Care after a new tattoo

You've just gotten a tattoo and want to take every precaution to ensure it doesn't get infected, keeps its bright colors and lasts a long time! From this point forward, you are responsible for any infection or problem you have with your new tattoo. So if you don't take proper care measures, it's your fault! It is highly recommended that you follow all the right steps in your aftercare so that your beautiful tattoo doesn't turn into a disaster. See https://www.thenexthint.com/ten-creative-tattoo-ideas-for-enthusiastic-women/13007/

Don't mess with the bandage - The tattoo artist will take the time to cover up your new tattoo for a reason. This is so airborne bacteria don't enter your wound. Remember, no matter how great your new tattoo is, it's still a wound on your skin. This open flesh area is actually a breeding ground for bacteria and infection. Leave the bandage on for at least two hours. As exciting as getting a tattoo is, you don't want to remove the bandage just to show friends and family, they can wait a few hours to be sure. The only reason to remove the bandage is if your artist covered your tattoo with plastic or saran wrap. These types of plastic wrap are very damaging to your tattoo, so you should remove them immediately. It is better not to cover the tattoo with a bandage than to smother your new tattoo with plastic wrap.

Wash and Treat - After removing the bandage, it's time to wash your tattoo. Run lukewarm water over your tattoo with a mild liquid antibacterial or antimicrobial soap (generic antibacterial soaps are good choices, Provon and Satin are popular choices) to gently wash away oil, blood or plasma and thoroughly clean the tattoo and surrounding area to clean. Do not use a washcloth or abrasive cleaner. Your hands are ultimately the best option to use in this case. (If your tattoo feels a bit slimy and slippery don't worry, it's probably because the plasma is leaking out. Just try to gently remove as much as you can - once the plasma dries on the surface of the tattoo, it starts to scab it.) Once you have cleaned the tattoo thoroughly, blot the tattoo and surrounding area firmly with a CLEAN paper towel or soft towel until completely dry. Then apply a very thin layer of ointment of your choice covering the entire tattoo and surrounding area. You can use an ointment fortified with vitamin A&D, bacitracin, or a similar antibacterial ointment. You don't want to use Neosporin, it's not a good product for new tattoos and could cause discoloration on the tattoo and a possible allergic reaction like small red bumps. Don't take this opportunity!

Special products and lotions to use - If you wish you can apply a special product such as Aqua Phor, H2Ocean or Tattoo Goo. These brands are not necessary, there are other over the counter products that work just as well, you choose what you want and your tattoo artist can tell you their preferences. Use this ointment as directed for the next 3-5 days. When this time is up, continue cleaning your tattoo and follow the same steps. Now you can apply lotion if needed instead of using ointment. This will help keep your new tattoo soft. Make sure the lotion you choose is a color and fragrance free lotion. Lubriderm is a highly recommended choice, but it hurt a bit when I applied it. Eucerin is also a popular choice that you can use without the stinging effect. Again, you can ask your tattoo artist for their recommendation.

Showers, baths, hot tubs and swimming areas - it's okay and a good idea to take a shower with your new tattoo. It's also okay to get your tattoo wet. Just be careful and don't let your new tattoo get wet. Soaking your tattoo in water for a long time can cause serious damage. You should avoid this for 2-3 weeks. Just remember not to soak your new tattoo while showering. If you get soap or shampoo on your tattoo while showering, simply rinse it off with water as soon as possible. Avoid swimming in any water for at least 2 weeks.

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