, inflammation or ecalled  “Lymph” for up to the first 24 hours.

• It is normal for tattoos to bleed and discharge a clear fluid, but any yellowish/green discharge is NOT a normal part of the healing process and should be taken seriously.

• Be mindful of swollen lymph nodes, a foul smell emanating from your tattoo or red streaks stemming from your tattoo and traveling toward your heart. 

• If you have any questions or concerns PLEASE contact Jackie right away! She is happy to discuss your tattoo health.