The Quick Guide To Tattoo Aftercare
Have you lately gotten a new tattoo? If this is your first tattoo, you probably have a lot of questions regarding tattoo aftercare. The last thing you want is for your tattoo to fade or become infected and ruin your first tattooing experience. How do you care for your new tattoo, then? Here is a thorough article on a detailed aftercare guide for tattoos that will help them heal quickly and safely.
In addition to being body art, getting a tattoo involves going through a medical procedure. Make sure the tattoo artist utilises clean, hygienic equipment during the procedure. Finding the best aftercare products may be challenging when you have several inquisitive friends, coworkers, and family members giving you free advice on various strategies and, even worse, home cures! So, let's unravel the truth regarding tattoo aftercare and comprehend the full healing procedure.
What Should You Anticipate From Your First Tattoo?
If this is your first tattoo, you could notice several modifications that might surprise you. However, keep calm. Here is a summary of things to anticipate after getting your first new tattoo; everything on this list is normal and healthy.
- When you remove the bandage from your new tattoo, it may be somewhat puffy, red, bleeding, or even bruised. Nevertheless, because this is transient and natural, don't be alarmed. Your skin is punctured by a tattoo needle 3,000 times per minute. It is merely the body's response to unexpected needles and alien ink, and it will go away in a matter of days.
- Your brand-new tattoos might be spilling various fluids, including blood, clear plasma, pus, lymphatic fluid, and even ink! Once more, these are only symptoms of how your body is coping with the unexpected onslaught from the needles while your cells attempt to progressively heal them. Even if your tattoo doesn't initially appear particularly nice or fantastic, you should just trust the process since it improves over time.
- Expect some scabbing, itching, or possibly peeling in that specific location. Scabs are only your body's protective coating covering the open wound. It eliminates the possibility of trash, bacteria, or other pathogens coming into touch with your wound. It's a positive indication if you notice certain scabs growing on your skin. It shows that the wound around your tattoo is healing appropriately. Additionally, the itching shouldn't be a concern because it will pass in a few days. But refrain from scratching the area. If not, you can wind up doing more harm than good.
- Your body can feel a little queasy after receiving a new tattoo. Colds and coughs are possible, which is completely natural and an indication that your tattoo is healing well. It is simply your body's reaction to the stress you caused it with the needles and the alien ink. You shouldn't worry since you should be alright in a few days! The procedure also gets simpler the more tattoos you receive.
How Do You Clean Your Fresh Tattoo And Remove The Bandage?
After covering your tattoo with a bandage for a few hours, you must remove it using the steps below:
- Wash your hands with antibacterial soap to sanitize them. Do not use any scrubs or scents throughout the procedure.
- Remove the bandage and the tape gradually. If the bandage is adhering to your tattoo, you may carefully remove it by moistening it with tepid water.
- Use a soap that is fragrance- and antibacterial-free to lather your hands. Washcloths, bath towels, or sponges are not permitted to dab the inked skin.
- Use clean hands to gently massage the lather in a circular motion until all of the plasma and ointment have been removed.
- Gently rinse your tattoo until it is spotless. Bring it under the tap gradually.
- Use a paper towel or a soft, clean towel to pat yourself dry. Allow it to air dry.
- Avoid touching any surfaces when you remove the bandage since the fresh wound is exposed and prone to infection from dirt and germs. Teenilicious Tattoo Balm should be applied very lightly, leaving room for your tattoo to breathe.
How Can You Keep Your Tattoo From Being Infected?
Infection risk is quite high with fresh tattoos. Here are some tips for preventing infections and scarring.
- Only put your confidence in the best tattoo parlours that are licenced, experienced, and hygienic.
- Avoid getting tattoos that are inexpensive since cheap isn't necessarily better and can lead to infections that appear out of nowhere.
- Before receiving the tattoo, let your tattoo artist know if you have any underlying or past medical issues including eczema, HIV, diabetes, hepatitis, or haemophilia.
- If you are on any drugs, go to your doctor before getting a new tattoo.
Symptoms Of An Infection In Your Tattoo
In adulthood, just 0.5–6% of tattoos get infected. Even though you have undertaken all the necessary precautions to avoid developing an infection in your tattoo, you need still be aware of the symptoms to be ready for the following steps and know when to visit a doctor concerning your tattoo. Let's look at the symptoms of a tattoo infection:
- Intense pain
- Firm bumps(Granulomas)
- Excessive bleeding
- Pus draining
- Worse swelling
- Continuous fever, chills, and sweat
- Photosensitivity (if the area pains with exposure to sunlight)
Guidelines For Tattoo Aftercare
Having established the fundamentals, let's look at some Dos and Don'ts after having a fresh tattoo. Your tattoo will heal more quickly as a result, and the risk of infection will be reduced.
Dos
- Use only clean towels, bedding, and clothes during the healing process.
- Apply fragrance-free sunscreen to your tattoo.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing to prevent friction on the wound.
- Wash the tattoo every day, especially after sweaty activities.
- Apply only a thin layer of moisturizer.
- Apply a cold compress to help with the itching.
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water during the healing process.
- Always use cold to lukewarm water while washing your tattoo.
- Always consult your tattoo artist before trying out any new product on your tattoo.
Don’ts
- Prevent swimming, submerging the tattoo underwater at least for the first 2 weeks.
- Avoid putting your tattoo under direct sunlight for at least the first 2 weeks.
- Don't let your tattoo skin dry out. Keep moisturizing.
- Do not apply the balm on a damp surface.
Myths About Tattoos Debunked
Although tattoos are currently very popular, there are still some widespread misconceptions about the business. Let's dispel some of the myths around tattoos today!
1. One cannot donate blood while having a tattoo
Fact: After a year of getting a tattoo, you may donate blood without any problems.
2. With a tattoo, an MRI cannot be performed
Fact: Ink has changed dramatically in modern times. High quantities of metals that can interfere with MRIs are no longer present.
3. More ointment helps hasten the healing of the tattoo
Fact: More ointment might smother and clog your tattoo, slowing down the healing process.
4. Alcohol consumption before having a tattoo helps lessen the discomfort
Fact: No. It is typically advised to avoid using drugs or alcohol before getting a tattoo since these substances might cause blood thinning and other issues when the tattoo is being applied.
5. As you age, your tattoos will become green and blue
Fact: The health of your tattoo mostly depends on the quality of the ink. Modern inks are long-lasting and of excellent quality. You may always undergo touch-ups, though, to improve your tattoo even more.
According to each individual, different products, routines, and other factors make up the best tattoo aftercare. However, you may use a few best practices as a guide if you're unclear about how to care for your tattoo. Be careful to discuss any skin sensitivities you may have with your artist. They can suggest a skincare regimen that will be most effective for you. Do not aggravate your tattoo in any way, especially in the first two weeks.
Your body is a canvas. Your collection of tattoo skin art represents a significant time, financial, and emotional investment on your part. Do everything you can to maintain it so that it appears fantastic as you age. Start at Teenilicious if you want to maintain your fantastic new ink looking brilliant, bold, and new. While enhancing your tattoos with deeper blacks and more vibrant colours, the Teenilicious Tattoo aftercare kit prevents tattoo fading. Proven!