Whether it’s your first time or you’re already covered in ink, getting a new tattoo is an exciting experience. However, you need to remember that getting a tattoo is a medical procedure because the ink is injected underneath your skin with a needle. As a result, it leaves you vulnerable to scarring and infections.
Fortunately, you can prevent complications by caring for your tattoo in a responsible and informed way. Your tattoo should be covered up by a bandage or plastic wrap applied by the artist at the salon. Only later can you remove the covering and give the tattooed area a gentle wash. It’s also essential to shield it from the sun (but you can’t use sunblock until everything is healed).
While it heals, you should touch your tattoo with clean hands only and apply the ointment recommended by your tattoo artist. Additionally, it’s essential to let the skin breathe and not pick or itch your tattoo, no matter how tempting it is.
To find out more about how you should care for your new tattoo, read the article below.
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Products to Use
When your bandage comes off, you can cleanse the area with saline solution. It’s a mixture of salt and water, which you can purchase at your local pharmacy or online. You apply it by spraying or dabbing it on the tattooed skin with cotton swabs or a soft cloth. Doing this ensures that all dirt and germs are removed from the area.
After cleansing with saline solution, you can use ointment on your tattooed area. It’s recommended that you apply an unscented antibacterial cream several times throughout the day until your skin is healed. You can easily find a quality tattoo aftercare balm that will provide your skin with the necessary care. You can also use small amounts of aloe vera gel, but avoid petroleum jelly, as it traps moisture and bacteria, leading to infections and scarring.
After your tattoo has healed, you need to take care of it by using sunblock lotion. Sunblock can be applied once or twice daily, depending on how much time you spend in the sun. Make sure to wear a high-quality sunblock that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Do not use sunblock until everything is healed because it can clog your pores and cause infection. Cover it with a bandage if your tattoo isn’t healed yet and you need to spend some time in the sun.
Don’t Scratch or Pick At It
The itchiness is probably the worst part of the healing process. If you want to scratch your tattoo, try to occupy yourself with something like watching TV or reading a book so that you can resist the urge. A tattoo typically takes two to three weeks to heal, so try to be patient and resist the urge to scratch or pick at it. If you succumb to it, you’ll cause itching and scarring, which will ruin your tattoo.
Follow the Instructions
The artist who gives you the tattoo will tell you about how to care for it. They’re the ones with the most experience, so you should trust them. However, if you doubt what to do, consult your doctor or a professional nurse. The instructions they give you will differ depending on the type of tattoo you have.
Typically, a tattoo during the healing process is not supposed to be painful. If it feels too sore, but nothing unusual happens, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever. One or two days of redness or swollen skin are fine, but you should consult any prolonged symptoms with a doctor.
On the other hand, it’s normal if your skin is a bit dry, so don’t worry — just put on some ointment. Besides, remember that you mustn’t tan or go in the sun until your tattoo is fully healed. The time depends on the size and depth of coloration.
After getting a new tattoo, it’s vital to keep it covered since it’s vulnerable to germs. The covering should remain on the tattoo for 48 hours after it’s made. Otherwise, you run the risk of infection.
What To Avoid?
You should take great care avoiding direct contact with scented soaps, detergents, and water. After the first day or two after the procedure, your tattoo needs oxygen to heal, so you need to try not to cover it with clothing or other materials that can obstruct its breathing.
You should also not scratch the area, as this can cause severe damage. It’s usually best to leave it uncovered for a couple of days, but if you’re going outside, you should cover it up to protect it from getting too much sun.
How to Spot a Problem?
A tattoo that has been properly cared for will look healthy and vibrant, without any signs of redness, swelling, or itching. If you experience any of these symptoms, check with your doctor as soon as possible. To avoid any complications, you should take great care to clean it regularly using mild, unscented soap and warm water.
Conclusion
Getting a new tattoo is an important decision and a significant investment. It’s essential to care for it properly to enjoy most of your new body art for a long time. Follow the instructions given by the artist and apply them during the healing process. Additionally, remember to use high-quality products and avoid scratching or picking at your tattoo, as it can lead to complications.
Whenever you have questions about your new tattoo, don’t hesitate to ask the artist or someone with experience in this area. They will help you take the proper steps to protect your newly made work of art and make it look its best. Good luck!
