How to Care for Your Tattoo

Tattoos are a very popular way of expressing yourself through a permanent drawing on the skin. If you’re thinking about getting one, you should know some basic things about how to care for your tattoo.

Tattoos are made by tiny needles with ink that puncture your skin and inject the ink under the skin. The art of tattoos has been practiced worldwide for a long time. Designs can be made on almost any part of the body. The time required to complete a tattoo may vary depending on the complexity and size of the design. Since the skin is penetrated there are some health risks involved like infections and allergic reactions.

To prevent any infections and fading of the tattoo you must take care of it properly, find out how to care for your tattoo:

After you get a tattoo a bandage will be placed on it in order to prevent any bacteria from coming in contact with the area.

The bandage should be kept on for at least 2 hours. Some tattoo artists suggest leaving the bandage on for 24 hours.

After the bandage is removed wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and antibacterial soap a few times a day to keep it clean. Do not rub the tattoo just massage gently, wash away the soap and pat dry with a clean towel.

After each wash apply antibacterial ointment for the first 5 days and after that use unscented moisturizing lotion.

Avoid soaking your tattoo in water for the first 2 or 3 weeks, quick showers should only be done.

Scabbing and peeling may occur after a few days. Do not pick or scratch the scab, wait until it comes off on it’s own. Your tattoo is healing so don’t peal it off to avoid scaring.

When the tattoo has healed you will need to protect it from the UV rays. The sun’s ultraviolet light may cause the tattoo to fade so always apply sunscreen on it for protection.