So you've got the tattoo you wanted and are dying to show it off to your friends, but wait, don't succumb to the temptation and pull off that offensive bandage yet. You need to give your wound a few hours to heal.
Wait for at least two hours before you remove the bandage unless the artist has covered your tattoo with a plastic clear wrap in which case, the sooner you remove it the better for the wound.
Your tattoo is at its most vulnerable soon after it is completed so you need to keep it safe from airborne infections. The tattoo is after all a skin wound and needs the same amount of protection and care as when you hurt yourself and have an open flesh wound.
Keep lukewarm water ready in a clean basin, and some anti-microbial or anti-bacterial soap. Also keep the ointment suggested by your artist handy. Wash your hands thoroughly.
Gently remove the bandage and wash the tattoo with the lukewarm water and clean the wound with your hands; do not use any rough material to scrape the wound.
Gently scrub the dried blood and plasma as much as possible with your hands. Then take a clean paper towel and dab the wound repeatedly until it is completely dry.
Let it air dry for a few minutes and when you are sure there is no moisture, apply a small quantity of the prescribed ointment onto the wound. Any ointment with Vitamins A and D, and anti-bacterial properties are best suited to prevent infection.
If your tattoo is on a lower limb, keep it elevated a bit to prevent and reduce swelling. And keep your dogs and cats from licking your tattoo.
Never use Neosporin or Peroxide as it tends to react with the pigment and cause reddish bumps that result in your skin looking like polka dots.
Keep the tattoo area clean and dry always and keep applying the ointment followed by a lotion to make your skin soft.
You cannot swim or soak in your bathtub for at least two weeks following the procedure as it is important to keep the wound as dry as possible and also to prevent fading of the colours of the tattoo.
If the tattoo starts developing scabs, leave the scabs alone as it will fall off on its own. You can gently dab the tattoo with a clean damp towel to soften the scabs. You might develop some itching, but don't scratch, just apply some lotion if you notice any peeling of the skin around the tattoo.
Never expose your tattoo to indirect or direct sunlight. Using an effective sun-block cream might protect the tattoo but it is better not to take that risk. Don't shave over the tattoo until it is completely healed.
Most importantly, listen carefully to your artist's guidelines on after-care of your tattoo and follow their instructions implicitly. Never listen to your friends and do something that is in direct contradiction of your artist's advice. Remember that your tattoo artist has the experience and the expertise so would know what is best.
Mairead O'Hara loves writing about health and beauty tips. In this article, she shares vital information on the immediate after care of tattoos. For more information on getting the best tattoos Sydney and finding the most hygienic tattoo shops Sydney, visit
http://www.tattoossydney.com.
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