aftercare
Proper Tattoo Aftercare Using Saniderm (if not using saniderm, see alternate healing advice below)
This information is not to be taken as medical advice
Taking proper care of your new tattoo is crucial for ensuring that it heals well and looks its best. DermShield, a popular aftercare product, creates a protective barrier that helps the healing process by keeping out dirt and bacteria while keeping the tattoo moisturized. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use DermShield for tattoo aftercare:
Application
- Once your tattoo is finished, the artist will clean the tattoo with soap and water and allow to completely dry before applying the DermShield bandage. It is recommended to leave the bandage on for 4-5 days.
DermShield is designed to be worn for several days to facilitate optimal healing. You can shower with the bandage on, but avoid soaking it in baths, swimming pools, or hot tubs. Avoid working out while your bandage as on as well as making sure it is not at all exposed to the sun.
- During this period, plasma, ink, and excess moisture may collect under the bandage. This is normal.
Removal
- After the recommended duration (typically 4-5 days), remove the bandage.
- Do this gently and slowly under warm running water to ease the removal process.
Cleaning
- Clean the tattoo with mild soap and water.
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel or let it air dry.
- It is normal for there to be some adhesive to still be on the skin after removal, which will eventually come off with several washes with warm water and soap. Do not Scrub.
Post-DermShield Care
Moisturize
- After removing the DermShield, continue to keep the tattoo moisturized. Use a gentle, fragrance-free lotion to prevent the area from drying out such as Aquaphor.
- Avoid picking or scratching the tattoo as it heals.
-avoid contact with animals until tattoo is fully healed.
Protect from Sun
- Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight and avoid tanning beds until it is fully healed.
- Once healed, apply sunscreen to protect the tattoo from fading.
*Monitor for Issues:**
- Keep an eye on the tattoo. If you notice any excessive swelling, redness, pussing, red streaks that go toward the heart or if the area becomes extremely painful, remove the bandage and consult your tattoo artist or a healthcare professional.
- Some fluid accumulation under the bandage is normal, but if the bandage leaks or becomes loose, you may need to replace it.
Alternate Healing (not using Saniderm)
Before leaving the studio, the artist will apply a small amount of ointment and wrap the tattoo in a bandage. Leave the bandage on the tattoo for several hours. Before going to bed the first night, remove the bandage and rinse the tattoo with warm water and a mild antibacterial hand soap such as Dial. Make sure you also wash your hands before and after this. You may find it easier to do this in the shower, depending on the size and location of the tattoo. Pat dry the tattoo with a clean paper towel or let it air dry. Allow the tattoo to breathe overnight, making sure that it doesnt adhere to your clothing or sheets. If needed, a new, clean bandage may be applied such as Saran Wrap or non-stick gauze to avoid tattoo sticking to fabric while sleeping. Be sure whatever you wear is clean including your sheets. Avoid contact with animals.
The following morning rinse the tattoo again with warm water and Dial soap. If it appears dry you may begin to apply an ointment such as Hustle Butter, Aquaphor, or Tattoo Lovers Care. Repeat these steps 3 to 4 times a day for the following week and a half. Make sure when you use ointment, it is because the tattoo appears dry and please you a small amount. If there is one spot of the tattoo that is healing slowly or scabbing more after several days into the healing process, you can apply a small dab of neosporin or bacitracin (antibiotic ointment) to that area. It is best to avoid heavy drinking during this time and a healthy diet is recommended. Please refrain from wearing tight clothes on the tattoo. Do not exercise, swim (including all recreational water activities), garden or have contact with animals for 2 weeks or until tattoo is healed. Please make sure the tattoo is not exposed to the sun for at least 2 weeks and once healed, continue to avoid uv exposure on the tattoo for 5 months (to avoid scarring). Do not put sunscreen on the tattoo until it is fully healed (at least 2 to 3 weeks). When bathing, be sure not to immerse your body in water (no soaking, but showers are fine!) .
Depending on the size and saturation and location of the tattoo, you may experience a varying amount of swelling, redness, or soreness (should be tolerable like a sunburn). Please contact artist if you are have a question about your tattoo healing however if you have excessive swelling, redness, bleeding, pussing, red streaking towards the heart, and pain this may be a sign of a serious infection and you must seek medical attention right away. The artist is not a medical professional and cant give medical advice!
Merkaba Tattoo