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Aftercare

Tips on how to care for a tattoo! How you can ensure that your tattoo heals correctly and looks great.

Once your tattoo has been completed, the artist should apply an ointment and gauze (sometimes), then cover the tattoo in clear plastic. This bandage should be kept on for an hour (though time varies from artist to artist. this is just my prcedure).

After the recommended time has passed, remove the bandage and wash the tattoo with soap and cool water. The cool water is necessary in order to keep the pores closed thus preventing further ink loss. The tattoo will still be sore and tender. Do not apply any more bandages from this point forward. Begin to apply lotion 4 to 6 times daily. My recommended lotion is Lubraderm; it must have no fragrance and no acidic contents and of course no coloring. Jergens is not recommended. Petroleum based products (including A&D and Vaseline) should not be used because they don't allow the skin to breathe, which can result in folliculitis (an infection of the hair follicles, which results in little white pustules, or bumps on the tattooed area.) A&D MAY be successfully used if not for the fact that most people put WAY too much on.

After about 4 or 5 days, you will begin to notice that your tattoo is scabbing or flaking. This is normal. If you apply too much lotion, the scab will become thick, soft, and somewhat painful. If this is the case, wash the tattoo and let it air dry for 24 hour. If you allow the scabs to become too thick, when it does become loose, you run the risk of your tattoo not being flush with the skin, because scarring has occured.

Under no circumstances are you to pick or scratch your tattoo during the healing process, the scabs will flake away on their own (DO NOT try to quicken the natural healing process). If you do scratch away the scabs, you most likely will pull away the underneath, softer, healing tissue. This is the worst thing that can happen, because there will be no ink present in the scratched away area and the scar tissue may not accept ink during a touch up.

After all healing has taken place, you should have a tattoo that is bright, flush, and full of color with no scars or spots. In the case of spots any good artist will touch it up for free. The reason being is the tattoo artist would not want you to show people your tattoo and tell them that it's his/her work, that cuts down on his/her business. Of course unless it is your own fault. And an artist can tell if it is your fault.

Do not go swimming until your tattoo is completely healed. Water will cause the ink to "fall out". Also try to stear clear of soaking your new tattoo in the tub. Instead, take showers and get out as quick as possible during the healing period. Blot, don't rub your tattoo dry. Rubbing it with a towel or cloth is just as bad as scratching and picking.

When your tattoo is completely healed and/or touched up, their are a few things that you should keep in mind in order to maintain the quality of your tattoo. If you are going to go in the sun make sure that you use sunblock, the sun can do a lot of damage to your tattoo. If you plan on tanning, there is a sunblock that comes in stick form so you can easily apply it only to the tattooed area. Though, this does leave a light colored area around your tattoo (though, that could also enhance the noticability of your ink). Also you should could continue to apply lotion once in a while to keep your tattoo looking great. Follow these tips and you will have the best results possible

Just in case

What is an infection?

An infection is foreign matter that enters the body through the skin, mouth, nose, or any other body membrane and reproduces. Infections can be bacterial or viral and can be contracted in various ways.

Infections are generally marked with redness in the early stages. Usually the red area will produce more heat than the surrounding areas. Later stages include swelling, discharge, and/or necrosis.

Infections do not always automatically occur from any tattoo practices. Sometimes your body's defenses are let down when using the wrong lotion/ointment for your skin, or chafing and irritation due to contact with clothes, objects you work with, especially in manual labor. In other words, infections do not always come from the artist that did your work. In fact, they are more likely to come from other sources.

For instance an infection is more likely to manifest in a motorcyclists gloved hand, than if he were to refrain from riding for a few days (touching a new tattoo with dirty hands is a sure fire way to get an infection). Another good source for an infection is to have pets. Never let your pet touch or lick your fresh ink. Remember, your dog probably drinks out of the toilet and eats from the trash when you aren't looking.

Bacterial Infections are usually treated successfully with antibiotics. Only in the worst cases of strep and staph are you going to lose some deep tissue. Viral Infections are less apparent, and generally do not appear on the surface of the skin (except in cases like herpes)

The only way to kill a virus is to kill the host, so be sure your tattooist is up to date on all health and safety techniques, and has had training in such techniques.

How do I treat an infection?

There are some measures you can take if you are uninsured and a doctor is a last resort. The first thing you want to do is let the tattoo dry out. The drying causes scabbing sometimes, but moisture gives an infection a perfect environment to keep breeding. DO NOT under any circumstance use an antibiotic ointment. If you have an infection, it is too late for neosporin. Products like that are for prevention, not as medication. The next step is to cleanse your infection at least 3 times a day with a good antibacterial soap, drying the tattoo with a paper towel after each washing. Surgical soaps work very well, but stay away from any form of Iodine as it may discolor your tattoo, and peroxide will eat the tissue that is trying to heal. My recommendations are Hibiclens Surgical Soap or Bactine. Do not rub the tattoo. Just because you have an infection, does not mean the tattoo is completely and permantently ruined.

If your infection worsens, see a doctor immediately. If you feel any signs of weakness, or fever, your condition may worsen very quickly. This advice applies to only superficial, manageable infections.

Any doubts about whether you can deal with it or not, consult a phycisian. Though do be prepared to get the all too famous "tattoo talk".

For more information regarding aftercare or general information visit ATCS2003.com. There are many artists there that will be more than happy to answer any questions you have regarding tattoos, inspiration, design ideas, or anything else you can think of.

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