Ten Things NOT To Do When Healing Tattoos

All tattoos need to go through a healing process. You need to take the advice of your artist and follow their instructions. If you fail to adhere to those steps, you can damage your tattoo or end up with an infection. Remember that a tattoo is an open wound. Ignoring instructions can leave you with a whole list of problems.

You will want to follow your artist’s advice when you get a tattoo, especially when it is your first one. With the right healing tips, you have a beautiful tattoo that will look great for years to come. It can look faded and ugly if you don’t properly care for it during the healing process. Here is our top 10 list on what you should not do with your fresh tattoo.

1 – Pick or Scratch Your Tattoo

Yes, your new ink will be itchy. You need to resist the urge to take your finger and scratch that skin. As the tattoo heals, it develops scabs on the skin. That is completely normal. While you might be tempted to scratch the ink, you never want to pick at the tattoo. By doing this, you can damage the appearance of your skin.

In some cases, the ink can fade. Along with that, bacteria lives under your fingernails. When you scratch the skin, those germs can enter the open wound, causing an infection. Once you get an infection, the healing process is extended as you need to treat the inflamed skin. It might seem like a harmless scratch, but there are consequences to picking at your fresh ink.

2 – Keep It Uncovered

A new tattoo needs to be covered. After the session, you will be sent home with a drainage bandage over the ink. After a few hours, you can remove that cover-up. However, you still want to protect the tattoo. You should never wear tight-fitting clothes around the tattooed area. It needs space to allow air to circulate.

Remember that sunlight is harmful to your skin and the inked area. You always want to keep the tattoo out of the bright sun. The last thing you want is a sunburn on your tattoo. In addition to that, ink can leak from the new tattoo. When you choose a piece of clothing, make sure it is one that you will not mind getting dirty.

3 – Don’t Follow Your Artist’s Instructions

You might have read various articles about aftercare for your fresh ink, but you want to follow those instructions from the artist. Your artist understands what works for your skin type. With that knowledge, it is essential to follow those instructions throughout the healing process. If you have any questions, always reach out to your artist. A professional artist will be happy to talk to you, and they don’t want your new ink to get ruined. Reputable Philadelphia tattoo shops are ready to help you through the healing process.

4 – Get Out Into The Sunlight

As previously mentioned, the sun can damage your fresh ink. If you go out into the sun, you need to cover the tattoo with loose-fitting clothes. For those who need to go out into the sun, think about using a light layer of sunscreen on the tattoo. Once again, make sure to talk to your tattoo artist to find the best lotion for your ink.

5 – Jump Into Hot Tubs And Pools

As your tattoo heals, you want to make sure to stay away from standing water. Pools and hot tubs are breeding grounds for bacteria. A tattoo is still an open wound. If you spend time in standing water, it can introduce germs into the skin. You will be left with a nasty infection.

6 – Use Heavy Creams And Perfumes

Your skin is sensitive, and the last thing you want is a thick layer of lotion on the tattoo. If you want your tattoo to heal properly, it needs fresh air. Perfumed creams and lotions can trap moisture into the skin. That can lead to a longer healing process and possible problems with infection.

7 – Show Off That Fresh Ink

You might be ready to show off your new ink, but keep people away from touching your tattoo. Your tattoo needs time to rest and recover. You might be ready to rip off the covering and show your friends, but give your tattoo a few weeks to heal. Once it has healed, you can parade that new ink around your friends.

8 – Believe In Old Wives’ Tales

There are plenty of falsehoods surrounding tattoos and the healing process. Some people even believe that if you slap a tattoo, it will “set” the ink. Others think that removing scabs leads to a faster healing process. You never want to follow the advice you heard from a “friend of a friend.” Once again, talk to your tattoo artist. They will be happy to give you the right instructions for your tattoo.

9 – Don’t Give Your Skin A Chance To Calm Down

You can relax. Your tattoo will be with you for a lifetime. It is important not to rush the healing process. Some tattoos can take longer to heal, depending on the location of the ink. You might be anxious for the healing process to end, but it can take up to a month to heal completely. Even then, you still need to treat your skin with some tender loving care.

10 – Ignore Red Skin Or Swelling

If your skin feels warm or has a red color, it is time to go to the doctor. You might have an infection. Never ignore these issues. Severe infections can cause you to become extremely sick, and you could end up in the hospital.

Find Local Tattoo Shops Near Me

At Oracle Tattoo Gallery, we have experienced artists that can provide helpful tips during the healing process. Our team wants your tattoo to remain healthy and look its best. You can schedule a consultation by calling 215-638-1601.