DO NOT PUT VASELINE OR ANYTHING ELSE ON PLEASE PLEASE. just keep it clean and dry, do not moisturise, take no notice of anyone who says you should. Once it starts to heal it will go dry and seem to crack like a scab, but leave it well alone and let nature take its course. It will be fine after that process and then no smudges etc.Cookie monster said:Just had my first one done and was wondering what to do at night. Been told not to rub it but its on my arm and I know it will rub over night. Been told not to use cling flim as it suffocates the tattoo and doesnt let it heal properly. So what should I do. Leave it open or wrap it in something and if so what?
Thanks.
Oil everywhere! said:Nappy rash cream does the trick the one I used when I got my last tattoo was Bpanthen ,this was recommended by the artist.
That is RUBBISH, I am a Doctor and know what I am talking about, leave it alone and just keep it dry and clean, end of.the--dud said:I've got three friends who are tattoo artists, my wife has about 15 tattoos and I've got a few myself.
I'll tell you what is most effective in terms of not messing up your tattoo, not what doctors recommends or some standard tattoo artist advice
Keep it wrapped up for the first day and night or two (yes it traps in moisture and some sweat but it's still the right thing to do).
2-3 times a day change the cling film, when it's off - if your tattoo is very clammy or bloody - you can let some lukewarm water run over it. Make sure to dry it completely by dabbing it GENTLY with a SOFT cloth.
On the second to maybe 4th/5th day: Apply bepanthen 2-4 times a day to the tattoo (be careful not to use too much, your skin needs to soak it up). Keep doing the same as above in regards to water.
At this stage it shouldn't have gone scabby yet so you can apply the bepathen without too much worry.
Depending on how you skin heals and everything it will start going crust, it's CRUCIAL you don't scratch or pick at it at this stage! Even if it's the worst fucking most annoying itch you've ever felt don't scratch it. Running some luke/cold water over it should ease the itching a bit as well... Just DON'T scratch it ;)
Eventually the scab will fall off (1-2 weeks) - then you're in the clear.
If it doesn't look pretty you can now go shout at the tattoo artist ;)
[bigimg]http://blog.anglianhome.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/wrong.jpg[/bigimg]mcfc-fullstop said:That is RUBBISH, I am a Doctor and know what I am talking about, leave it alone and just keep it dry and clean, end of.the--dud said:I've got three friends who are tattoo artists, my wife has about 15 tattoos and I've got a few myself.
I'll tell you what is most effective in terms of not messing up your tattoo, not what doctors recommends or some standard tattoo artist advice
Keep it wrapped up for the first day and night or two (yes it traps in moisture and some sweat but it's still the right thing to do).
2-3 times a day change the cling film, when it's off - if your tattoo is very clammy or bloody - you can let some lukewarm water run over it. Make sure to dry it completely by dabbing it GENTLY with a SOFT cloth.
On the second to maybe 4th/5th day: Apply bepanthen 2-4 times a day to the tattoo (be careful not to use too much, your skin needs to soak it up). Keep doing the same as above in regards to water.
At this stage it shouldn't have gone scabby yet so you can apply the bepathen without too much worry.
Depending on how you skin heals and everything it will start going crust, it's CRUCIAL you don't scratch or pick at it at this stage! Even if it's the worst fucking most annoying itch you've ever felt don't scratch it. Running some luke/cold water over it should ease the itching a bit as well... Just DON'T scratch it ;)
Eventually the scab will fall off (1-2 weeks) - then you're in the clear.
If it doesn't look pretty you can now go shout at the tattoo artist ;)