by Lynne Colquhoun

Created on: January 18, 2009

You've just got a lovely fresh, new tattoo, and you want it to stay looking it's best for as long as possible. After you leave the tattooist, he or she is no longer responsible for any infections or any other problems you may have. A stunningly beautiful tattoo can easily turn into a disaster if proper aftercare is not practised. Follow these guidelines to ensure your tattoo looks great for a long time to come.

Leave The Bandage Alone!

Your tattooist covers up new tattoos for a very good reason. This is to keep air born bacteria from getting into your wound. It may just look like a pretty picture, but it's still a wound. Open flesh is an invitation for bacteria and infection. Bandage must be left on for a minimum of 2 hours. No matter how eager you are to show your friends, you must resist until you can remove the bandage. Some tattooists cover their finished work with saran wrap, or some kind of plastic. This is extremely detrimental to a tattoo, so in this case it can be removed immediately. You're better off not having any covering than to be suffocating you new tattoo with plastic wrap.

Wash and Treat

After bandage has been removed, you will need to wash your tattoo. You can do this by using luke warm water and a mild liquid antibacterial soap. This will gently remove any ointment, blood and plasma, and will completely clean the area. Do not use anything abrasive, use only your hands. Pat (do not rub) the area firmly with a clean towel or paper towel to completely dry. Vitamin A and D enriched cream is strongly recommended for applying after washing and drying.

Swimming, Showering and Bathing

It's OK to shower after getting a new tattoo. It's OK to get your tattoo wet, but do not soak it. Submerging your tattoo in a bath can cause serious damage, so avoid bathing for 2-3 weeks. So, stick with just showering for 2-3 weeks. Swimming of any sort (pool, fresh or salt water) should be avoided for at least 2 weeks.

Scabbing and Peeling

After a few days your new tattoo will have some peeling and possibly a little scabbing. Excessive scabbing could indicate a poorly done tattoo. A little scabbing, however is normal. Apply a warm moist compress to the scabs for about 5 minutes 2-3 times each day. This will soften them and they will eventually come off on their own. It will also start to itch when it begins to heal. Do not scratch and do not pick! If the skin starts to itch, slap it! If it peels, put a lotion on it! If it's scabbing, leave it alone!

Protection From the Sun

After your tattoo is healed you will want to protect it from the sun's ultra violet rays. These can fade and even damage tattoos. Tattoos should be protected with a minimum 30spf sunblock when in hot heat. This will keep your tattoo looking vibrant for many years and will give you great pride.

Learn more about this author, Lynne Colquhoun.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.