How to Take Care of Your New Tattoo

Once you've gotten a permanent tattoo, the hardest part is over-- but your work isn't done. Pay careful attention to these instructions for the proper aftercare for your new tattoo and you'll help protect the newly acquired tattoo's color and shape. Take care of your new tattoo the same way you would care for any other skin wound.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Washcloth
• Loose and comfortable clothes
• Antibiotic soap
• Sunscreen
• Plain skin lotion
• Antibiotic ointment

1. Keep the bandage on the tattoo for at least two hours after the work is complete (or longer, depending on the tattoo artist's instructions).

2. Remove the bandage very carefully and throw it away. This allows your skin to breathe and begin the healing process. Do not rebandage the tattoo.

3. Put a drop of mild antibiotic soap on your hand and lightly wash the tattoo. Gently pat it dry with a washcloth (not a paper towel) taking care not to rub it.

4. Dab an over-the-counter water- or petroleum-based ointment on the cleaned area. Do not use an ointment that contains zinc as it may cause an adverse reaction.

5. Continue to lightly apply antibiotic ointment to your tattooed skin for the first few days, then switch to a plain skin lotion that is free of dye, perfume, lanolin, Vitamin E, aloe or alcohol.

6. Expose your healing skin to air as much as possible but avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.

7. Avoid getting a lot of water on your new tattoo - showers are OK, but no swimming or baths for a few weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• Resist scratching the skin or picking at scabs, no matter how much it itches.
• Wear clean, loose and comfortable clothing over the tattooed area. Your skin should heal in about two weeks.
• Apply sunblock to your tattoo after it has healed, to help prevent burns and fading.
• If, after getting your new tattoo, you experience extreme swelling, unbearable itching, excruciating pain, fever, a rash or any other unusual symptoms that may indicate infection, allergic reaction or other serious complication, contact a doctor immediately.

Who Can Help:

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[TiffIsaac]

on 1/16/2009 it's better to Vitamin A and D cream on ur tattoo for the first couple of days after u got that tat..u can find them in the baby cream aisle.

[jgilmour54]

on 1/15/2009 PEOPLE DONT PUT NEOSPORIN ON YOUR TATTOO IT WILL BRING OUT THE INK> THIS GUY DOESNT KNOW WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT

[jaysquarterman]

on 1/15/2009 its been a week now and my tatt is pealing. i wash it and now when i put the tattoo waxs on it looks white and some spot are darker then other. should i stop puting the waxs on and start put lotion????

[glenarden5]

on 1/6/2009 should i hold off on playing sports for the first few days. i play basketball all the time.

[freaky713]

on 11/16/2008 comment back please & thank you.