AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

Congratulations on your new tattoo! These next few days are some of the most important in determining how well your tattoo heals, so it is important to follow all instructions. Failure to follow the aftercare procedure can result in infection, ink loss, or fading, so it is important to take care of your tattoo during this time.

If you have any questions that are not answered here, please do not hesitate to shoot us a text at

970-585-6479. We are here for you!

There are 2 ways we may suggest you to heal your tattoo, and this is determined based on the location and size of the tattoo, or your own personal preferences. If we choose to apply Second Skin Bandage, (a breathable, adhesive bandage that sticks to the skin, and is left on for 1-5 days) to your tattoo, please read through the next section carefully. If we choose not to apply Second Skin to the tattoo for any reason (some spots are just more difficult for the bandage to stay because of joints or curves of the body, or are just too large, sensitivity to adhesive, or some people prefer to heal the old fashioned way.) If this is you, please skip ahead to the "WITHOUT SANIDERM" section.

HEALING WITH SECOND SKIN

Once Second Skin bandage is applied to the tattoo, it acts as a breathable barrier while your tattoo is most vulnerable. Leave the bandage on for as long as possible, most people prefer 1-3 days. The longer it is left on, the less your tattoo will scab up or hurt from rubbing on clothes.
The tattoo will ooze plasma, blood, and ink under the bandage, forming a pocket of fluid varying in size depending on the amount of ink/shading. This is NORMAL. Do not be alarmed. It will ooze for the first 24-48hrs.
If the oozy pocket becomes too large, uncomfortable, or begins leaking within the first 24 hours, you'll want to go ahead and remove the bandage or visit the shop to replace it for a new one. It is very important to remove the bandage if it is leaking. If ink can get out... bacteria can get in. We don't want to trap bacteria under the bandage.
Some people can also be sensitive to the adhesive and if you notice any irritation, red bumps around the edge, or unusual redness or itchiness, please remove the Second Skin immediately.
After 1-5 days, or whenever you are ready to remove the bandage, it is easiest to pull it off like a Band-Aid under warm running water. At this point, you'll want to wash it really good with an UNSCENTED soap. Please proceed to the "WASHING + MOISTURIZING" section of the aftercare instructions.
DO NOT apply any ointment if you are reapplying a new Saniderm bandage. The tattoo must be clean and completely dry.

HEALING WITHOUT SECOND SKIN

If we choose to not apply Second Skin bandage to your tattoo because of the placement or personal preference, we will apply a layer of moisturizer to the tattoo and wrap it in plastic wrap. Keep this wrap on for a few hours, as it will protect the tattoo from rubbing on your clothes or getting dirty.

Before going to bed on the first day, you'll want to remove the plastic wrap and give your tattoo a good wash with UNSCENTED soap, apply your first layer of UNSCENTED moisturizer to the tattoo, and re-wrap it in plastic before going to bed which will prevent your bedsheets or clothing from sticking to the tattoo in your sleep.

In the morning, you'll want to continue this process of washing and moisturizing your tattoo which I go more into detail in the next section.

You do not need to keep plastic wrap around the tattoo into the second day and on, it is good to allow your tattoo to breathe.

WASHING + MOISTURIZING YOUR TATTOO

Whether you have just removed your Second Skin, or you are healing your tattoo without it, the process of washing and moisturizing your tattoo at this stage remains the same.

We provide aftercare products at Spider's Realm Tattoo from a very trusted line of products called Tattoo Lovers Care. We suggest purchasing a soap and moisturizer at the time of your tattoo, as these products are specifically formulated for tattoos. If you do not choose to purchase aftercare products from the shop, it is your responsibility to acquire an alternative of your choice. Whatever your preference is, please ensure that the product is unscented, and is not old/used to reduce risk of infection. We list suitable aftercare products below which you can find at most grocery stores.

ALWAYS wash your hands with unscented soap before touching your tattoo.

