Neosporin On Tattoo For Aftercare: When To Avoid It And When To Use It
When you have an open wound on your skin, grabbing Neosporin seems like the right decision. A new tattoo is a fresh wound, and you don’t want to allow bacteria to enter that area. Neosporin is usually applied to small scrapes and cuts. For that reason, you might think it is wise to use it on your skin. Let’s find out whether Neosporin is the best option for your healing tattoo.
What Is Neosporin?
Neosporin is a topical cream. It consists of three antibiotics: bacitracin, polymyxin, and neomycin. All of the antibiotics work to kill bacteria present in an open wound. It is applied as a first-aid ointment for burns or minor cuts. When the ingredients make contact with the skin, they form a protective layer on the surface. As a result, the skin is moisturized, but bacteria and oxygen are prevented from entering the wound. These ingredients dissolve together to form a petroleum jelly base. You can purchase Neosporin as an over-the-counter medication. Despite all of the benefits of this ointment, it does have some side effects.
You will want to use Neosporin with caution since it does contain antibiotics. Yes, antibiotics can keep your tattoo from becoming infected. However, with continued use, this ointment will be less effective. Many people have no adverse reactions, but some have experienced rare side effects. In some situations, bacterial and fungal infections have been reported. For those with allergies, individuals can become sensitive to these antibiotics. Redness, burning, rashes, swelling, and dizziness are a few signs of an infection.
Can You Use Neosporin on a Tattoo?
Many tattoo artists recommend using a thin layer of Neosporin, but some advise against it. This ointment lacks moisturizing properties, preventing fresh air from reaching the tattoo.
Since some individuals will experience an allergic reaction, it is not the best choice for every person. New tattoos are already itchy, and you don’t want to introduce ingredients that can cause more irritation. Allergies can form red bumps, affecting the health of your new tattoo. All tattoos need time to heal. You can expect the initial healing process to take two to three weeks. By six months, your skin will be completely healed.
You don’t need to keep your new tattoo covered for that amount of time. However, you need to care for the ink properly. Remember that the new tattoo is vulnerable to irritations and infections. Neosporin can help keep your new ink safe from infection, but it is not the best choice to create a healthy healing environment. New tattoos need a little moisture and plenty of oxygen. The petroleum jelly base can block out that fresh air.
Along with that, petroleum jelly has another downside. If you want to remove it from your skin, it will require a lot of scrubbing, causing additional irritation. You never want to scrub a new tattoo since it can become damaged. Plus, prolonged use of petroleum jelly will cause your ink to fade.
If you want to use this ointment, apply a small amount to your new tattoo. You never want to use an excessive amount since that can cause damage to your skin and the new ink.
The Correct Way To Apply Neosporin
You can apply Neosporin to your skin but use a little caution. Before applying it, make sure your skin is not sensitive to any ingredients. If you have used it in the past without issues, then you shouldn’t have any allergic reactions. For those first-time users, you might want to consult your healthcare provider. A medical professional can provide you with the right advice on whether or not to use the product.
After your tattooing session is finished, the artist will wrap up your new ink in a bandage. You want to follow the artist’s instructions. Before applying Neosporin, always clean the wound with fresh water and pat it dry with a paper towel. After you have dried the area, use a tiny amount of Neosporin on the tattoo. A pea-sized amount is all you need for the skin.
Since the tattoo isn’t infected, you don’t need to apply too much to the inked area. Gently rub the ointment into the skin in the same way as a lotion. Remember that too much ointment can prevent air from entering the skin. Less is more with Neosporin. Air is vital to the healing process of your new tattoo.
Medical doctors often prescribe a lower dose than the recommended one on the box. You will want to follow the directions of your medical provider, including how often you need to apply it. It is recommended that you use Neosporin about one to three times a day. Since the new ink is not infected, once or twice a day should be enough for your skin. If you have any questions, reach out to one of the Philadelphia tattoo shops for professional advice.
After applying the ointment, you will want to keep an eye on the new ink. Rashes and swellings are a few signs of allergic reactions. If you spot any of those signs, make sure to reach out to your doctor.
Use Caution When Using Neosporin
That new tattoo can be fun, but it is still an open wound. When you know how to treat it, you will have the best outcome for your skin. Yes, Neosporin can help prevent infections. However, you always want to follow the directions from your tattoo artist and doctor. Neosporin is safe, but it can cause an allergic reaction if you overuse it. While this ointment is helpful, there are other options that can help with the healing process of your tattoo.
Local Tattoo Shops Near Me
At Oracle Tattoo Gallery, we have the best artists in Philadelphia. If you have any concerns about the healing process for your new ink, you can reach out to us. Our artists will be happy to give you a few tricks of the trade to keep your new tattoo healthy. Schedule a consultation by calling 215-638-1601.
