There is NO foolproof set of aftercare instructions for a healing tattoo. Everybody is different and there is always a risk of an allergic reaction or problems.
All have different ingredients and it is in your best interest to read them and look for anything that you know to be a problem. For example some products contain BEES WAX , common sense will tell you that if you are allergic to bees, it might be a bad idea to use the product….
SIGNS OF A GOOD/NORMAL HEALING TATTOO
The tattoo will go through a period where they peel, the skin that peels will be the color of the tattoo, and it will literally look like your tattoo is flaking off the more even the tattoo peels the better the tattoo will look when it is completely healed, underneath the peeled skin you will have healing skin cells that will cause the skin to seem milky rather than transparent, don’t worry about this, you tattoo will be bright in no time, it’s all part of the healing process.
SYMPTOMS OF BAD REACTIONS / BAD HEALING CAUSED BY AFTERCARE
Aftercare reaction is one of the leading causes of a badly healed tattoo.. Some things to look for are extreme seeping/heavy scabbing, excessive inflammation, and most of all a rash (little bumps) or excessive pimples. If you think that you are having a reaction to your aftercare it is VERY IMPORTANT that you consult your artist ASAP, you can save your tattoo if you deal with the situation right away…
OTHER CONTRIBUTORS OF A BAD HEALING TATTOO ……. If you are having a problem with your healing tattoo done at a reputable shop, it more times than not IS your choice of aftercare, a few other things that will cause a tattoo to heal badly are…
NEGLECT – If you don’t practice good personal hygiene, pick your tattoo, let clothing stick to it, scrub your healing tattoo in the shower your tattoo will NOT look nice when it heals, do the right thing and take care of your investment you’re going to have it the rest of your life…
YOUR HEALTH – If you have immunity deficiencies, blood disorders such as diabetes, or are on certain medications such as steroids or blood thinners your tattoo tattoo could be affected, it is a good idea to consult your doctor if you suspect there may be a problem.
SUN EXPOSURE – The sun is your tattoos worst enemy, if you expose your healing tattoo to the sun it can react with the healing ink and literally burn it from the inside out, so UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES expose your healing tattoo to prolonged direct sunlight. Even a healed tattoo will fade when exposed to the sun or tanning beds with time, if you must expose your HEALED tattoo to those nasty UV rays be sure to use a high SPF SUNBLOCK (at least 30)
EXPOSURE TO TOXINS / BACTERIA – If you work/live in an environment with dirt and filth you run the risk of infection, nursing homes/hospitals, being around animals, toxic metals/chemicals, and filth of all kind can cause a SERIOUS infections, be smart and use common sense …. If you have a tattoo on your hand/forarm and you work on a farm or change a diaper you run the risk of an infection …. The possibilities are endless …….
DAMAGED SKIN – If your skin is week, sun damaged, thin, or an artist overworks the tattoo it will cause the tattoo to heal badly
ALLERGIC REACTIONS TO LATEX OR TATTOO PIGMENT – If you are allergic to latex you will more than likely know before you get your tattoo. Let the artist know, NITREL or VINYL gloves can be used… signs of allergic reactions are extreme rash/redness in the case of latex (gloves worn by the artist)
An allergic reaction to tattoo ink is VERY RARE but is possible, if you are allergic to a pigment it will be evident certain colors in your tattoo bubbling and raising off of your skin resembling a SEVERE scar. If you are concerned about having a reaction to tattoo ink ask your artist about doing a “prick test” where a small dot of each color to be used in your potential artwork is tattooed under your skin at least 24 hours before your tattoo …. If you have a lot of allergies sometimes it is better to be safe than sorry….
We hope this has helped, together we can make your tattoo/healing experience a good one and give you a beautiful piece of living artwork that will last a lifetime…
Tattoo Inks
The composition of tattoo pigment colors is as follows:
• Black – Carbon (India Ink), iron oxide, logwood
• Blue – Cobalt aluminate
• Brown – Ferric oxide
• Green – Chromic oxide, lead chromate, phthalocyanine dyes
• Purple – Manganese, aluminum
• Red – Mercuric sulfide (cinnabar), sienna (ferric hydrate), sandalwood, brazilwood, organic pigments (aromatic azo compounds)
• White – Titanium oxide, zinc oxide
• Yellow – Cadmium sulfide
Allergic reactions to red tattoo pigments are the most common and may be caused by a variety of pigments, especially mercury sulfide (cinnabar). Alternative red dyes have been developed because of the problems associated with red tattoo pigment containing Mercury; however, red reactions still continue to be reported. Various allergic reactions can occur, red is usually the color responsible however; yellow, green and blue are the next most common.
OUR AFTERCARE STEPS:
1. Always your wash hands before touching your new tattoo
2. Wash with White Dove Soap or Spectra Gel, Twice a day until healed
3. Rinse off extra carefully with luke warm water
4. Pat the tattoo dry very carefully (never rub). Best to use disposable paper towel.
5. Apply a thin coat of Lubriderm or Curel (ALWAYS UNSCENTED) or Webber
6. Your tattoo must always be moisturized
7. Avoid submerging under water or exposing it to direct sunlight for a month.
8. DO NOT PICK AT IT!
Any other questions, please contact us.
