How should I take care of my new tattoo?

In our studio I use a second skin

bandage (ex. Recovery) to protect a

new tattoo. This bandage locks in

the bodies natural moisture and

healing enzymes allowing the body

to heal in the most efficient manner.

Second skin bandages help protect

your body from any outside

bacteria and everyday hazards and

water from entering the affected

area. It is breathable, allowing

oxygen to enter and excess

moisture to release from the

wound.

General instructions

• A tattoo is essentially an open

wound, so treat it as such. DO NOT

touch it with dirty fingers or

clothes. Keep it clean

• NO baths, swimming or hot

  tubs for 14 days. You can

shower by letting water hit

above the bandage and run down

over the area. DO NOT submerge it.

• Avoid direct sunlight for 7-14

  days making sure not to burn

  the affected area.

• Avoid excess sweating and

exercise for 7 days.

• DO NOT scratch, pick, or mess

  with your fresh tattoo during

  the healing process. Slaps/

  patting helps prevent itching.

Specific Instructions

• More than likely you will leave

  the shop with a second skin

bandage. You will keep the bandage

on for 8-24 hours depending on if:

it is peeling on the sides, or an

excess of build up of fluid begins

to seep out of the side.

• If you see excess of ink under

  the bandage that is perfectly

normal, however this means its

time for the second bandage.

(Provided by the artist if

available)

• To remove the bandage take a

shower the warm water will help

loosen up the bandages glue. Then

peel back the bandage slowly.

Make sure to wash your hands with

unscented anti-bacterial liquid

soap before taking bandage off.

• Allow water to hit above the

tattoo and rundown the

affected area.

• At this time do not use any

  soap, as some soaps may

irritate the area.

• When you exit the shower

  gently pat dry with a clean

cloth then allow the area

to air dry completely.

• When the are is completely dry

apply the second bandage. This will

stay on for 3-5 days (unless the

area becomes irritated.)

• When you take the bandage off

for the second time

(just as the first)

clean the area gently with

UNSCENTED anti-bacterial soap

2 times a day (depending on

your environment)

once dry use a small amount of

UNSCENTED lotion (nothing

petroleum jelly based) to keep

tattoo from drying out.

• * If you are allergic to

  adhesive I will most wrap your

tattoo with a gauze like bandage.

This should stay on for 3-4 hrs.

Then you should take off the

bandage and clean it with

UNSCENTED anti- bacterial liquid

S soap 2-3 times a day ( depending

O on the environment.) After the

F first week it is recommended

Y you use a small amount of

UNSCENTED lotion to keep the

T tattoo from drying out.

DO NOT over moisturize the

T tattoo as it will hinder the

Healing process.

• Any other questions about the

healing process don’t hesitate to

contact me.

Infection treatment

Getting a tattoo involves piercing

the skin. This process can

introduce bacteria into the skin

and cause infection.

What is normal

It is normal for a tattoo to

become red, swollen, tender, and

warm to the touch during the first

couple of days. In the first 24 hours

the tattoo may Ooze blood. It

might also produce a clear or

yellowish fluid filled with healing

enzymes that might form a small

crust while healing.

What is NOT normal

• Thick scabbing

-

• Excessive itching and pain

• Pimple like pustules, red bumps

• Severe swelling past the tattoo

• Skin around tattoo is very

  warm

• Tattoo oozes thick yellow

  or green discharge

• Foul odor

• Red streaks that radiate away

from tattoo

• Blisters

• Fever

• Feeling tired and weak

What should I do?

The type of treatment depends on

the type of complication and its

severity. Problems with a new

tattoo might include skin infection,

skin irritation, allergic reaction,

scarring, and blood disease.

Please never hesitate to contact

your tattoo artist with any

questions or concerns if your not

sure if your tattoo is infected. If

you think your tattoo is infected,

seek medical attention immediately.

DO NOT WAIT.