Care of your tattoo
Whether you are new to the tattoo scene or not one thing that you will notice is that different tattooists will give you varying advice about tattoo aftercare.One of the most hotly contested subjects is the use of creams during the healing process.
There are today various different healing creams allegedly developed specially for the healing of tattoos, these creams may assist in the soothing of very heavy scabbing but in actual fact are totally unneccessary.I have been a professional tattoo artist since 1979 and in that time I have never used creams on my tattoos.
The facts are that many years ago in the days before hygiene standards many tattoos became infected one way or another so,you would rub on some form of ointment to help draw out the infection.Today however (hopefully) tattoos are performed under sterile conditions and therefore the only thing that creams will draw out is INK! and we don`t want that now do we?
In July 2004 there are going to be major changes to the governing of tattoo and bodypiercing studios.
The guidelines as to how to look after your tattoos and piercings will be as follows After the tattoo is finished it must be covered with a sterile non-adhesive dressing for 24 hours.It takes about 24 hours for broken skin to start to heal and if the wound is not covered with a sterile dressing during this time microorganisms may enter the skin and cause infection
After the dressing is removed,gently wash the tattoo with anti-bacterial soap and warm water,rinse thoroughly.
Leave your tattoo to dry.
While healing,keep your tattoo away from the sun,chlorinated water,dirt or other irritants.Even when healed a strong spf30 sunscreen is recommended.Always keep your tattoo covered when using a sunbed.
A small scab will form on the 2nd day DO NOT pick it as it is a vital part of the healing process.DO NOT soak your tattoo in the bath .After 5-14 days your tattoo will be healed. KEEP YOUR TATTOO CLEAN AT ALL TIMES.
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Care of your ear,naval,labret or nipple piercing .
Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your new piercing.DO NOT allow anyone to touch your piercing during the healing process.
Soak and clean your new piercing 1-3 times a day with warm water and anti-bacterial soap.Do not use products containing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide as they slow the healing process.
Gently wash the area surrounding and including the piercing, removing all crusty formations from the piercing and jewellery. Make sure you completely remove all soap from the piercing
Gently dry the area.
Some clear,pink or slightly bloody discharge is normal for several days after piercing.
Some soreness,mild bleeding and redness maybe experienced initially. Signs of infection include a bright red ring around the piercing, a burning pain in the piercing or surrounding area or pain when touching the stud/ring itself.
If you develop signs of infection see your GP.
It is important not to irritate the ear therefore sleep on the opposite side to the piercing and use the unpierced ear for talking on yhe telephone.
Care of your tongue piercing.
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