Aftercare

Tattooing Aftercare
Recommended ointments include Prep H, Bepanthan, Tattoo Goo

What is Normal
Itching, burning, Stinging, bruising, redness, swelling and some discomfort.
The formation of crusty looking scabs.
Pale or dull colours in the tattoo during the first two weeks of healing
(This is just new skin healing up, your tattoo will be back and bright in just a few days).

What Not to Do
Pick it, scratch it or play with the scab.
Expose your tattoo to untreated water such as lakes, streams or ponds.
Soak your tattoo for any length of time
(Exposure to water must be brief enough to prevent the scab from softening).
Expose your tattoo to direct sunlight or sun-beds until fully healed.
Over apply ointment to your tattoo.
Apply lotion to wet or damp skin.
Take the advice of others.

Cleaning (Use Antibacterial soap)
Remove dressing in one hour (DO NOT RE-APPLY).
Wash hands first and then your tattoo very well with antibacterial soap
(DO NOT USE SPONGES OR CLOTHS).
Pat dry with a new clean paper towel.
Continue to wash your tattoo in this way 2 -3 times a day for the next 7 – 10 days.

Lotion (Use none fragrant/Dye free lotion)
Wait 24 hrs after being tattooed to start applying any lotion.
On the first day of application, only apply a pea size amount of lotion to your dry skin.
On the 2nd day apply the same amount twice at different times in the day.
On the 3rd day apply the same amount three times during the day (repeat for two weeks).

DO NOT OVER LOTION YOUR TATTOO!
Using too much lotion will draw out the colour in your tattoo and can cause many complications.
Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing and be nice to your new tattoo.