Tattoo Care

1.1 General Advice From A Medical Doctor

After the session, the best treatment is simply that which one would give a bad sunburn. For the first few hours (or overnight) leave on the protective dressing supplied. After removing that dressing, clean gently with soap and water and apply a thin film of antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin or any of the triple antibiotic ointments available over the counter). That can be repeated during the day for comfort and sticky clothing. The process is repeated the second and third days. After that, keeping the area clean on a daily basis and (if you wish) lightly lubricated with some vaseline to minimize crusting also helps minimize the itch. Plastic surgeons keep wounds clean and moist for least scar formation. Do not go swimming for the first day or two after tattooing.

1.2 Common Misconceptions With No Basis In Reality:

1. “Vaseline makes a tattoo faded”. The ink is underneath the epidermis and the outer layer of dermis. There’s NO WAY that vaseline can get down through the epidermis to draw out any of the ink.
2. “Swimming makes a tattoo faded”. For the same reason as the above, pool chlorine does not get to the ink to fade it. Common sense precautions include not swimming in a public pool with a raw sore, such as a new tattoo while oozing or completely raw. After the first 2 days, the surface over the tattoo is impervious and (from personal experience as well as science background) it is OK to swim.

1.3 What Are Some Bad Things For My New Tattoo?

SAUNA OR STEAMROOM
Once it is healed, there is very little that will screw up a tattoo. The one exception is prolonged exposure to sunlight. (the other is scarring, but that is patently obvious).
SUNLIGHT
Well, unfortunately it is. The newer inks are better at resisting fading but whatever you do, if you spend lots of time in bright sunlight your tats will fade (over a lifetime, not over a week). Best to try and keep them out of bright sunlight. No one wants to become a cave dweller just to keep their tats looking good, so just use some common sense. Think of your tat as an investment--slather on that sunblock so it doesn’t turn into a dark blob.
Our culture has erroneously labeled the tan as healthy. Did you know that your tan is your skin’s way of dealing with the damage caused by the sun? It’s like the formation of a scab when you have a cut. You will pay for your years of sun exposure when you are in your 40s and 50s.

Leathery, wrinkled, dry skin with freckles and liver spots. Melanoma. Skin cancer. Regular visits to the dermatologist. Like I say, “There’s no such thing as a healthy tan!” Take it from a Hawaii local! I’ve seen my share of melanoma here, and they’re not even from surfers or beach bunnies!
Some people have gotten angry at me about this, telling me that they have a seasonal disorder that requires them to get some sun. A little bit of sun is okay (and it gives you a dose of Vitamin D). But all you need is a few minutes’ worth.
Tanning booths are not good for you! They are not regulated by the FDA, and the staff that work at these salons have been known to give out patently false information. Many salon operators will suggest dosages far exceeding industry recommendations, and the FDA would actually prefer that these booths be banned altogether. Do not believe the salon operators who tell you there is NO damage caused by their UV rays. There are indications that tanning booths emit rays that cause the type of damage that only shows up years later, when it is difficult to fault any one operator. Their industry motto is “tan safe.” There is no such thing as a SAFE tan, folks. Sorry.

1.4 It Is True That Suntanning To A Considerable Extent Not Only Damages Your Skin But Fades The Tattoos?

The UV light rays that damage skin can get below the outermost surface of the skin (that’s why skin cancers are promoted by excess suntanning).
The following is information about suncare and sunblock:
1.Try to use products that do not clog your pores. If your sunblock makes you break out or feel itchy, this may be the cause.
2. Avoid sunblock containing PABA, apparently found to be carcinogenic.
3. “SPF” stands for Sun Protection Factor. If you can normally stay out for ten minutes without getting sunburnt, then an SPF 2 should protect you for 20 minutes, an SPF 6 for an hour, and so on. HOWEVER, this does *NOT* mean an SPF 30 will let you stay out for five hours with just one coat. Keep your exposure limited to the minimum amounts, and always use an extra strong sunblock with at least SPF 30 for your tattoo.
4. “Waterproof” and “sweatproof” sunblocks protect you while in the water. However, reflections from the water add to your exposure. Make sure you use a high SPF number, and always re-apply your sunblock when coming out of the water.
5. Sunblock is not just for the beach! Make it a habit to carry one with you during the sunnier months so you can protect your tattoo always! The Watermelon Stick from the Body Shop is nice and portable, but in a pinch, a tube of lip balm (Blistik, etc.) will work, as long as it has an SPF. Dab a bit on your tattoo whenever you will be outside.

