DAYS 1 -3: Your new tattoo will be somewhat tender, and will feel like a new sunburn. The care of your tattoo is your responsibility. How you care for it in the first few days determines the way it will look forever. DO: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
* Remove bandage carefully - wet in shower first if it seems to stick.
* Wash tattoo with warm water and a mild soap, lathering with hand.
* Rinse tattoo well with warm water, until surface of tattoo feels squeaky clean.
* Pat tattoo dry with a clean, disposable paper towel.
* Apply small amount of ointment to tattoo and work into skin
* Blot excess ointment with a clean paper towel
* Tattoo should not be greasy - LESS IS MORE! If you would like to put a bandage over your tattoo, please use a sterile bandage with a non-stick surface. DO NOT: * Do not use washcloth, loofa, or sponge to wash tattoo!
* Do not dry with a towel. Cloth towels can harbor bacteria!
* Do not touch tattoo with dirty hands! Do not let anyone else, either!
* Do not apply excessive lotion or ointment. Tattoo should not look "soggy"
* Do not use products containing aloe vera , alcohol, or cortisone.
* Do not expose tattoo to natural or artificial sunlight for a minimum of 3 weeks
* Do not soak in tub, pool, or lake. All contain bacteria!
* Do not pick or scratch tattoo! Use a little lotion for itching. * Your pets lick their genitals……Do not let them lick your tattoo. DAYS 4 - 14: Stop using the A+D ointment and swith over to a non-fragrant lotion. Healing tattoos will peel and flake; small bits of colored skin will shed. It may not look as "crisp" as the first few days and may appear "hazy". This is completely normal, and will clear up in 2- 3 weeks. Continue to wash and dry tattoo three to five times a day, as directed for in day one. Apply lotion 4-6 times / day, being sure to use a small amount only, and work it in. PRODUCTS WE RECOMMEND: SOAP: Liquid dial or equivalent antibacterial hand soap
LOTION: Lubriderm, Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion(NOT JELLY), or A+D Ointment and Aquaphor
Things to be careful of during the healing period:
A piercing is healed by your body, not by cleaning agents. Aftercare simply helps your body be in the optimum state for healing. All pierced areas should be clean and free of contaminants. An antibacterial soap is a good starting point for the cleaning of most (not all) piercings. Be sure that your regular soap does not contain any fragrances, moisturizers or deodorants. These can irritate the area. In addition to keeping the area clean, you should eat well, drink a lot of water, take your vitamins and be well rested. These things will all help your body heal. Salt water soaks can be used, but are not generally recommended for piercings other than the mouth.
TORSO PIERCINGS AFTERCAREGently wash piercing and surrounding area with antibacterial soap. Carefully remove all crusty formations from the piercing and jewelry. Rotate jewelry. Rinse off soap and rotate jewelry again, making sure all soap residue is gone. If piercing is slightly infected or irritated, soak it with antiseptic solution and work it into the piercing by rotating the jewelry, and allow it to soak for one or two minutes. Always rinse off all cleaning agents after cleaning your piercing. Warm saltwater soaks remove crusty deposits and secretions during healing. General healing times are:
FACIAL PIERCINGS AFTERCARE
These piercings are best cleaned with Bactine twice a day. Any crusty formation around the piercing and on the jewelry should first be softened and removed with a cotton swab dipped in warm water or warm salt water. Apply and rotate the cleaning agent through the piercing. Allow piercing to soak for one to two minutes before rinsing with warm water. Avoid heavy lotions, make-up, foundations or powders during the healing process. Cover piercing with hand or tissue when using hair spray. General healing times are: Ear lobe: 4 weeks; Eyebrow: 4-8 weeks; Nostril: 6-12 weeks; Ear cartilage: 8-12 weeks; Septum: 6-12 weeks.MOUTH RELATED PIERCINGS AFTER-CARE
Tongue – Use a 50/50 solution of antiseptic mouthwash and water for at least 15 seconds after putting anything in your mouth other than water (this includes cigarettes). Avoid giving oral sex (receiving is fine) and wet kissing during the initial healing period. Try to avoid alcohol and spicy foods, and try to do everything slowly (i.e. Eat small bites slowly and speak slowly at first). Do not use straws for at least two weeks. General healing time: 1 week for your tongue to become “mostly functional” again, and 4-6 weeks for total healing.
Lip, Labret, Cheek – Should be cleaned on the inside as described for tongue piercings, and on the outside as described for facial piercings. Occasional warm salt water rinses can be used. General healing time: 6-8 weeks.GENITAL PIERCINGS AFTERCARE
Genital piercings should be cleaned following the instructions for torso piercings. However, the cleaning products may irritate the urethra in both men and women. For piercings that pass through the urethra (Prince Albert, Apadravya, Ampallang), drink a lot of water and urinate often, especially after cleaning, to flush out any residues in the urethra opening. Your urine is sterile to your body. Women should take care not to let any cleaning agent enter the vagina, as yeast infections may result from the depletion of bacteria. Genital piercings should be cleaned after intercourse as well. Use of a condom is necessary during the healing period, and oral contact should be avoided. Also, certain lubricants and spermicides may irritate piercings. How long does a piercing take to heal? General healing times are:
STRONG ANTISEPTICS
MILD ANTISEPTICS
ANTIBACTERIAL SOAPS
MOUTH-RELATED CLEANING AGENTS