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tattoo aftercare
Nonstick Bandage
Keep the initial covering on your tattoo for at least two hours. Remove it no later than tomorrow morning. The longer the cover stays, the more ink seepage and/or plasma you will see, but this is not harmful.. When you remove it, be ready to wash. After removing the wrap, wash with fingertips and plain liquid soap, then start your Post-Bandage aftercare regimen.​​​​​​​​​
(or) Adhesive Bandage
I use Recovery Derm Shield, but there are other brands (Tegaderm, Saniderm, Second Skin... ). This covering can remain in place for up to 5 days as long as the seal is intact. If the seal around the tattoo is breached, remove the wrap regardless of timeframe. Use hot, running water to soften the adhesive and gently remove the wrap. Until then, avoid hot showers to maximize adhesion. It is normal to see some ink seepage and plasma/lymph underneath. When the adhesive bandage is removed, continue with the Post-Bandage aftercare (below).​​​​​​​
(and then) Post-Bandage
Keep it clean. Wash with clean fingertips and a plain liquid body/hand soap twice daily. Do not use washcloths, loofas, etc. Dial and Dr. Bronner’s work well, but anything without heavy scents or dyes should be fine.
​Keep it hydrated. Use an aftercare product to keep your tattoo moisturized. I like Tattoo Goo and Aquaphor, but stick with your preference if it works well. Apply any time the tattoo looks dry or feels tight--usually 3 to 5 times a day. Avoid Vaseline, Neosporin, bacitracin, and mycitracin.
Do not soak or submerge. Showers are fine, but baths are not. No lakes, oceans, swimming pools, hot tubs, etc. until fully healed. All bodies of water contain some bacteria, and ignoring this recommendation could lead to infection.
Do not scratch or pick. Your tattoo may peel and itch. You can smack it, but do not scratch. If it is peeling, allow it to slough naturally. Picking and scratching can re-open the wound, causing loss of ink, scarring, or infection. ​​​​​​​​​
Post-Bandage Aftercare
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