1.5 How Do I Care For My New Tattoo?

The artist that did your tattoo will have something very definite to say about the care of your new tattoo, and it is probably a good idea to listen to him/her. Many shops will have an information sheet listing care instructions.
The information provided in this section may or may not be the same method your artist offers. Regardless, there are three things to remember about caring for your new tattoo:
- Moiturize it
- Don’t overmoisturize it
- And whatever you do, Don’t pick your onion peel scabs!
Basically, as long as you follow these three points, you will be okay. However as people get more tattoos, they begin trying out slightly different methods. I have included several examples, and not all of them will work on everybody. Some people will find that they are allergic to some products. For example, I have always had a problem with Noxzema skin cream, which makes me break out with water-filled pimple-like things on my skin.
How do you know which method is best for you? It depends on the type of skin you have, and how sensitive it is. I suggest you try a patch test on your skin for a week or so to see if you react to the ingredients.
Having said that, I have personally discovered a very nice “new tattoo kit” that I now use whenever I go to get a tattoo. And the added benefit was that I discovered this “kit” in a sample size travel set, which I can easily pack in my travel bag.
The set that I now use is the Johnson’s baby product line. The kit includes baby powder, baby shampoo, diaper rash ointment, baby lotion, baby bath, and a bonus (in this case, a baby bib). I don’t need the baby bib, and the shampoo is just an added bonus for me. However, this is how I use the kit, especially when I’m getting the tattoo in another city:
Baby powder: I sprinkle a liberal amount on the hotel bed sheets to prevent my skin from sticking to the sheet.
Baby bath: A fruity-smelling liquid soap, it’s very mild and has minimal lathering. I pour a bit on my hand, rub into a light lather and wash the tattoo this way. It rinses off very easily with non-pressurized water, minimizing the risk of losing scabs.
Baby lotion: The Johnson’s brand feels non-greasy. *MY* skin does not like a layer of oily lotion, and until this, I used to pay lots of money for oil-free Oil of Olay (is that a contradiction in terms?). Goes on very lightly but keeps the skin moist.
Diaper rash ointment: Zinc oxide-based, I use this thick, non- greasy ointment on certain “contact spots” of my tattoo that may rub against clothes (i.e. bra strap, waist band).
I’ve found this travel kit selling for $2-$3 (US), and the small sizes work out just right for a smaller tattoo (no larger than 8”x8”. You *MIGHT* smell like a clean baby, though!
Other people will recommend different ointments and lotions. Some people swear by Tea Tree Oil (toner) from the Body Shop for its healing qualities. Others like A&D Ointment (marketed for diaper rash, I find it somewhat greasy), and the cheapest is probably regular Vaseline Intensive Care. If you live in a dry area and you’re prone to use a lot of lotion anyway, the last one, in a large pump bottle, may be your best bargain.
This section lists treatments to give you an idea of the breadth of suggestions offered. These have been given “titles” using some unique facet of the method, and is thus named only for the sake of convenience. These methods are NOT actually called these. Each set of instructions is followed by commentary. Special thanks to Lance Bailey for this section.

1.6 Minimal Moisturizer Method Ancient Art Tattoo, (Orlando, FLA)
Ancient Art puts a heap of vaseline on the new tattoo and then bandages up the whole thing, they give you these instructions:
Tattoo Care Instructions:
1. Remove bandaid in 18 hrs.
2. Wash tattoo immediately, with soap and water When washing off the tattoo, there should be old ink & some body fluids. At this state there is little that can harm the tattoo. 3. When skin feels like normal wet skin, pat dry.
4. Put nothing on the tattoo for 3 days.
5. From the 4th day, apply the *tiniest* amount of lotion possible once a day to keep it from drying out completely; gently work it in. (Mike suggests a drop for a 1”x4” piece).
6. Do not get the tattoo wet; moisture is your enemy.
7. Do not permit sun on tattoo.
8. Do not get the tattoo wet; moisture is your enemy.
9. Scabbing may or may not occur. Scabbing is normal. Do not pick scab.
10. Do not get the tattoo wet; moisture is your enemy.
His strongest advice: “MOISTURE IS THE TATTOO’S ENEMY”.
On using Vaseline: Neosporin is Vaseline-based, & doesn’t hurt.
On using Neosporin: Not really neccessary, but it doesn’t hurt. Strong warning: Never let the shower directly hit the tattoo.
This procedure is how I healed the four I got at Ancient Art and they seem to be the slowest to heal. After 2.5 weeks, they still have scabs. sigh.
Lance Bailey says: I used to go to great lengths to keep my tattoos moist while healing. But now, looking at the ink I healed then, and other art which is not much older but healed without all the moisture, I see that the ones where I kept it real moist to prevent any scabs are a lot fainter--grey where the others are still black. I quite literally drew a lot of the ink out of the piece. Yes, it is important to keep the tattoo from drying out, but a scab is part of the normal healing process, and trying to fool mother nature is risking trouble. Your mileage will of course vary.
1.7 Pat-With-Listerine Method From Tattoos Unlimited (London, Canada)
1. Change your bandage within two hours, wash hands before touching tattoo,
2. Clean tattoo with soap and water, pat w/ Listerine for a few minutes.
3. Apply Polysporin Ointment & bandage. Repeat this process 4 times a day until tattoo is healed.

