Tattoo AfterCare

You must be attentive to your new tattoo, and keep it as clean as possible to ensure that it heals as cleanly as possible so you prevent infection and end up with the nicest looking tattoo possible.

While the healing stages of a tattoo will be as unique to each individual as there are people in this world, the tattoo healing process does follow a general pattern. The specifics of each tattoo's healing process will depend on the different skin type of the individual, the location of the tattoo on the body, an the techniques of the tattoo artist. These factors can all cause a variance in the healing process from individual to individual.

You will be given aftercare instructions by your tattoo artist. These aftercare instructions differ from artist to artist. My recommendation to you is if in doubt about anything, always go back to your tattoo artist before seeking the help of a doctor. Your tattoo artist can take a look at your tattoo and tell what to do if their is a problem to correct any healing problems.

If your tattoo artist cannot help, they should send you for medical attention from a doctor. If they do not, then of course, you must go yourself to make certain that your health is not at risk. This is your responsibility.

Many times doctors don't know much about tattoos and will prescribe unnecessary medications that may harm your tattoo's healing process. Some doctors may even be biased against tattoos. That is why I suggest that you go to the tattoo artist first if you suspect their is a healing problem with your new tattoo. The artist works with tattoos day in and day out and is familiar with the best way to heal their work.

Here are some useful tattoo care tips.

* You can take shower after you get a fresh tattoo on your body. But see that you do not bathe with hot water for too many hours. You should avoid taking longer baths, swimming in chlorinated pools or any contact with salt water at least 2 to 3 weeks after tattooing.

* Avoid direct contact with sun rays. Excess exposure to the ultraviolet rays can ruin the tattoo wound. If your tattoo is on a body part that is easily exposed to the sun, then apply sunscreen lotion.

* Avoid wearing tight clothes on the tattooed body part. Say, if you have tattooed on your foot, you should avoid wearing socks and tight footwear. Avoid any type of friction over the tattoo due to clothing.

* Never use alcohol based products on the tattooed area.

* Apply thin layers of lotion and ointment on the tattooed area. Thick layers can alter the healing process.

So, these were some suggestions on tattoo aftercare. Tattooing is not an easy process and you need to take special care to maintain the beauty and quality of this great body art. All the best!