There’s no question that tattoos are cool. Western society is warming to the idea of more people having tattoos in the workplace, so more people are having them done. This has led to tattoo parlors putting more of an emphasis on aftercare, especially for those who have less experience with tattoos. This involves them highlighting the key factors of successful healing.
However, many people are forgetful. You may get home and forget everything that was said to you in the parlor. Not to worry! This article highlights the standard healing timeline of a tattoo, which will help you to spot any issues as soon as they occur.
Soreness, oozing, and redness
Many people who have had a tattoo will understand that it may feel sore, especially for the first few days. It has been compared to a sensation of sunburn.
With the soreness comes the oozing and redness. Your tattoo artist will cover your tattoo with a bandage that may actually look like clingfilm. This is to catch the oozing liquid which will seep from the tattoo; but remember, this oozing is a normal part of the healing process. If this doesn’t occur, you may find yourself searching for a laser tattoo removal parlor.
To mitigate any discomfort, take some paracetamol. Aim to wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and keep it dry, and if it is oozing excessively, seek medical advice.
Itching
Once the redness has stopped, next comes the itching. This may vary depending on how sensitive your skin is, and where the tattoo is located. A tattoo that is in contact with a sock or bra strap is likely to itch more.
Again, this is part of the healing process. Remember, your body sees that cool celtic snake tattoo as a wound, so for it to heal, it has to itch.
Depending on the size of the tattoo, this can start a few days or a week after it has been completed. To ease any discomfort, apply moisturizer or healing ointment. Try not to scratch it with your nails, as this can cause the tattoo itself to become damaged.
If the itching becomes too much, aim to take an over-the-counter antihistamine.
Peeling
During the second, third, or fourth week, your tattoo will probably begin to peel in a way very much like sunburn.
Once again, this is your body responding to injury, so it is sloughing off a dead layer of skin. With this, your tattoo will look less 3D, and will blend in better with the surrounding skin, while also looking defined and colorful. To alleviate the peeling and associated itching, apply moisturizer, try not to scratch, and avoid pumicing the area.
Your tattoo should not flake off with the skin. If it does, pop in and see your tattoo artist for an assessment of the issue.
Aftercare
So, once the tattoo has peeled, that’s the end, right? No!
You will still need to apply moisturizer to your tattoo every day to help it look striking. If you are a swimmer, you need to avoid going swimming for at least six weeks after your tattoo was performed. It can take months for your body and tattoo to heal fully, so patience is key!
