*Wash your tattoo with hot water and mild soaps*

 

• Do not touch your tattoo until you have washed your hands first. This is for every time you wash it, apply ointments, or apply lotion until the tattoo is completely healed. When washing your tattoo gently remove all blood to help prevent scabbing. Use hot water initially to help clean the surface. Do not scrub your new tattoo – gentle pressure will be sufficient. When finished rinse with cold water to close pores back up.

*Dry your tattoo with clean towel or disposable towel*

 

• Do not scrub tattoo dry. Just pat the area to remove excess water from the skin. Allow the tattoo to air dry for about 10 minutes.

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*Repeat cleaning process 3 times a day for about 3 days*

 

• Can also clean and put on new ointment if the tattoo feels really tight which is a sign of it being dried out.

*Switch to a non-scented plain lotion for the next 2 weeks*

 

• Use only plain non-scented lotions that contain no dyes or perfumes. Be sure to clean the area prior to applying the lotion.

*Do not expose tattoo to direct sunlight or submerge the tattoo in sitting water*

 

• It is important while your tattoo is healing that you avoid soaking it in water. That means no baths, hot tubs, swimming pools, lakes, rivers, or going into the ocean. This will ruin a tattoo and open you up for infection. Remember it is an open wound. This should be avoided until the tattoo is completely healed.  For about 3 weeks try and keep tattoo out of direct sunlight. Once the tattoo has healed put sunblock on to keep the skin healthy and to help keep the colors from fading. 

*Other things to keep in mind*

 

• Tattoo should be fully healed in 4 weeks. Not everyone is built the same but this is about the average time frame.

• The tattoo will begin to itch about 3-4 days after the procedure. DO NOT scratch or pick at your tattoo. Putting lotion on your tattoo will help with the itching.

• Tattoos will peel the dead layers of skin off. DO NOT pick the skin off. On smaller tattoos you may not notice the peeling. Most of the skin peels during the cleaning process.

*Here are some examples of approved soaps and lotion to use for aftercare.

 

• Soap : Dial Anti-Bacterial. Dove Mild. Also soaps that are formulated to be hypoallergenic and baby soaps.

• Lotion : Vaseline Intensive Care and  Lubriderm. Also lotions that are formulated to be hypoallergenic and baby lotions.

 

*Getting a tattoo puts you at risk for Cellulitis( staph)

• Getting a tattoo in a studio with sterilized equipment and other hygiene measures in place is normally safe, but because a tattoo breaks the skin and the skin's barrier there is also a risk of bacteria getting into the skin and causing an infection. This is why we provide after care instructions so you know how to take care of your skin during the healing process.  

• Please refer to the links provided for detailed information on infection prevention and causes to be well informed. 

• www.healthdirect.gov.au/cellulitis-prevention         www.everydayhealth.com/cellulitis/fast-facts/

• If you have any questions of concerns with the aftercare of your tattoo please don’t hesitate to call us. 520 326 8450

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