All about aftercare.
Caring for a new tattoo can be confusing and tricky. If you have any questions, please contact us. Feel free to send photos of your healing tattoo as well. Fargo Cass Public Health advises all clients to consult a physician at the first sign of infection.
Basic Aftercare
Avoid direct sunlight for two weeks
Avoid submerging your tattoo in water for two weeks (baths, lakes, pools, hot tubs, etc)
Avoid intense workouts for 2-3 days after your tattoo. Light exercise is perfectly fine, just be mindful of your new tattoo. :)
Derm Shield (translucent and looks like a second skin):
This is a breathable, latex-free, water-resistant bandage.
Leave the bandage on for 3-4 days, if possible.
The bandage is water-resistant, but not waterproof. You may shower normally, but try not to expose the bandage to too much water!
A buildup of excess ink, blood, and plasma is perfectly normal. Don’t worry– your tattoo is not smearing or falling out! This plasma will reabsorb and help your tattoo to heal.
If this fluid leaks from your bandage, remove the bandage right away and clean the tattoo with antibacterial soap. Do not try to re-adhere it to your skin as it can trap bacteria.
Do not poke holes in the bandage or attempt to drain the plasma.
When removing the bandage, peel it off slowly parallel to the skin (like removing a command strip from the wall. It comes off in small pieces. This tends to be a lot less uncomfortable. This is best done in the shower (heat and moisture will help it come off easier).
After removing the wrap, wash thoroughly with a gentle liquid soap to remove any build up that is on your tattoo. Keep your tattoo clean and use a plain, unscented lotion 2-3 times a day for the next 3-4 days. Beyond this point, moisturize as needed until your tattoo is healed.
If you need to remove the bandage sooner than directed, follow the care instructions below under “Non-Adhesive Bandage” for the remainder of your healing.
Non-Adhesive Bandage
Keep your bandage on for at least 1 hour. Keep it on no longer than 12 hours. Make sure you are ready to wash your tattoo right away after removing the bandage. Waiting will cause the excess plasma to dry onto your tattoo, which can cause infection and/or make scabbing more likely.
With clean hands, wash your tattoo using antibacterial liquid soap and warm water. Rinse well with warm water and pat dry with a clean paper towel or let air dry. Do not use a bath towel.
Washing your tattoo should be done at least 2 times a day, but you may wash it up to 3 times if needed. After you have washed and dried your tattoo, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion. Too much lotion can cause an excess of moisture, which may lead to scabbing.
Continue this routine for 1-2 weeks or until your tattoo has completely finished peeling. This process should be similar to a sunburn..
Recommended Aftercare Products:
Antibacterial liquid Hand Soap (No bar soap)
Liquid Dial hand soap
Dr Bronners
Unscented, uncolored Lotion from a pump dispenser
Lubriderm
Aveeno, etc
Ointment:
Aquaphor Spray
A&D
(Avoid containers where you put your hand in and scoop out the lotion/ointment)
A majority of brands created specifically for the purpose of tattoo aftercare are great options. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions! We are always glad to help!