This is how I healed the first four or five tattoos. The theory is thatby keeping it covered with ointment, you don’t form a scab -- and no scab means no scab problems. UNFORTUNATELY, this method also draws out a lot of the ink and can result in a pretty pale tattoo. sigh. I would not recommend this method for a good final result, although it can heal up a tattoo in as little as a four days if you use Vitamin E and Polysporin.
1.8 The Wait-24-Hours-To-Take-Off-Dressing Method From Joker’s Wild (London, Canada)
1. Remove bandage after 24 hours while you are showering.
2. Use a mild soap then pat dry
3. Allow tattoo to dry for 24 hours.
4. Apply supplied healing lotion 4 times a day. Do not use anything else on tattoo then the supplied cream.
5. When using the healing cream, use it sparingly, you want to moisten your tattoo, not soak it.
6. Do not soak your tattoo in the bath for 2 weeks.
7. Do not swim in chlorinated water for 2 weeks
8. Do not tan your tattoo for 2 weeks
9. If your tattoo does happen to scab, do not pick.
Roland at Joker’s Wild (no longer there) also recommended protecting the new tattoo from the shower. Since all of mine are on the lower leg, he suggested putting a bag over it which is a bit of a pain, but probably worth it.
This is how I healed the 3” X 6” piece on the front of my shin with theexception that I washed it gently at least twice a day to clean off oldointment. I am very pleased with the result.
1.9 The Coconut-Oil-Itch-Relief Method From Blue Dragon Tattoos
(London, Canada)
For effortless healing of your new tattoo please follow these directions carefully.
1. VERY IMPORTANT. Leave sterile dressing covering tattooed area for a minimum of 2 hours.
2. If desired, dressing can remain on tattoo for a maximum of 24 hours.
3. After removing dressing (non-stick), gently wash tattooed area with soap, pat dry with a clean towel.
4. Apply Polysporin twice daily until healed. Usually 3-6 days.
5. Refrain from picking or scratching tattoo during the healing process. Damaging the light scab formation will result in poor colors in your tattoo. If tattoo irritates, apply a slight smear of pure coconut oil.

I have never tried this method; the owner of Blue Dragon and I don’t seem to get along. Pity because one of my favorite artists now works there.
1.10 The Huck Spalding Method From Huck Spalding`s “Tattooing A To Z”
1. Bandage(*) should stay on for at least two hours.
2. Remove bandage, rinse gently with cold water and blot dry.
3. Apply Bacitracin ointment 4 x a day and blot out the excess.
4. Keep tattoo fresh and open to the air. Do not bandage.
5. For the first week, avoid swimming or long soaking in the water.
6. For the first month, avoid too much exposure to the sun.
7. Do not pick or scratch scabs
8. Itching is relieved by slapping or alcohol.
9. Keep tattoo covered with loose clothing.
* Bandaging Summary 1. After tattooing clean whole area w/ green soap & white paper towel. 2. Spray it with alcohol and hold a paper towel on it. 3. apply film of Bacitracin ointment. 4. Cover with bandage or Handi-Wrap and securely tape it on.
I have yet to try this method, but have seen a few tattoos which have been bandaged with handi-wrap and they turned out just fine. (Huck writes that the handi-wrap stops people from peeling off the bandage in the first few hours to show friends.)
1.11 The Noxzema Method From Lance Bailey
This method is recommended by Suzanne at Creative Tattoo (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
1. Remove bandage after 4 - 5 hours.
2. Wash gently with soap or water.
3. Do *not* scrub or soak until completely healed (usually a week). Showering, however, is OK.
4. Usually neccessary to re-bandage.
5. Keep tattoo OUT OF THE SUN or tanning booths while healing. Once healed, ALWAYS use sunscreen on colors.
6. We reommend Noxema Medicated Skin Lotion twice a day to aid healing & comfort. DO NOT USE Vaseline, oils, anything greasy, or anything with cortisone. Oils block your skin from contact with air, inhibiting healing
7. Tattoo “peels” in 4-7 days. Do not pick or scratch!

“Your tattoo was applied with sterile equipment and procedure, and with non-toxic colors. We guarantee the workmanship. Healing and caring of your tattoo is YOUR responsibility.”
This is how I healed a 3-inch band around my right ankle. While the healing was more like 2 weeks, I also protected it from the shower with a bag. For the last few tattoos I noticed that after I stop covering it in the shower (after about 2 weeks), the tattoo seems to speed up in healing. I suspect that this might be either timing (it was ready to heal), or the action of the shower helps to knock of any dead skin thus promoting better healing.
I only used a wee bit of Noxzema twice a day, leaving the art “moist and glistening” but with no “smears of white cream.” Am very happy with this method. The cream really does help the itching and the final result is a good deep black.
Under the Berne Convention, this document is Copyright (c) 1997 by Lani Teshima-Miller, all rights reserved. Permission is granted for it to be reproduced electronically on any system connected to the various networks which make up the Internet, Usenet, and FidoNet so long as it is reproduced in its entirety, unedited, and with this copyright notice intact. Web sites are included. Individual copies may also be printed for personal use.