TATTOO AFTERCARE
This advice is provided as a written reminder of the aftercare advised by your practitioner.
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Getting a new tattoo involves breaking the skin surface so there is always the potential risk of infection occurring. Your tattoo should be treated as a wound initially and it is important that this advice is followed so that infection risk is minimised.
MINIMISING INFECTION RISK GUIDANCE TIPS:
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Avoid unnecessary touching or picking of the new tattoo site to reduce the risk of introducing infection.
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Always wash and dry your hands before and after touching your new tattoo.
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Your new tattoo will consist of an area of tiny skin breaks, caused by the tattooing needles, so it should be kept covered afterwards. We use a sterile adherent dressing called Dermalize, applied by your practitioner. This dressing is breathable and allows you to shower and carry on with normal life while your tattoo heals. The dressing should be kept on for three days, unless there are signs of blood and lymph collecting under the dressing.
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After removal of the initial dressing, gently wash the tattoo with warm tap water and tap dry with a clean kitchen towel or tissue. Do not rub or the skin will become irritated. Avoid using hand towels or flannels that harbour microbes.
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Shower rather than bathe while the tattoo is healing, so unnecessary water exposure is prevented.
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Do not use skin products on the treated area that have not been recommended by us or are not intended for open wound healing. With clean hands, you should apply tattoo aftercare cream at least 4 times a day to assist healing and prevent skin cracking. Avoid petroleum based creams as they may affect the colour of the treated area. There is generally no need to use any other skin products / antiseptic products. You should not share skin products with others.
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It is normal for the skin to scab over in places. DO NOT PICK AT OR SCRATCH any scabbing.
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After approximately two weeks, any scabbing should have gone and been replaced with new intact skin. The area should be completely healed in a further 10 - 14 days.
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Avoid swimming, sunbeds and sunbathing until your new tattoo is fully healed as direct sunlight /chlorine can interact with tattoo pigments causing skin irritation and inflammation.
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Try to wear loose cotton clothing to minimise rubbing and irritation to a new tattoo site.
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Always keep a new tattoo covered and protected if working in a dirty / dusty / oily environment.
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If you have any problems or queries, please contact us initially. We will refer you to your GP if there are any signs of adverse reaction / infection.
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