Tattoo Care Instructions

While most people consider getting a tattoo done at some point in their lives, few are aware of the care that needs to be taken for the tattoos to heal properly. Follow these simple tattoo care instructions given in this article and see the beautiful tattoo emerge as it heals... Have you also been bitten by the tattoo bug? Can't blame those who are fond of tattoos. The beautiful designs drawn in colorful ink are really tempting. A tattoo is made by filling ink in the skin by first making a puncture with a needle. As the wound heals a beautiful design bearing the ink that was injected into it emerges. Getting a tattoo done involves some pain and takes time to heal. It is probably due to this reason that many people can't decide on whether to get one done. However, tattoo care instructions are simple and if followed properly, the tattoos heal without any complications.

How to Take Care of Tattoos

Leave That Bandage On: Do not remove the bandage that your tattoo artist tied over your design after he finished making it. A tattoo must be beautiful but remember that until it heals it is fresh wound. Leave that bandage on for at least two hours after you have it done.The bandage will keep bacteria out of the wound and inhibit any infection that they may be caused. It is important to know that certain tattoo artists cover the tattoo with a plastic wrap. While looking for a tattoo artist, confirm what material he uses to cover the wound. Stay clear of tattoo artists who wrap fresh tattoos in plastic as this will suffocate the wound and protract the healing time.

Wash and Clean: After you remove the bandage, clean the tattoo with mild soap and lukewarm water. As far as soaps are concerned, using one with anti-microbial or anti-bacterial properties would be the best option. Avoid using towels to remove ointment, blood or plasma that may be oozing out of the tattoo. They may be abrasive on the tender skin. Wash your hands with soap and use them to gently clean the area. To dry the area use a paper towel or a hand towel. Do not wipe but pat the area gently with the towel. Be it a paper towel or a cloth towel ensure that it is CLEAN. Cloth towels generally harbor bacteria that may cause infection in the area. So be sure you have disinfected the towel before using it. While washing it with water do not expose it to a direct spray. Rather let the water just trickle down the tattooed surface.

Moisturize: Let the area dry for about 10 minutes and then apply some antibiotic cream or a light moisturizer to the surface. You could get such products from stores specifically meant for tattoo healing. Your tattoo artist is the best person for advice on tattoo care products. Use the products as directed on the label. Use this lotion for about a week to retain the moisture of the area. However, do not over apply cream on the area.

Dealing with Scab: One of the important aspects of tattoo care is to resist the temptation of pulling off the skin that starts peeling after a couple of days. As the skin heals, scabs may form and the skin may start to peel off. Do not scratch or pull off the dead skin. Let it take place on its own. As the skin comes off on its own it facilitates richer color in the tattoo. Hence, do not worry if color comes off with scabbing.

Author: Debopriya Bose