YOUR NEW TATTOO:
Your new tattoo has involved breaking the surface of your skin and there is a possibility that, if not cared for properly, your tattoo may become infected. By following the advice provided in this leaflet you will be reducing the chance of anything going wrong with your tattoo
LOOKING AFTER YOUR NEW TATToo:
Your new tattoo is basically an area of tiny skin breaks which have been caused by the penetration of needles carrying ink into your skin. It is important that you keep wearing the sterile dressing applied by your tattooist for at least an hour after it is applied. This should provide enough time for the tattoo to stop weeping.
Once you remove the dressing, you should wash the tattoo gently with warm tap water and pat it dry with a clean tissue - try to avoid using towels, and definitely don’t use towels that other people have been using.
After washing and drying your tattoo, apply an occlusive skin cream to stop the skin drying out, provide an infection barrier, and reduce scabbing. We recommend Bepanthen. Vaseline is also an acceptable alternative, however ensure that it is new, old pots may harbour bacteria. Ensure this is done with an extremely clean hand, or cover the fingers with cling film or disposable gloves, or use a disposable spatula / pop stick. The cream must be oil based to sit on top of the skin and provide a barrier to germs and dust. A water based cream that soaks in to the skin, such as Savlon, will not do this.
You should aim to wash the area and apply the cream approximately 2 to 3 times a day for the first few days. Cream should continue to be applied 2 to 3 times a day to keep the skin supple until your tattoo is fully healed. You can not use too much cream. Some ink from the very top layers of skin may colour the cream, this is normal.
Everyone heals at a different rate and healing times depend on many factors. However, most scabbing (or "peel") should disappear within approximately 2 weeks - the next stage is for the tattoo to be covered in a “silver” skin which will last for about a week - in total, your new tattoo should be completely healed within about 4 to 5 weeks.
Any touch ups you may require in the instance of drop outs (more common in very delicate tattoos or hand tattoos) should be done after this fully healed period, at around 4 weeks.
Once you remove the dressing, you should wash the tattoo gently with warm tap water and pat it dry with a clean tissue - try to avoid using towels, and definitely don’t use towels that other people have been using.
After washing and drying your tattoo, apply an occlusive skin cream to stop the skin drying out, provide an infection barrier, and reduce scabbing. We recommend Bepanthen. Vaseline is also an acceptable alternative, however ensure that it is new, old pots may harbour bacteria. Ensure this is done with an extremely clean hand, or cover the fingers with cling film or disposable gloves, or use a disposable spatula / pop stick. The cream must be oil based to sit on top of the skin and provide a barrier to germs and dust. A water based cream that soaks in to the skin, such as Savlon, will not do this.
You should aim to wash the area and apply the cream approximately 2 to 3 times a day for the first few days. Cream should continue to be applied 2 to 3 times a day to keep the skin supple until your tattoo is fully healed. You can not use too much cream. Some ink from the very top layers of skin may colour the cream, this is normal.
Everyone heals at a different rate and healing times depend on many factors. However, most scabbing (or "peel") should disappear within approximately 2 weeks - the next stage is for the tattoo to be covered in a “silver” skin which will last for about a week - in total, your new tattoo should be completely healed within about 4 to 5 weeks.
Any touch ups you may require in the instance of drop outs (more common in very delicate tattoos or hand tattoos) should be done after this fully healed period, at around 4 weeks.
TIPS
If possible, shower rather than bathe during the healing period – this prevents unnecessary water exposure. Ideally the tattooed area should not be exposed to water fro more than a few minutes and ensure all soaps are rinsed well. – always pat your tattoo dry with a separate towel or tissue until it is fully healed.
Do not pick your tattoo as this will increase the healing time and will also lessen the quality of your healed tattoo. It may become itchy during the healing process, do not be tempted to scratch , a light tap over clothing may alleviate some itching if necessary.
Avoid swimming, sun bathing and sunbeds until your tattoo has fully healed – sunlight and chlorine can interact with the dyes in your tattoo causing irritation or inflammation of your skin, and public pools contain germs - even sea water is a risk.
Where possible, minimise the amount of “rubbing” from clothing by wearing loose fitting clothes around the area of the tattoo – this will minimise irritation of the skin around your new tattoo.
Keep your new tattoo covered if working in a dirty or dusty environment, clothing and cream is sufficient. Avoid rubber gloves for a week or two if possible for hand / wrist tattoos. Those who work with their hands and desire hand tattoos should ideally plan 2-3 days off work.
Ensure your tattoo is kept away from contact with pets or young children. It is advisable to cover your tattoo with clothing if it is in the door or ankle and you are walking around with your pets, during the first week, but take advantage when at rest of leaving it to the air.
Signs of infection: If your tattoo appears to be getting worse rather than better, or has swelling or redness beyond the second day that is not improving, this may be a sign of infection. Prompt treatment from your GP to be prescribed appropriate antibiotics is essential.
Do not pick your tattoo as this will increase the healing time and will also lessen the quality of your healed tattoo. It may become itchy during the healing process, do not be tempted to scratch , a light tap over clothing may alleviate some itching if necessary.
Avoid swimming, sun bathing and sunbeds until your tattoo has fully healed – sunlight and chlorine can interact with the dyes in your tattoo causing irritation or inflammation of your skin, and public pools contain germs - even sea water is a risk.
Where possible, minimise the amount of “rubbing” from clothing by wearing loose fitting clothes around the area of the tattoo – this will minimise irritation of the skin around your new tattoo.
Keep your new tattoo covered if working in a dirty or dusty environment, clothing and cream is sufficient. Avoid rubber gloves for a week or two if possible for hand / wrist tattoos. Those who work with their hands and desire hand tattoos should ideally plan 2-3 days off work.
Ensure your tattoo is kept away from contact with pets or young children. It is advisable to cover your tattoo with clothing if it is in the door or ankle and you are walking around with your pets, during the first week, but take advantage when at rest of leaving it to the air.
Signs of infection: If your tattoo appears to be getting worse rather than better, or has swelling or redness beyond the second day that is not improving, this may be a sign of infection. Prompt treatment from your GP to be prescribed appropriate antibiotics is essential.
If you have any problems or questions at any time then you should contact your tattooist – - to ask their advice in the first instance. It may be the case that they may refer you to your GP, or reassure you that what you are seeing is part of the natural healing process. In an emergency, you should always seek medical attention either at your GP surgery or at a hospital Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department.
You may find this health service sheet useful;
