by d Frank

Created on: March 03, 2011

So, you just got a new tattoo and it’s incredible!  Maybe it has lots of color, or amazing character, or even something eye-popping!  The basic care of a new tattoo is basically the same. 

1.  Keep That Bandage On!

-I know that the first thing you want to do is rip that sucker off and show the new ink to all of your friends.  TRY not to do this until you have the all of the necessities for cleaning it around.

  *Before touching anywhere near your tattoo WASH YOUR HANDS!

2.  To Wash or Not to Wash

Some people recommend taking of the bandage and washing right away.  Other tattoo artist say not to.  So what the answer?   Usually right after you have a tattoo is when it is most susceptible to infection.  My choice is when you take your bandage off you need to wash it.  Remove the bandage, you might see some clear liquid coming off of your tattoo.  That’s completely normal.  This is plasma it’s your bodies friend for when you have an injury.  The plasma is trying to help it heal. 

  -The keyword is GENTLE.  Be nice to your tattoo when washing it.  Don’t scrub but rather pat.  Pat all excess plasma    and gel or lotion off.  I would use very mild soap.  I always use cheap liquid antibacterial soap that’s not scented.  It contains a lot of water so it’s not as harsh as Dial.  Some people also use lotion soaps like Provon.  With the soap remember less is more.  Your tattoo will need to be moist and you don’t want to dry it out too much.  Gently pat the soap around your tattoo and then carefully wash it off with water.  Wash clothes are most likely too harsh.   Here you should use your hands and fingertips.

-If you can’t reach your tattoo, (mine was on my back if you can imagine) ask a friend to help.  Think about this before going to your tattoo appointment, you don’t want to be sitting in your bathroom with the bandage already off and think, hmmm… I don’t think I can reach all of it.

3. TREAT it Nice

 -After you have painstakingly washed your tattoo you need to put ointment or lotion on it.  A&D comes highly recommended because it contains Vitamins A and D, hence the name.  It’s also cheap and can be found just about anywhere.  Be wary of Neosporin because of the zinc contents it might contain. 

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