tattoo aftercare

general aftercare

  • you’ll come home from the tattoo studio with a dressing over your tattoo. Medical-grade adhesive, known as “second skin,” is designed to last several days. Common brands include:

  • Dermalize

  • Flexifix

  • Saniderm

  • SecondSkin

  • Tatu-Derm

  • Tegaderm

  • You’ll probably notice fluid oozing from the tattoo. This is blood, plasma, and some extra ink. Your skin will also be red and sore. It might feel slightly warm to the touch.

  • When it’s time to remove the dressing, wash your hands thoroughly before gently peeling back the wrap.

  • Use warm water and fragrance-free soap to cleanse the area. Rinse well before lightly patting the skin dry. Wait a few minutes before applying whatever ointment or lotion your artist recommends.

common complications

  • For the first few days after your tattoo, your skin may be red, itchy, and sore. You may notice excess ink, along with blood and fluid, leaking from your skin. This is natural and to be expected.

  • But if your symptoms persist or worsen over time, it could indicate an underlying complication. Consult with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

  • Infection

  • A tattoo that isn’t properly cared for can get infected. Infected skin will be red, warm, and painful. The wound may also leak pus.

  • If the equipment or ink your artist used was contaminated, you could contract a bloodborne infection, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tetanus, or HIV. Nontuberculous mycobacterial skin infections have also been reportedTrusted Source.

  • Allergic reaction

  • If you’re sensitive to the ink your artist used, you may develop a red, itchy skin reaction at the site. According to a 2019 studyTrusted Source, red dyes are the most likely to cause an allergic reaction.

  • ResearchTrusted Source shows that red dyes, along with blue and black dyes, are also more likely to cause nonallergic skin reactions such as photosensitivity.

  • Scarring

  • Damage from the needle or from picking at the tattoo can cause your body to produce scar tissue. Scars can be permanent.

products

  • Use soap

  • Always use a mild, fragrance-free soap or a specially formulated tattoo cleanser to clean the area.

  • Many tattoo artists recommend using Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Hemp Baby Unscented Pure-Castile Soap or the Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar. Dial Gold Antibacterial Soap isn’t fragrance-free, but some artists recommend it.

  • Use ointment

  • Some artists recommend using A+D Original Ointment for the first day or two, then switching to Aquaphor Healing Ointment. Some artists also recommend Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Organic Magic Balm.

  • Use lotion

  • Although it’s safe to continue using Aquaphor or Dr. Bronner’s, you can typically switch to lotion after the first week.

  • Just ensure it’s free of fragrances, ethyl alcohol, and other additives, such as colored dye, that could dry out your skin.

  • Some artists recommend Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion or Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion.

what to avoid?

  • Do not use 100% petroleum It’s best to avoid products that are 100% petroleum, like original Vaseline, during the initial healing process. The more petroleum the product has, the thicker the product is on your skin. This can trap moisture and prevent much-needed air flow to your new tattoo. Petroleum-based products that do not contain ingredients that help the wound breathe can also cause the ink to fade.