How to Heal Tattoos
So you’ve taken the plunge and gotten that tattoo you’ve always wanted. Once the tattoo’s artist’s work is done, there are a number of aftercare procedures that must be followed in order to help the tattoo heal, to ensure the integrity of the design and to prevent inflammation or infection of the tattooed area. Most individuals heal completely from tattooing within two weeks time.
Remove Fluids from Your Tattoo
Immediately following the tattoo procedure, the artist may cover the area with gauze or a light plastic film. Once you are home, remove this covering immediately and wipe away any oozing fluid from the tattooed area. You may find you need to repeat this procedure every 15 minutes for an hour or two until no more oozing fluid can be detected. It’s important that you keep your tattoo dry and do not wash this area.
Moisturize Your Tattoo
There are specialty healing ointments available on the market which can be applied with clean fingertips directly over the tattoo to help heal tattoos and prevent bacteria from causing an infection. If fluid bubbles are visible after applying the ointment, remove gently with a tissue and reapply a thin layer of ointment. Repeat this procedure until no more fluid is visible after applying a layer of ointment. It’s important to keep your tattoo moisturized for the first two to three weeks after completion and during the first week it’s recommended that you moisturize your tattoo every hour. Just before bedtime, wipe the tattoo with alcohol to remove surface bacteria prior to sleeping. When the tattoo shows signs of scabbing, and it will, be careful not to pick or pull at it. Try not to have clothing, or at least heavy clothing covering the new tattoo as it heals. Exposure to air is important so long as the tattoo is kept moisturized.
Avoid Water and Sunlight
Until your tattoo is fully healed, it’s important not to let water from the shower run directly on it (coat the tattoo with Vaseline) or to go for a long soak in the tub submersing your tattoo in water. Take a break from using the sauna, swimming pool or jacuzzi. Avoid direct sunlight on your tattoo in order to keep the colors from fading. If you must be out in the sunlight and your tattoo arwork is still fresh and healing, apply a sunscreen lotion of at least 30 SPF. Avoid tanning or burning from the sun’s rays as this will delay the healing process as well as fade your new body work of art.
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