tattoo aftercare

MEDICAL ADHESIVE BANDAGE

After your session has been completed, the tattoo artist will apply "Derm Shield", an adhesive medical bandage specifically designed for tattoos that is both breathable and flexible to allow for the bodies natural movements. This bandage helps to protect your tattoo from outside contaminants and irritants. You can find more information at https://recoveryaftercare.com .
Derm Shield is both latex free and hypoallergenic, so allergic reactions are very rare. However, some people may have sensitive skin or allergies to adhesives. If you do experience a rash, abnormal skin irritation, or other symptoms of an allergic reaction, discontinue use and wash with mild soap. Similarly, consult a physician if necessary, and never use Derm Shield on infected skin!
The adhesive bandage should be left on for approximately 48-72 hours. To remove your bandage, remove during a warm shower by starting from a corner/edge and slowly pulling/stretching the adhesive over itself until the whole bandage is removed. Try not to pull up on the bandage while removing it as this is slightly more uncomfortable.

AFTER REMOVING THE MEDICAL ADHESIVE BANDAGE

After removal of the adhesive, you will wash the tattoo with Antibacterial (Non-fragrant) liquid soap like Dial Gold (Orange liquid bottle). Do not use bar soap, loofahs, rags or sponges as they harbor bacteria. Make sure your hands are clean first before washing the tattoo. Lather with soap first, then wash using your palm, gently removing any slimy residue. Rinse with cold water and pat dry with a clean paper towel, then allow it to air-dry for 10 minutes.
After allowing the tattoo to dry, you can apply a small bit of Hustle Butter ointment. You may also use any non-fragrant water based lotion. Do not use Petroleum Jelly products like Vaseline, Aquaphor etc. Allow the ointment to seep in and remove any excess. You want to make sure not to apply too much as this can be counterproductive to the healing process.
The application of soap and ointment should be repeated 3-4 times daily for two weeks following the removal of the adhesive bandage.
When the tattoo starts to peel/flake, DO NOT pick at or scratch the tattoo. Allow the body to naturally remove the flaking skin.

POSSIBLE SKIN ISSUES DURING HEALING

When using the adhesive bandage, there should be little to no scabbing. Scabs are the body’s natural way of protecting wounds while they are healing. However, it is important to maintain the appropriate aftercare to prevent scabs from forming as they can prolong and complicate the healing process, which can lead to uneven healing and even scarring. If scabs do form, once the tattoo is in the full peeling phase, sparingly apply lotion to the entire area making sure to thoroughly massage and not over apply or soak scabs with lotion. Any developed scabs should not be picked at or prematurely removed. If you get any pimples in the area tattooed during this phase, you need to decrease lotion application times or switch down to a lighter lotion.
If there are any clear fluid-filled blisters or pimples in the area that was tattooed please contact your artist. You may have heat rash, a skin condition caused by blocked sweat ducts and trapped sweat beneath the skin. Heat rash usually clears on its own but you can help relieve symptoms by cooling your skin and preventing sweating. If your symptoms last longer than a few days, the rash seems to be getting worse, or you notice signs of infection, contact a trained physician.

WHAT NOT TO DO

The healing tattoo should never be submerged or soaked in water. You should also avoid saunas or other steamy and sweaty environments until the tattoo has finished flaking and peeling. Therefore, limit yourself to only short showers that DO NOT allow steam to build up on bathroom mirrors.
Do not swim until the flaking and peeling are all gone naturally by itself. Usually, this takes around two (2) to three (3) weeks. The Texas health department lists that there should be at least a two (2) week waiting period.
While your tattoo is healing, do not allow it to be exposed to sun or other forms of UVA/UVB radiation including tanning beds. This significantly increases your risk of scaring as the tattooed area is still an open wound. Also be aware that there is an increased risk to skin cancer as the skin is highly vulnerable in any healing condition.
Refrain from any workout or physical activity heavier than walking, especially in cases where the new tattoo is in a direct sweat zone of the body. It is also important that a fresh tattoo be kept out of the sun and dirty environments, as it is still an open wound.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

After all flaking and peeling is gone, normal activities in water can be resumed.
The use of sunblock on the tattooed area may be resumed after all the flaking and peeling is gone. When in the sun or swimming, it is vital to apply and allow to dry, a sunblock of at least 60 SPF every two (2) hours as listed by FDA regulations. Please be aware that sunblock of 100 SPF and higher is available. Sun burning will permanently damage and fade your healed tattoo
Intentionally tanning your skin will make tattoos look dingy. If you must tan, use a minimum of 60 SPF on your tattoos even if you choose to use other methods for the rest of your non-tattooed skin.
After all flaking and peeling is gone, light to moderate cardio may be resumed. However, muscle specific training involving the tattooed area may be resumed when the collagen returns to the area. This takes roughly three (3) to four (4) weeks to allow for complete return of elasticity to the skin.
Daily moisturizing and staying hydrated (8 glasses of water a day – 64 fl. oz. or 2 liters) keeps the skin healthy which inevitably keeps the tattoo looking good. The healthier the skin, the better the tattoo will look. Exfoliating and/or shaving/trimming the hair on the tattoo can also keep the tattoo looking better.