by Bailey Shoemaker Richards

Created on: October 03, 2009

There are several steps to take and things to be aware of when taking care of a new tattoo. In order to keep a tattoo looking as crisp, fresh and clear as the day it was applied, it's especially important to care for a new tattoo in the days and weeks after its creation. Taking good care of a tattoo from the start will ensure that upkeep later on will be less difficult and will help prevent the tattoo from fading as quickly as well as aid in avoiding experiencing blotching or smearing of a new tattoo.

First and foremost, choose a reputable tattoo parlor to do the actual work. Tattoo parlors are required to be licensed and good tattoo artists will not only be skilled at the tattooing itself, they will be trained in how to keep the tattooing process sanitary. A good tattoo artist will not only provide samples of work during discussion of a tattoo design, he or she will also dispose of all needles and ink tubes after one use and provide clients with a list of instructions on how to care for a tattoo.

These instructions need to be followed. A tattoo will be covered following its application; because a tattoo is technically a wound in the skin, it is easy for bacteria to infect the tattooed are and this can cause health complications, in addition to ruining a tattoo. After a few hours, the bandage can be removed, with a couple of exceptions. If a tattoo is wrapped in cling-wrap or saran wrap, that bandage should be removed immediately since it will not allow the tattooed skin to breathe. Additionally, if a tattoo artist advises that a bandage be left in place overnight or for longer than a few hours, those instructions should be obeyed.

After the bandage is removed, there are still things that need to be done to take care of a new tattoo. The area should be washed, gently, with warm water and a gentle soap -baby soaps are best for this, as they are designed for sensitive skin. Do not scrub the area with a washcloth; it is best to use only hands, soap and water on a new tattoo. When drying a new tattoo, pat it with a towel; do not rub the skin with a towel. After the tattoo has been thoroughly dried, apply a protective ointment; some tattoo parlors will provide a small packet of ointment with each towel. It is best to avoid Neosporin, as some people have reactions to it that leave the tattoo looking spotty. Use an ointment designed specifically for tattoos.

The ointment is made to help speed the healing process and reduce the effects of the natural oozing ink -which

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