Proper Tattoo Aftercare

Tattoo aftercare is as important as selecting the proper tattoo design and its placement. A beautiful tattoo can become a complete mess if you fail to properly follow the instructions given by your tattoo artist.

You are under special care while you are with your tattoo artist but the responsibility becomes your own as soon as you step out of the tattoo shop. It is your duty and whether or not your tatoo enhances your body will completely depend on how you take care it.

It is very important to follow the guidelines your tattoo artist has given you.  If you did not receive a care packet, then immediately follow-up and call to your artist on the proper care of your tattoo. Follow all aftercare instructions. For instance people often feel uncomfortable with bandages tied around the area of the body where it has been inked.  This is to prevent air-born bacteria from infecting the fresh wound.  They should leave the area untouched for at least two hours.

Use luke-warm water, and mild liquid anti-microbial soap to wash away any ointment, plasma, or dry blood from your new tattoo. Take care not rub that area with anything abrasive. While washing that area use your hand or soft paper towel. The same care should be taken while drying that area. Just pat but never make the mistake of rubbing that area with clean towel or dry paper towel. Then you need to apply a thin layer of D&D ointment, Bacitracin ointment, or H2Ocean. Avoid using Neosporin because it can causes excess healing and dry out.  This further causes cracks and pigment loss.  Follow up 2-3 times daily and continue for 5-7 days until the skin is smooth.

You can then apply un-scented lotions such as Lubriderm after the stipulated time of treatment.  Other activities like showering and bathing, swimming in swimming pools, lakes, or ponds and hot tubs, scabbing and getting expose in sun also requires certain type of precautions. 

While taking shower avoid soaking your tattoo for 2-4 weeks.

Avoid contact with the chemicals present in a swimming pool, and hot tub environment for at least 4-6 weeks after getting your tattoo. Even swimming in lakes and ponds should be avoided as you may get infected through the untreated water. Do not pick, or scratch at the scabbing and protect your tattoo from harmful sun rays with an SPF of 30 and by your clothing.   www.targettattoo.com/