Aftercare
It is very important that you follow these guidelines. A really beautiful tattoo can turn into a disaster if the proper aftercare is not taken.
Wash and Treat
You will want to wash your tattoo. Use lukewarm water and mild, antibacterial or antimicrobial soap to gently wash away any ointment, blood and/or plasma and to completely clean the area. Do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive.(If your tattoo feels slimy and slippery, you have probably been oozing plasma. Try to gently remove as much of this as possible - when the plasma dries on the skin surface, it creates scabs.)
Then pat (do not rub) the area firmly with a clean towel or paper towel to get it completely dry.
Follow with a very light application of your choice of ointment.
Specialty Products and Lotions
If you prefer, you can also use a specialty product. It's not necessary, as many over the counter products work just fine, but it's your choice. Use the products as directed as continue for 5 to 14 days. After that, continue to keep it clean, but you can use lotion when needed instead of ointment, to keep the skin soft. Whatever lotion you use, it should be dye and fragrance free.
Bathing, Showering, Hot Tubs, and Swimming
Yes, you can shower with a new tattoo. It's ok to get your tattoo wet - just don't soak it. Submerging your tattoo in a bath or hot tub can cause serious damage, so you'll want to avoid those for 2-3 weeks, but showering is perfectly fine as long as you don't saturate your tattoo. If you get soap or shampoo on your tattoo, just remove it quickly with water. Swimming - whether it be a pool, fresh water or salt water - should be avoided for at least 2 weeks.
Scabbing and Peeling
After a few days, you will notice some peeling and a little scabbing. Excessive scabbing could indicate that the tattoo is not being cared for properly, but a little is normal and there is no need to panic. They will eventually come off on their own. You will also start to itch, just like a sunburn when it begins to heal. The advice here is, don't pick, and don't scratch.
Protection from the sun
After your tattoo is healed, from now on, you will always want to protect it from the sun's ultraviolet rays. These can fade and damage a brilliant tattoo very fast. Before spending a lot of time in excessive heat, protect your tattoo with a minimum 30SPF sunblock. This will keep your tattoo vibrant for many years, and it will continue to be a source of great pride.
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