Congratulations on your new tattoo!
Here’s how you take care of it and what to expect in the next few weeks.
What is Saniderm?
I use Saniderm, a clear bandage that lets your tattoo breathe while protecting it and aiding healing. Wear it for 24 hours, then replace it and wear up to six days if mostly dry. Fluid under the bandage is normal—it's blood, plasma, and ink exiting your skin. When fluid builds, remove Saniderm after a warm shower, pulling in the direction of hair growth to avoid discomfort. Redness is normal from skin movement. If uncomfortable, remove Saniderm to start the final healing phase.
What to do once the Saniderm is removed
Your tattoo may be partially healed already depending on how long the DermShield was able to stay on! Here’s how to take care of it after removal.
With clean hands, wash your tattoo with antibacterial soap. Please don’t use a bar soap or scented soap. Rinse your tattoo then air dry it or PAT GENTLY with a clean paper towel. Please do not wipe your tattoo.
Apply a THIN LAYER of natural ointment to your tattoo. I suggest Palmer’s cocoa butter or tattoo balm of your choice, however whatever works for you (so long as it doesn’t have any artificial fragrances or dyes and isn’t Aquaphor or Neosporin) go for it!
Please wash your tattoo once in the morning and once in the evening.
The first few days after your tattoo you may experience pain, redness, swelling, and it may even be warm to the touch. Please don’t worry, this is normal and comparable to a bad sunburn.
After washing it and applying ointment for a few days, you will experience peeling and itching. You may develop scabs. Please do not pick your scabs, this could damage the tattoo. Your tattoo will itch but don’t scratch! With a clean hand, slap your tattoo to alleviate the itch. You can switch to an unscented lotion in place of ointment after a few days (remember, very thin layer!)
Continue to wash, dry, and moisturize your tattoo for the next few weeks. Some people heal faster or slower than others depending on your body but people usually heal by the three week mark.
What to avoid
Please do not submerge your new tattoo in water. Please do not go swimming or take baths until fully healed. Showers are fine.
Please avoid wearing tight clothing around the body part you’re tattooed during the healing process (for example, if your tattoo is on your forearm, try to wear short sleeves as much as you can)
Please avoid direct sunlight
Please avoid sleeping on your tattoo
Please avoid direct contact with your pets around the tattoo
If you have any questions about healing, please feel free to contact me at khali@gothgirltattoos.com