Please remove any wrap at this time, and give your tattoo a good rinse under warm water.
Use a mild UNSCENTED antibacterial soap such as the one provided at the shop, Dial Antibacterial, or the Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap which I have available for purchase at the shop. Do not use any soaps or lotions that contain any color or fragrances within the first 2 weeks of healing your tattoo.
DO NOT scrub your tattoo with a washcloth, just rub lightly with your hands to remove any blood or ink clots, rinse away the soap under warm water, and pat it dry with a clean paper towel.
Once your tattoo is dry, apply a very thin coat of unscented moisturizing ointment. I highly recommend the moisturizer we provide at the shop from Tattoo Lovers Care, or Hustle Butter, which is an all natural cream made specifically for tattoos. Some people prefer to use Aquaphor or Vaseline. I don't recommend these products despite their popularity, as they can tend to clog pores and irritate your tattoo. If you do choose to use these or any over the counter ointment, please use a VERY small amount to avoid over-moisturizing your tattoo. A little goes a very long way. Too much can trap germs in your tattoo and lead to infection. Other lightweight moisturizing option you can find at the grocery store are Jojoba Oil, shea butter, Cera-ve face moisturizer, or any other unscented creams.
I suggest to only apply moisturizer after washing the tattoo. Once in the morning, and once before bed. It is okay to let your tattoo dry out a little bit throughout the day, you don't have to keep it constantly caked in ointment. Aside from washing and moisturizing twice per day for the first week, it is best to leave your tattoo alone as much as possible.
DO NOT rebandage the tattoo with ointment applied.
Avoid touching the tattoo as much as possible.
Repeat this cycle of washing, drying, and applying ointment to the tattoo for the first 3-5 days or while the tattoo still feels tender. Once your body forms a scab and is no longer an open wound, you can reduce the amount of times you wash and apply moisturizer. Dry healing your tattoo is usually the best and allows your tattoo to breathe, as long as it is not overly dry.
Do not use any soaps or lotions that contain any color or fragrance for AT LEAST 2 weeks.

You must keep your tattoo clean! However, long showers or baths must be avoided for the first 2 weeks. Prolonged soaking can loosen scabs before they are ready and cause infections. This includes swimming pools, soaking in the hot springs, or getting in the river. It is especially important to avoid the river, ocean, or hot springs for the first 2 weeks as the bacteria found in these bodies of water DRASTICALLY increase the risk of infection.

SCABBY PHASE

After the first 4-7 days, your tattoo may form a scab, although sometimes it wont, especially when healed with Second Skin. At this point it is normal for the tattoo to become very itchy.

PLEASE refrain from scratching or picking at the tattoo. Scrubbing with a washcloth can also be very harsh on a fresh tattoo and cause colors to fade. Disrupting the tattoo while it is healing can cause scar tissue and ink loss.
Remember, the sun is BAD for your tattoo. Whether the tattoo is new or old, if you want it to look nice for years to come, keep it out of the sun.. A sunburn on a new tattoo can cause a lot of problems. Wait until your tattoo is fully healed before allowing prolongued sun exposure, and make sure to use a high quality sunblock. I have some Sunscreen specially formulated for tattoos for sale at the shop.

IS MY TATTOO INFECTED?

Signs of infection to look out for include:

Redness and swelling: The area around the tattoo becomes red and swollen, and the redness increases over time
Pain: The tattoo is progressively more tender and painful to the touch, especially after day 3 or 4
Discharge: There is an unusual discharge from the tattoo that is yellow or green and has an offensive smell
Fever: The person has a fever
Chills: The person has chills
Fatigue: The person feels unusually fatigued
Burning: The area around the tattoo feels like it is burning or throbbing

If you notice any of these signs, you should contact your doctor or go to an urgent care provider immediately. You should also seek medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction to any of the products used on your tattoo.

Contact

Following all of these simple steps will ensure that you end up with minimal complications healing your tattoo, and that it will stay looking bright and beautiful for many years to come.

If you have any more questions regarding the healing process, please feel free to reach out to the shop via text.

970-585-6479