Societal expectations surrounding tattoos have certainly evolved over the last few decades. Although the tattoo machine has remained relatively unchanged since its invention in the late 1800s, the people who receive skin art are now just as diverse as the inked designs themselves. Once thought to be reserved for motorcyclists, gang members, and sailors, tattoos are now common in all demographics and walks of life.

Pre-Ink:

When preparing to receive a tattoo, one of the most important things you can do is a little bit of research before you even select an artist and facility. After all, the tattoo is completed with a needle and involves blood, so you will want the environment in which it is done to be as sterile as possible. Check out the tattoo parlors in your area to see which ones impress you as being the most sanitary. Do not hesitate to ask for a tour. You should see an autoclave, which is a machine that is used to sterilize non-disposable equipment. Some additional things to look for include: brand new needles being used for each customer, new bottles or packets of ink being used for each customer, water and/or liquid soap being sprayed onto a tissue rather than directly onto the tattoo so that blood does not become airborne, and gloves being worn at all times by the artist (as well as being changed when they become soiled.) Tattoo artists use rules known as "universal precautions"to help prevent the spread of disease. These rules are part of the Bloodborne Pathogens Rule, which is regulated by the EPA. The same rules apply for hospitals, so the tattoo parlor you choose should live up to the same expectations that you would have for a doctor's office or a hospital.

Make sure to ask your tattoo professional how you will need to care for your tattoo after it is completed. If he or she responds that you will need to use Bacitracin, Neosporin, or other antibiotic, you may wish to choose another tattoo studio. This is an indication that the facility is not completely sterile, otherwise there would be no need to kill bacteria after the tattoo has been finished. Additionally, these products are petroleum based. Petroleum does not promote healing, and after several days of use, would cause your tattoo to form a large, heavy scab. A good deal of the pigment in your tattoo would then be shed along with this scab.

Post-Ink:

The proper way to care for a fresh, healthy tattoo does not involve applying antibiotic ointment. It does, however, rely on keeping the skin clean, supple and moist. Once your new tattoo has been completed, the artist will cover the area with a medical quality sterile bandage. This bandage should remain on your skin for about two hours. If you receive your tattoo at night, you may wish to leave the bandage on while you sleep. It is important to protect your fresh tattoo, but healing begins when the wound is exposed.

After approximately two hours, remove the bandage and gently wash the area with a mild soap. It may feel a tad bit slimy, which is okay. New tattoos tend to ooze a little bit of white blood cells mixed with ink pigment. This is normal and safe, as long as it does not dry and stick to you. If your garment has stuck to the tattoo, get in the shower with the garment still on, and allow the water to soften up the crusted area before pulling the garment away from your skin.

When washing your tattoo, an antibacterial soap is not necessary, but will work if it is what you have available. Steer clear of any soaps that are harsh and heavily fragranced in favor of something more gentle. Do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive. It is very important to use a delicate touch with your hands only. Once you have finished washing your new body art, gently pat it dry with a paper towel, (do not rub!) Do not use the hand towel that is hanging in your bathroom, as these tend to breed bacteria.

After drying your tattoo, apply a thin layer of moisturizer. Again, shy away from any product that is heavily fragranced. Some moisturizers, such as Tattoo Goo, are made specifically for tattoo care. A fragrance-free and dye-free lotion, such as varieties of Curel and Eucerin, will do the trick. Many lotions now contain sunblock, so make sure to avoid these. The most beneficial lotion ingredient for your tattoo is glycerin. Many lotions are alcohol based, which evaporates off the skin. Your goal is to promote healing, not to have the lotion disappear off of you. For the first week, you will want to wash your tattoo two to three times a day. Lotion can be applied as frequently as once an hour, or any time the skin feels tight or itchy. Apply just a small dab each time, as you want the lotion to sink in and not form a heavy layer on top of the skin.

Follow-Up Ink Care:

For the first two to three weeks, the manner in which you care for your tattoo is very important. If you experience itching, and slight peeling on top of the design, this is completely normal. Resist, under all circumstances, the urge to pick at or scratch your tattoo. This can badly damage the design- so hands off! Continue to cleanse and moisturize your tattoo in order to keep discomfort to a minimum.

Showering with your tattoo is fine. However, submerging it in water, whether it is fresh water, salt water, or chlorinated water, should be avoided for at least two weeks. Avoid hot tubs for at least three weeks, as the hot water and chemicals can be very damaging. Stay out of direct sunlight as well. If you receive a tattoo on your arm or other area that is frequently exposed, you may wish to keep a jacket or long sleeved shirt with you for the first three weeks to cover the tattoo when needed.

On a long-term basis, you should always cover your tattoo with sunblock when it is going to be exposed. (And shouldn't we all be wearing sunblock all the time anyway?) Tattoo ink is injected underneath the first layer of your skin, called the epidermis. This layer is susceptible to sun damage, which can therefore affect the appearance and clarity of the design. It is therefore best to protect your body art with SPF 30 any time it is exposed.

With a little bit of care, it is easy to have a beautiful, clear tattoo that will maintain its integrity for years to come. Take good care of it! After all- it's one of the only things you get to take with you when you go!

Learn more about this author, Susan Z. Miller.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about How to take care of a tattoo?
We want to hear your view. Write now!