Caring for that New Tattoo
submitted: 2008-04-11 20:06:34 |
by: JamesBeckett
Total views: 17 |
Word Count: 831 |
| 
It is probably safe to say more people think about getting tattoos than get them. One of the problems people have is the concern for the process of getting a tattoo from a health perspective and knowing how take care of the tattoo once you get one. On top of that worry, there is a misperception that tattoo artists are not professionals and we see them in the same category as circus people and pawn shop operators. But it is important to note that there are many very professional and sanitary tattoo parlors who will do their part to make your experience both fun and safe when you get your first tattoo.
Yes there are some tattoo salons that are not operated in a clean and honest way. But you can find bad apples in any field of business so we can't fault the entire industry for a few bad operators. But it does mean that you should take the time to make sure the tattooist you want to use lives up to high health standards in giving tattoos. A salon that is doing body art should be a legitimate business and one that has a good reputation in the community. You are entirely within your rights to ask for references of happy and healthy former customers and to call those references. Then if you do all that and you even suspect the tattooist isn't trustworthy, just move on until you find one who is.
The tattoo artists should put your health at a high priority which will be reflected in three things you will get from them while getting the tattoo. First, they will use a reliable ointment that is antiseptic throughout the process to keep your skin clean and free of infection. Second, the post application process will include additional cleaning and a bandage on the tattoo to help your body heal from the needle work. Finally the tattoo artist should be the first one to teach you how to take care of the tattoo when you get home.
You are going to have the instinct to wash the tattoo area as though it is dirty. After the tattoo process. If the tattooist did all of the steps properly, your tattoo may be the cleanest part of your body at that point. It is good to keep it clean, obviously and change the covering frequently but the tattoo should remain dry for several days to avoid any chances of infections or other problems. As soon as there is no chance of infection related fluids and the ink is dry enough to not smudge, you should go without the bandage sometimes to let your skin breathe and recover.
Talk to your tattooist both about the ointment he uses during the process and what kind of treatment he would recommend for the recovery period. It will almost certainly be something you can get at the local drug or grocery store. You will use this treatment for the next week or so but be gentle when you apply the ointment directly to the tattoo. Change the covering at least once a day so it is completely clean and don't wash the tattoo area with soap for at least a week to avoid irritating the open skin that is still getting over the trauma of the tattoo.
The skin where your tattoo will continue to need special care even after the initial three to six days of using the medicated ointment. So some very basic moisturizing lotion can help keep that skin soothed and moist as the healing continues. One of the major name brand baby lotions is just the right thing because if it is safe for the delicate nature of a baby's skin, it will be right for the skin you are nurturing back to health.
The final step of healing will be phase that may be the hardest for you of all of them but you have to be ready for it so you preserve the beauty of the tattoo you have worked so hard to get. When the tattoo area develops scabs, you will feel an instinct to work on them with your fingers. Resist that instinct because allowing the skin to heal as it already knows how to do will sure you don't remove some of the tattoo itself by working on that scabbing before it has finished doing its job.
Taking care of a tattoo is as much a part of the life of being a lover of body art as getting one was in the first place. By caring for the skin that proudly displays your tat, you will assure good health and a great looking design for a long time. And when you invest the effort, the money and the discomfort into a pattern that will be on your body forever, that tender loving care is certainly justified.
About the Author
Tattoo lettering is popular today but most artists don't have much choice, check out our reviews at 5minutereviews.com of the best tattoo designs site on the internet.
Comments
No comments posted.
You do not have permission to comment. If you log in, you may be able to comment.
