When getting your first tattoo, always follow your artist’s advice and instructions to avoid problems such as damage or infection. Ignoring these can lead to a faded and ugly tattoo. Proper care is crucial during the healing process to ensure the tattoo remains beautiful and great for years.
Ten Things NOT To Do When Healing Tattoos- The Answer
[su_note note_color=”#D3D3D3″ radius=”6″]Don’t scratch your tattoo. Remove the bandage after a few hours, follow aftercare instructions, and protect it from sun and water. Avoid heavy creams and keep it covered. Dismiss myths, seek professional advice, and watch for signs of infection, consulting a doctor if needed.[/su_note]
1 – Pick or Scratch Your Tattoo
When your new tattoo feels itchy, resist the urge to scratch or pick. Doing so can damage the appearance of your ink, fade the color, and introduce bacteria and germs into the open wound, causing infection.
This not only prolongs the healing process but also requires treatment of inflamed and bleeding skin. Remember, what seems harmless can have serious consequences for your fresh tattoo.
2 – Keep It Uncovered
After your tattoo session, you’ll be sent home with a drainage bandage to initially protect the new tattoo. It’s crucial to remove this cover-up after a few hours to allow air to circulate around the tattooed area, preventing tattoo scabbing.
Avoid tight-fitting clothes and sunlight, which can cause sunburn and ink leakage. Opt for clothing you won’t mind getting dirty as your tattoo heals and manages potential Bruised tattoo.
3 – Don’t Follow Your Artist’s Instructions
While you may find various articles on aftercare for your fresh ink, it is critical to follow the instructions provided by your artist, who understands your skin type and the healing process. Professional artists at reputable Philadelphia tattoo shops are equipped with the knowledge to guide you effectively.
Ignoring their instructions can lead to your tattoo being ruined. If you have questions, always reach out to your artist; they are happy to talk and help ensure your ink heals properly.
4 – Get Out Into The Sunlight
Exposing a fresh tattoo to the sun can damage the ink, so it’s crucial to cover your tattoo with loose-fitting clothes if you must go outside. Additionally, applying a thin layer of Vaseline can provide a protective barrier.
When unavoidable sun exposure is anticipated, consider applying a sunscreen specifically recommended by your tattoo artist for tattoo care, after ensuring the Vaseline layer is fully absorbed.Always talk to your artist to determine the best lotion or protective measures to keep your tattoo safe from the sun’s harsh effects.
5 – Jump Into Hot Tubs And Pools
As your tattoo heals, it’s crucial to stay away from standing water like pools and hot tubs. These are breeding grounds for bacteria that can lead to a nasty infection.
Since a tattoo is an open wound, spending time in such environments can introduce germs into your skin. Protecting your new ink from these potential hazards ensures a safer healing process.
6 – Use Heavy Creams And Perfumes
Applying a thick layer of lotion or perfumed creams to a sensitive skin area where you have a new tattoo can impede its ability to heal properly.
These products can trap moisture against the skin, potentially leading to a longer healing process and possible problems with infection. It’s crucial to let your tattoo receive fresh air, and avoid using heavy products that could harm the delicate healing tissue.
7 – Show Off That Fresh Ink
While you might be ready to show off your new ink and parade it around your friends, it’s essential to keep people away from touching your tattoo. Your tattoo needs time to rest and recover before it’s fully healed.
Resist the urge to rip off the covering too soon. Instead, give your tattoo a few weeks to properly heal. This patience ensures your artwork will look its best once it’s finally time to reveal it.
8 – Believe In Old Wives’ Tales
Many falsehoods surround the healing process of tattoos. Some people believe that actions like slapping a tattoo will help set the ink or that removing scabs might speed up the healing process.
However, these beliefs can actually harm your new ink. Rather than following advice from a friend of a friend, it’s essential to talk to your tattoo artist, who will be happy to give the right instructions for your tattoo care.
Always rely on professional guidance to ensure your tattoo heals properly and retains its beauty.
9 – Don’t Give Your Skin A Chance To Calm Down
It’s important not to rush the healing process of your tattoo. Remember, a tattoo is for a lifetime, and some tattoos may take longer to heal depending on the location of the ink.
While you might feel anxious for the healing to end, typically it can take up to a month to heal completely. During this time, it’s crucial to relax and treat your skin with tender loving care to ensure it recovers properly.
10 – Ignore Red Skin Or Swelling
If your skin feels warm or turns a red color, it’s a clear sign that you may have an infection. Never ignore these issues. Severe infections can cause you to become extremely sick and might even necessitate a visit to the hospital.
Recognizing these symptoms in time can be crucial. Consulting a doctor early on can prevent further complications and ensure proper treatment.
Frequently Asked Question
What if my tattoo is not healing properly?
If your tattoo isn’t healing properly or seems infected, see a doctor immediately. To help it heal, avoid swimming and direct sun for a couple of weeks, keep the tattoo dry, and don’t wear tight clothing that could irritate the area.
How do you know if your tattoo is healed wrong?
If you notice fever or chills, it might mean your tattoo is infected or you’re allergic to the ink. Other signs include redness, oozing liquid, swollen or puffy skin, prolonged itching or hives, and scarring. These symptoms indicate that the healing process isn’t going well and should be checked by a professional.
Is it normal to regret a tattoo right after?
Many people regret a spontaneous decision to get a tattoo within a few days. Even some who spent years thinking about it have regretted their tattoo shortly after. Regret can happen regardless of planning.
How to overcome a bad tattoo?
A reasonable way to deal with a bad tattoo is to have it faded via laser. This fading occurs to the point that the unwanted tattoo can be covered with the tattoo you originally desired. For more information, you can view the laser tattoo fading and coverup process details.
