Use an unscented lotion
Apply an unscented daily hand lotion such as Curel®, Lubriderm® or Jergens®. Use a water- or glycerin-based lotion with little or no aloe vera, vitamin E or fragrance.
New tattoo care
Keep it clean, let it breathe and do not soak it.
A tattoo can look healed before it has finished healing inside the skin. Follow the instructions for the full healing period to reduce irritation, fading and the risk of infection.
First care
Bandage, washing and drying
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Remove the bandage
If the bandage does not release easily, run cool water over it until it is saturated. Let the bandage fall back under its own weight. This may take a few minutes and helps prevent damage to the tattoo.
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Wash the tattoo
Use cool water and a mild, unscented liquid antibacterial soap such as Hibiclens®, Provon® or Dial®. Use only your fingers to work up a lather. Once the tattoo is clean and feels smooth, rinse it well. Wash twice daily.
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Be careful in the shower
Do not allow shower water to hit the tattoo directly. Let water hit the body above the tattoo and trickle over it. Wash the tattoo last so other shower products are removed from the area.
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Dry with clean paper towel
Press firmly with a clean paper towel to remove water and press out fluid. Do not wipe the tattoo once healing begins. Never use a cloth towel because it may carry bacteria.
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Ice only as needed
When the tattoo stops weeping into the paper towel, an ice pack wrapped in clean paper towel may be applied briefly. Do not over-ice because it restricts blood flow in the skin.
Moisturizing
Start lotion after 3-5 days
Avoid petroleum products
Do not use petroleum-based products such as A&D® or Vani-Cream®. They may cause irritation, fading and loss of lines or color while the tattoo heals.
Use only a small amount
Apply lotion one or two times daily and work it completely into the skin until no product remains on the surface. The skin should appear dry, not shiny or wet.
Continue long-term care
Continue applying lotion one or two times daily for the next year. Do not over-moisturize; excess moisture promotes scabbing and may pull out color.
Protect the tattoo
Air is good. Soaking and ultraviolet light are not.
Do
- Leave the tattoo open to the air after the original bandage is removed.
- Wash twice daily and keep the tattoo clean.
- Use clean paper towel and clean hands.
- Continue aftercare until the tattoo is fully healed.
Do not
- Do not re-wrap the tattoo.
- Do not pick, scratch or peel the tattoo.
- Do not allow water to hit it directly or swim or soak for 30 days.
- Avoid well water and natural water because they may lead to infection.
- Do not expose the tattoo to sunlight or other ultraviolet rays while it heals.
Healing
What to expect
About 30 days
Tattoos take about 30 days to fully heal. The surface may look healed in about two weeks even though the tattoo is not healed inside the skin.
Scabbing and color changes
The tattoo may scab and some color may appear to have come out. Some color can return as the top layers of skin finish sloughing off and the tattoo heals.
Consult a health care professional at the first sign of infection.
Possible symptoms include fever; redness that spreads or forms a red streak; swelling or heat; excessive pain or tenderness; or pus draining from or around the tattoo.