Getting a new tattoo means breaking the skin, which increases the risk of infection. It’s crucial to treat your tattoo like a wound initially to minimize this risk.
How to minimize infection risk and take care of your tattoo
- Avoid touching, scratching, or picking at your new tattoo to prevent introducing infection.
- Wash and dry your hands before and after handling your tattoo.
- Your new tattoo will have tiny skin breaks from the needles, so keep it covered with a sterile dressing provided by your practitioner for at least an hour after getting it done. Remove the dressing within 5 hours when you get home.
- After removing the dressing, gently wash the tattoo site with warm water and pat it dry with a clean paper towel. Avoid rubbing to prevent irritation.
- Shower instead of bathing to minimize water exposure to the tattoo.
- Use only recommended tattoo aftercare cream 2-3 times a day to help healing and prevent skin cracking. Avoid petroleum-based creams as they may affect the tattoo’s color.
- After about two weeks, any scabbing should be gone, and the area should be completely healed in another 10-14 days.
- Avoid swimming, gym activities, sunbathing, and direct sunlight until your tattoo is fully healed to prevent skin irritation.
- Wear loose, cotton clothing to minimize rubbing and irritation on the tattoo.
- Keep your tattoo covered and protected if you work in a dirty or oily environment.
- Contact us immediately if you have any problems or queries, or if you notice signs of adverse reactions or infection. They will refer you to a GP if necessary.
Dermalize
Dermalize Protective Tattoo Film is an advanced solution for tattoo aftercare during the initial healing stage. It acts as a second skin, shielding tattoo wounds from germs while allowing the skin to breathe. This innovative film promotes natural healing by preserving the body’s fluids and enzymes, ensuring beautifully healed tattoos.
The thin, self-adhesive film creates a moist healing environment, crucial for the initial healing phase. It safeguards the new tattoo from friction and forms a waterproof, antibacterial barrier against pathogens and contaminants. Despite its protective qualities, the film remains breathable, permitting oxygen flow and the release of excess moisture vapor from the wound. Its lightweight, flexible nature allows it to conform to any body part and remains intact for several days, preventing scabbing, infection risks, and damage from external factors.
Instructions for using Dermalize at home
Your tattoo artist has already applied the first layer and instructed you on its use. Here’s a recap of what to do at home:
- Leave the first piece of Dermalize Protective Tattoo Film on for up to 24 hours. The duration may vary based on individual fluid levels and tattoo characteristics. If discomfort or irritation arises, remove the film and follow standard aftercare instructions.
- After 24 hours, remove the Dermalize film (soften with warm water if necessary), wash your tattoo with warm water and mild soap, pat dry with paper towels, and let it air dry for 5 minutes.
- Apply a fresh Dermalize sheet as demonstrated during your session, ensuring full coverage and a secure seal. Keep this second layer on for approximately 3 days.
- After 3 days, remove the film, wash the tattoo again with warm water and mild soap, pat dry with paper towels, and apply your aftercare cream.
- Wash your tattoo three times daily, pat dry, and apply aftercare cream until fully healed. Avoid picking or scratching the tattoo and minimize contact with animals to reduce infection risks.
FAQs
Can I shower with Dermalize?
Yes, you can shower and bathe normally. Dermalize is waterproof and will stay put on the skin even when immersed in water. To avoid the adhesive bond from weakening, excessive exposure to water should be avoided.
How long can Dermalize film stay on my skin?
First layer, applied during the tattoo session – 24 hours.
Second layer, applied by yourself at home, 3-4 days. It can stay on for as long as it’s comfortable. 3-4 days is common.
This is a breathable barrier and will protect your tattoo.
Is it normal for a tattoo to weep?
The tattoo will “weep” under the film and some of the ink will weep out as well. This is normal.
Certain tattoos weep more or less, depending on a lot of different factors. Your body excreting plasma and “weeping” is a completely normal beginning to the tattoo healing process. However, excessive weeping may negatively affect the adhesion of the film. If you are experiencing excessive weeping, you will simply need to clean the tattooed area more often than normal, by removing the first film sooner then 24 hours.
Can I have a bath when my tattoo is healing? How much aftercare cream should I use?
Completely soaking the tattoo in a bath can cause the scabs to become saturated with water and roll off before they are healed pulling the ink out with them. The same thing can happen if they are saturated with ointment or moisturizer so only put enough on so the area doesn’t crack with movement. Using too much balm, cream or ointment can clog pores and cause a break out on or around the tattoo.
Can I go swimming while my tattoo is healing?
No. Open water such as oceans, streams, lakes, and rivers are full of bacteria so avoid these completely. Exposing the tattoo to bacteria in open water could cause infections.
Chlorinated water is also bad for tattoos. Chlorine is a chemical and can irritate the healing tattoo. Irritation can cause it to heal much slower and often cause damage to the appearance of the tattoo.