Caring For A New Tattoo

Caring For A New Tattoo

One of the most important things to remember when you decide to go for a tattoo is that you must choose an experienced and reputed tattoo artist. Though there are many designs to choose from at the tattoo studio, you can always ask for a custom-made design, exclusively for you. Which ever you choose, always remember that this design will remain embedded in your skin permanently, for life. While the design is important, taking care of it is just as important.

During the process of tattoo creation, an experienced artist will go on adding antiseptic ointments as this will keep your new tattoo design in a safe and healthy condition. Once through, the creator will wipe, clean and apply another coat of antiseptic lotion. Then he will wrap the tattoo with a soft tissue or thin cellophane to prevent any infection from attacking the new tattoo.

Advice on how to take car of a tattoo usually comes from a reputed tattoo artist. He would also give you a sheet which contains all the information you need for taking proper care of the new addition in your body. In case this does not come from the tattoo creator, you might be left in a quandary as to how to go about maintaining your new acquisition in a healthy condition. Taking care of a tattoo is not that difficult provided you know the various do’s and don’ts.

Avoid going for a shower as soon as you get home with your new tattoo. Not only should you keep your new tattoo dry for a few days but also clean it every few hours according to the advice given to you. Make sure that your hands are really clean before you touch your tattoo for cleaning purposes. Cleanliness of your hand will ensure that you are not attacked by any infection. When cleaning the tattooed area, do not use any scented soap. Go for a very mild antiseptic soap and don’t use the soap directly on the area. Use warm soapy water and PAT dry with a clean towel.

Use a tube of antiseptic ointment to soothe and heal your tattoo. These are easily available at your local drugstore. Use this ointment for a few days to keep the tattoo free from infection as well as keep it slightly moist. When applying a new coat, wipe off the old and dried ointment very gently, without using any force, or you might damage the healing process.

You can stop using the antiseptic ointment after a few days. This ointment really keeps your tattoo healthy and free from any infection. Next, use a body lotion which does not have any perfume added to it, as this will irritate the tender new skin which has formed on your tattoo.

The unscented body lotion only needs to be used for a few days after which you could stop using it. Normally after 5-6 days the peeling process will begin and the tattooed area may become itchy. Be very careful not to pick or scratch and if your tattoo is really itchy, apply a little antiseptic ointment.