Tattoo aftercare guide
Aftercare Advice For Your New Tattoo
Your new tattoo has involved breaking the surface of your skin and there is a possibility that, if not cared for properly, your tattoo may become infected. By following the advice in this information sheet, you will be reducing the chance of anything going wrong with your tattoo.
How To Treat Your Tattoo
Your new tattoo is basically an area of tiny skin breaks which have been caused by the penetration of needles carrying ink into your skin. It is important that you keep wearing the sterile dressing applied by your tattoo artist for at least an hour after it is applied. This should provide enough time for the tattoo to stop bleeding or weeping.
- Once you remove the dressing, you should wash the tattoo gently with warm water and pat it dry with a clean tissue. Try to avoid using towels, especially ones that other people have used.
- After washing and drying your tattoo, apply a very light, thin application of Bepanthen Ointment NOT Lotion. This will stop the skin drying out and reduce scabbing.
- You should aim to wash the area and apply the Bepanthen approximately 4-6 times a day until your tattoo is fully healed.
- Everyone heals at different rates and healing times depend on many factors. However, most scabbing should disappear within approximately 2 weeks. The next stage is a “silver skin” which will last for about a week. In total your new tattoo should be completely healed in about 4-5 weeks.
Some General Tips For Tattoo Aftercare
- Try to shower, rather than bathe during the healing period. Always pat your tattoo dry with a new tissue or clean towel.
- Do not pick your tattoo. This will lengthen the healing time and lessen the quality of your tattoo.
- Avoid swimming, sun bathing and sun beds until your tattoo has fully healed.
- Try to minimise the amount of “rubbing” from clothing around your new tattoo. This will minimise any irritation.
- Keep your tattoo covered if working in a dirty or dusty environment.
If you have any questions at any time then please call the studio on 0131 221 0677. In an emergency please seek medical attention at your GP’s surgery or an A&E department.
