Tattoo aftercare

[halocog]

Hello, I just got my first tattoo yesterday. My artist told me to use A&D cream on it multiple times per day and cleaning it with non-scented antimicrobial soap gently. Does this sound right? I've done a lot of googling on it, and every site I go to says to do different things.

[lxskllr]

Sounds reasonable. I don't have tattoos myself, but I think that's pretty close to what others that do have them have done. I figure the artist knows best, or at least good enough. If he was giving bad advice, he wouldn't have customers for long.

[LordJ]

Everyone's skin is different...my tattoos have a lot of colors and A&D always seemed to pull a lot of ink out.....what works best for me is to keep it clean and just leave it alone...when it gets too dried out I used some unscented lotion sparingly....YMMV

[jmdkodiak]

I agree with LordJ. I use Dial antibacterial hand soap about once or twice a day on them, and use Lubriderm unscented lotion a few times a day or so.

My cousin is a tattoo artist and I have many tattoos. Never had an issue doing this. I know lots of places try to sell you fancy aftercare products, but honestly, the simpler the better.

And don't pick at em, scratch them, etc.

[Nuusku]

Picture !

[jmdkodiak]

I'm guessing you don't mean me, but here is what I had done on Monday. Slowly but surely coming together.

[lxskllr]

Looking good. Nice detail on the feathers.

[muddyfunkstar]

Every tattooist I've been to has recommended a different aftercare regime, and a different cream/lotion.

The basics are the same. Keep it clean, don't soak it in water, so no baths or swimming (showers are fine), no steam rooms or saunas, don't rub it dry, don't pick the scabs, and apply some sort of cream/ointment to stop the scab getting too dry.

[LordJ]

The basics are the same. Keep it clean, don't soak it in water, so no baths or swimming (showers are fine), no steam rooms or saunas, don't rub it dry, don't pick the scabs, and apply some sort of cream/ointment to stop the scab getting too dry.

I believe this is also PP's home remedy for Vietnamese "cold sores".

[Roo]

Yeah sounds like PP's old 'Patpong Dong' remedy

[Bigblue1]

I don't have tattoos but I get severely dry and cracked hands sometimes from having to clean off paint or joint compound or other rather caustic things. The absolute best lotion I've found after trying most of them is Mane and tail hoof maker from straight arrow the original horse to human crossover. This stuff is amazing. You can rub it in your hands and it instantly absorbs. I can use it and snap my fingers seconds later. My buddy I work with turned me onto it and now I will use nothing else. I actually just bought their shampoo yesterday from Walgreens for $2.99 for 32 ozs on sale usually $7.99. can't wait to try it tho It will probably last me over a year. I would definitely use the hoofmaker on a tattoo if I ever got one.....

[OregonNative]

Hello, I just got my first tattoo yesterday. My artist told me to use A&D cream on it multiple times per day and cleaning it with non-scented antimicrobial soap gently. Does this sound right? I've done a lot of googling on it, and every site I go to says to do different things.

I've got a few tattoos, and I followed basically the same thing. The only thing I'd change would be the following. Use A&D cream for 2-3 days, then switch over to an unscented lotion. That A&D is gross stuff (very oily), and will give you pimples like crazy. You need it for a couple of days, but make sure that tattoo doesn't dry out. Keep it covered in A&D then lotion until it has healed.

Don't let the water directly hit your tattoo for a few days (when you shower/wash it). Let the water run down onto the tattoo. Then apply the soap, (I find unscented "Dial" gel soap works best - unscented, antimicrobial, and the gel is easier to apply than using a bar) rub it gently over the entire area, then wash off. Do this a few times a day.

[devilock76]

I have always used plain polybatricin on it. Cleaning is antibacterial (unscented). The key is not to rub the skin there in any way. So for example if you have to dry it pat it with a towel.

Another trick I got years back is of course when it itches you do not want to scratch it. However an option is to slap it. The slap stimulates the nerves in the same way as a scratch but no where near the skin trauma a scratch can do to your tattoo. Better to do neither but if the itchiness gets the best of you try a slap not a scratch.

Ken

[halocog]

It's on the side of my leg, and I have to wear pants to work. Suggestions?

[halocog]

Anyone? I have to go to work soon.