Tattoo Aftercare for a traditional bandage
ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS, every time, before and after taking care of your tattoo.
Leave bandage on tattoo for at least 1 hour, not longer than 3 hours.
When you remove the bandage, be ready to wash your tattoo. Shower if necessary. Using your hand only, lather using a mild, antibacterial, liquid soap. Rinse well until no slick film remains. Do not soak your tattoo or submerge it in water of any kind. This means no baths, pools, oceans, lakes, rivers, hot tubs ect... Pat dry.
Apply very little triple antibiotic ointment twice a day for 3 days only. Triple antibiotic ointment will help reduce the risk of infection. Vitamin ointments or other petrolatum based ointments will not reduce the risk of infection and is NOT recommended. Rub triple antibiotic ointment into the tattoo and pat off excess with a clean paper towel. DO NOT leave the tattoo greasy on top. The amount of triple antibiotic ointment rubbed into the tattoo is enough to help keep down the risk of infection. After 3 days STOP USING OINTMENT.
After 3 days the tattoo will start to get dry. It’s normal for your tattoo to peel like a sunburn and to flake. Use a fragrance free, dye free lotion like Lubriderm Lotion or Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion. (NOT VASELINE!!)
Lotion can be used 3 or 4 times a day for 6 weeks. During this time, the tattoo will start to dry out and begin to itch. DO NOT SCRATCH YOUR TATTOO. If your tattoo is itching, YOU NEED LOTION ON IT. Your tattoo will take 4 to 6 weeks to completely heal. Itching and drying is normal. However, if you experience severe redness, severe swelling, or oozing, see a doctor immediately.
Aftercare for Dermal Film Bandage
Clear Waterproof Bandage
DAY 1-4 leave bandage on.
If your bandage becomes compromised and you notice fluid coming out or going into the bandage; remove the bandage and start with DAY 5 care.
DAY 5 removing bandage & after.
-
WASH YOUR HANDS before caring for your tattoo
-
Remove your bandage carefully.
-
Using clean hand only; wash your tattoo immediately under cool running water with an antibacterial soap like DIAL GOLD. Depending on the location of your tattoo it may be easier to wash your tattoo while you are showering.
-
Pat your tattoo dry with a CLEAN paper towel.
-
Start using a mild UNSCENTED lotion like LUBRIDERM to keep your tattoo moisturized during the peeling and flaking stage. Your tattoo will form a new layer of skin and shed the older skin within the first 2 weeks. Your tattoo will take 6 to 8 weeks to heal completely.
-
WASH YOUR HANDS after caring for your tattoo
DO NOT pick or scratch.
DO NOT scrub or rub your tattoo vigorously.
DO NOT let clothing rub your tattoo.
DO NOT soak in water or go swimming.
DO NOT let water constantly run over your tattoo while in the shower or bath.
DO NOT ALLOW TATTOO TO BECOME TOO MOIST THEN TRY TO APPLY LOTION. (your tattoo can and will peel off and fade if you do this!!)
DO NOT expose to sun or artificial tanning.
DO NOT use rubbing alcohol.
DO NOT touch your tattoo unless you're caring for it.
WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE YOU TOUCH YOUR TATTOO.