Adhesive Bandage Healing Steps

Days 1-3:

• Leave bandage on as-is for up to three days. Larger tattoos or tattoos with heavy color may need the bandage to be replaced within 24 hours of the original bandage application.

• The bandage should be removed or replaced as soon as possible if any of the following occurs:

  • Irritation and excessive redness around the bandage (remove bandage and don't re-apply, could be an allergic reaction to the adhesive)

  • Fluid leaking outside the bandage (remove or re-apply)

  • Bandage has peeled up and is no longer covering the entire tattoo (remove or re-apply)

  • Large amount of ink accumulated in the bandage that lasts for more then 12 hours (remove or re-apply)

• If the bandage is removed early and not re-applied, follow the steps for traditional tattoo healing starting with the day the bandage was removed.

Days 3-10:

Remove the bandage from the tattoo by day 3. It is usually peeling up at the corners by this stage, and is easier to remove when the adhesive has been weakened by running it under warm water. Remove the bandage by grabbing an edge and pulling in whatever direction hurts the least. Go slow and take your time. If you have sensitive skin, removing the adhesive bandage can be painful.

After removing the bandage, you'll want to wash, dry, and moisturize your tattoo 2-3 times a day for the next 7 days.

WASH:

• Use a gentle, unscented soap and clean hands to gently wash the tattoo.

• Tattoo may feel sore the first week of healing and have some warmth. The feeling is similar to healing a bad sunburn. After washing, tattoo will feel like fresh skin, it should no longer feel slimy or crusty.

• Never scrub the tattoo or use washcloths or any other bacteria harboring item to clean the tattoo.

DRY:

• Use a paper towel or let the tattoo air dry before applying moisturizer.

• Never use a towel or any other reused fabric item to dry the tattoo.

• I like to air dry my tattoos and use the time to admire them in the mirror ;-)

MOISTURIZE:

• Use a gentle, unscented ointment or lotion to moisturize. For the first few days it may be more comfortable to use an ointment (like aquaphor) instead of lotion (like lubriderm). Anything gentle or for sensitive skin is fine, you can use tattoo specific products but your tattoo will heal solid and bright whether you use basic or fancy lotion.

• Some recommended brands are Lubriderm, Aquaphor and Aveeno.

• If any soap or moisturizer burns when applied, wash it off immediately to avoid excess irritation. Try using a more gentle or unscented product, or switch to ointment if using lotion.

• Never over-apply ointment, the skin should be able to breathe while healing for best results. The skin should look shiny but not have a noticeable layer of ointment on top.

After healing, moisturize the tattoo as needed to keep your tattoo looking it's best!

Traditional Healing Steps

Days 1-3:

For the first 3 days you'll want to wash, dry, and moisturize your tattoo at least 3 times a day.

WASH:

• Use a gentle, unscented soap and clean hands to gently wash the tattoo.

• Tattoo may feel sore the first week of healing and have some warmth. The feeling is similar to healing a bad sunburn. After washing, tattoo will feel like fresh skin, it should no longer feel slimy or crusty.

• Never scrub the tattoo or use washcloths or any other bacteria harboring item to clean the tattoo.

DRY:

• Use a paper towel or let the tattoo air dry before applying moisturizer.

• Never use a towel or any other reused fabric item to dry the tattoo.

• I like to air dry my tattoos and use the time to admire them in the mirror ;-)

MOISTURIZE:

• Use a gentle, unscented ointment or lotion to moisturize. For the first few days it may be more comfortable to use an ointment (like aquaphor) instead of lotion (like lubriderm). Anything gentle or for sensitive skin is fine, you can use tattoo specific products but your tattoo will heal solid and bright whether you use basic or fancy lotion.

• Some recommended brands are Lubriderm, Aquaphor and Aveeno.

• If any soap or moisturizer burns when applied, wash it off immediately to avoid excess irritation. Try using a more gentle or unscented product, or switch to ointment if using lotion.

• Never over-apply ointment, the skin should be able to breathe while healing for best results. The skin should look shiny but not have a noticeable layer of ointment on top.

Days 3-10:

Repeat wash, dry, and moisturize steps, but only 1-2 times a day as needed.

After healing, moisturize the tattoo as needed to keep your tattoo looking it's best!

Do's and Don'ts

DO:

• Keep tattoo moisturized and avoid drying it out

• Keep tattoo clean

• Get plenty of rest and eat healthy after your tattoo

• Wear loose fitting clothing to avoid fabric rubbing on the tattoo

DON'T:

• Don't submerge the tattoo the first 2-3 weeks of healing. This includes rivers, lakes, hot tubs, pools, and even baths. Wait until you have a fresh new layer of skin over the area before submerging the tattoo.

• Don't put sunscreen on a fresh tattoo. Wear loose-fitting sun protection while healing to avoid sunburn or skin damage that could affect the tattoo healing.

• Don't scratch, pick, or itch the tattoo.

• Don't heavily exercise the first few days after your tattoo.

• Don't go to the beach or on an intense vacation right after getting a tattoo.

• Don't touch your tattoo unless your hands are freshly washed and you are cleaning or moisturizing the tattoo.

• Don't let other people or animals touch your tattoo while healing.