Protecting Investments with Proper Tattoo Care
A tattoo is an investment. It is a permanent body modification, and for most wearers, it is an invaluable piece of artwork. It is something they chose or designed and experienced pain to bring it to life. In other words, a new tattoo is not something that should be neglected. Tattoo care is important in both protecting the new tattoo and the body; if wearers do not follow the care instructions provided by most tattoo artists, not only do the risk disfiguring their tattoos, they also risk disfiguring their skin or suffering serious infections and illnesses. Tattoo care is relatively simply, but it does require dedication, so wearers must be aware that the process of getting a tattoo does not end in the tattoo parlor.
Healing Wounds
When a tattoo artist finishes a tattoo, he or she will bandage it. This bandage should be kept on for about two hours, or overnight if the tattoo would otherwise be exposed to dirty sheets or clothing. When the bandage is removed, the tattoo should be gently washed with mild soap and water, clearing any dried blood or pus from the area. Mild soap is the key to tattoo care; it is powerful enough to prevent infection, but gentle enough to not disturb the ink. Once the bandage has been removed, the tattoo should never be re-bandaged. New tattoos need to breathe and stay moisturized in order to heal properly, and bandages and other constant coverings prevent this important step. Unscented lotions should be applied to the skin frequently; fragranced lotions are counterproductive during tattoo care due to the chemicals contained in the product.
Antibiotic creams are unnecessary and often do more harm than good. These medicines are only effective when there is an infection present; for tattoo care, moisturizing is the main obstacle, and lotions provide this better than any antibiotic cream. Lotions should be used for two to three weeks after the initial tattooing, multiple times a day. Tattoo care aims to prevent scabbing, since scabbing is formed from pigments being rejected from the skin. A scabbed tattoo can ultimately lead to fading. When the skin peels off rather than scabs off, healthy healing is present. Never should the tattoo be picked at or scratched during these important weeks, and no matter who touches the tattoo, his or her hands should be thoroughly washed.
For the first month or so, proper tattoo care requires some particular lifestyle changes. The tattoo should not experience direct sunlight or water. This means no swimming, no hot tubs, not sunbathing and no direct showers. If the tattoo gets wet, it should be patted dry, not rubbed; any rough contact can easily peel away a layer of skin prematurely, taking with it a layer of color. Contact sports and workouts should also be avoided during this critical period. While this part of tattoo care may prove difficult for some individuals, it is well worth it in the long run, as a little time off from the treadmill in return for a perfect tattoo is beyond a fair trade.
