NO. WRONG.
Proper tattoo aftercare is extremely important to ensure that no infections or problems occur after tattooing and so that the tattoo is not damaged. It is very important to follow the guidelines laid out by the tattoo artist after leaving the shop. After leaving the tattoo parlor the tattoo artist is no longer responsible for any infections or problems that may occur after the procedure. If a new tattoo is not properly taken care of it can turn a beautiful piece of art into a hideous (and painful) disaster.
The Bandage:
The first step of proper tattoo aftercare is to NOT TOUCH THE BANDAGE. Though it may be frustrating to not immediately be able to take off the bandage, it is the only way to keep airborne bacteria from entering and invading your wound. A tattoo is considered a wound and raw flesh is a breeding ground for bacterial infections. To ensure positive results and keep your wound safe the bandage is to be left on the wound between 2-5 hours. The only exception to this rule is when a tattoo artist wraps the tattoo with saran wrap or some kind of plastic. Plastic wrap is detrimental to tattoos and must be removed immediately to ensure proper tattoo aftercare. Tattoos that are not properly taken care of can look like an oozing bacterial cesspool or like this.
Cleansing the Wound:
So now you have your tattoo and it’s been 2-5 hours since the bandage was placed on the wound. The next step of tattoo aftercare is to treat the wound and wish it gently. After removing the bandage use lukewarm water and mild antimicrobial soap to wash away the ointments, blood, and plasma from the area. If the wound is slippery then the wound is oozing plasma which must be gently removed to avoid scabbing. Use a clean tower or washcloth to pat, not rub, the area dry. Apply an antibacterial ointment to the tattoo are but make sure to AVOID NEOSPORIN. Neosporin is bad for tattoos because it causes an allergic reaction which forms red bubbles on the surface of the tattoos. When the red bubbles disappear, so does the ink. There are many commercial products such as Tattoo Goo that you can use but it is not necessary. Over the counter products are fine for tattoo aftercare as long as they are used for 3-5 days. After this period of time one can opt to use a lotion instead of an ointment but it must be dye and fragrant free. Keep in mind that the future results of your new tattoo depend on you persistently following the guidelines of tattoo aftercare. It may be tedious but it is necessary.
Showering, Hot tubs, and Swimming
It is totally ok for you to get your tattoo wet and to shower with it. Submerging a tattoo in a bath or a hot tub can cause serious damage and can be detrimental to your tattoo. One must avoid submerging themselves in water and swimming for atleast 2-3 weeks. This is very crucial and many people often forget causing their entire tattoo aftercare to go to waste. If shampoo or soap get on the new tattoo then just quickly rinse it off with water.
Scabbing and Sun Damage
A few days after getting the tattoo peeling and a little scabbing is not uncommon. Excessive scabbing is usually the mark of poor tattoo but a little bit is normal. Just be sure to apply a moist warm compress to the scabs for a few minutes 3 times a day. DO NOT peel off the scabs by yourself. By peeling the scabs you are damaging the almost healed tattoo and no tattoo aftercare procedure will be able to help you. If the skin itches slap it and if it peels then put lotion on it but make sure to let the wound heal by itself. After the tattoo has healed it is vital to protect it from the sun’s harmful rays. Use a minimum of 30spf sun block to keep the tattoo vibrant and colorful for many years to come.
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