TATTOO AFTERCARE SUGGESTIONS

 

 

1. Leave the first bandage on your tattoo for approximately 24 hours. Depending on how much the tattoo bleeds you may have to change the bandage a little sooner . It's normal for blood and fluids to collect under the bandage.

 

2. Remove the bandage slowly and carefully. Wash your tattoo with antibacterial/antimicrobial soap (Dial, Softsoap), rinse and dry the area. Then apply a second bandage, if the tattoo is not bleeding or weeping a small amount of unscented lotion or ointment may be used on the tattoo to prevent adhesion. Gently apply over the tattoo, leaving about 1 inch of the bandage in contact with undamaged skin around the tattoo. More than an inch may be needed in highly mobile areas such as knees, hands, etc. The 2nd piece can be worn for up to 6 days. Apply a third piece if needed.

 

Bandage Application Tips:

 

• For maximum comfort ensure skin is in a neutral position when applying Saniderm.

• You may apply a small amount of lotion or ointment directly on the tattoo before applying the bandage to prevent adhesion to the tattoo.

• When cutting to size, rounded corners provide the best adhesion.

• For large areas, pieces of Saniderm may be overlapped by 1/2 inch (1 cm).

• When applying to elbows and knees the joint should be in a neutral position, neither straight nor completely bent.

• If using a glycerin soap be sure to rinse thoroughly as any residue will react with the adhesives and cause increased binding and possible irritation.

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Aftercare Questions:

• What makes this better than other aftercare?Simply put, Saniderm eliminates the tedious process that accompanies traditional aftercare and promotes the body's natural healing agents. With Sanidermthere is no need for lotions, ointments or maintenance 3-5 times a day. Not only is it extremely simple and convenient, but it protects your tattoo from dirt and germs, expedites the healing process, reduces scabbing, and enhances color quality, all while overcoming the following complaints associated with other aftercare products. Lotions are vehicles for bacteria, which can cause allergic reactions, infections and scabbing. Antibacterial soap can dry out the tattoo and cause bleeding, scabbing and fading of color. Antibacterial Ointments can create allergic reactions, discoloration, and excessive fluid weeping while petroleum based products contain no healing agents and may drain color, leaving clothes and sheets stained. Saniderm eliminates all these complaints, while harnessing the body's natural healing enzymes and ensuring it heals in the most efficient manner possible.

• Can I shower while wearing it?Saniderm stays on skin even when immersed in water... so you're able to bath, shower and swim as normal. It is waterproof, however excessive exposure to water should be avoided because it could weaken the adhesion.

• Can I sunbathe with it on?Saniderm does not contain any kind of sun protection, so you should avoid prolonged sun or UV ray exposure. We do not recommend exposing your new tattoo to UV rays, ever - with or without Saniderm. Even after your tattoo is fully healed, continue to use sun protection to maintain the integrity of your tattoo colors.

• How many pieces should I use?We recommend using three pieces per tattoo, in order to allow ample time for healing. You first piece may be used for 1-2 days, and the next two pieces should be used 1-6 days each, depending on how much fluid the tattoo weeps. If you feel your tattoo needs more time to heal you may continue using additional pieces of Saniderm but most customers report complete healing with 2-3 pieces.

• How long should it stay on my tattoo?The first piece of Saniderm can be left on your new tattoo for 8 to 48 hours. Since everyone heals differently the length of time will depend on how much fluid your tattoo weeps, which will affect the adhesion of Saniderm. If you notice excessive weeping or fluid under Saniderm, replace it with a new piece. Many people choose to use the first piece of Saniderm for 1-2 days, and wear the second piece for up to 6 days.

• Could I have an allergic reaction?Saniderm is both latex free and hypoallergenic, so allergic reactions are very rare. Some people, however, have very sensitive skin and are allergic to adhesives. (Tape, bandages, etc). If you experience a rash, abnormal skin irritation, or other symptoms of an allergic reaction, discontinue use and wash with mild soap. Consult a physician if necessary. Of-course, Saniderm should never be used on infected skin.

 

Standard Tattoo Aftercare

 

 

• You need to wash your tattoo four times a day, every day until your tattoo (breakfast, lunch, dinner, bed), every day, until it is healed.

• After getting tattooed leave the bandage on for at least a half an hour before removing... this allows the tattoo to bleed out without your skin drying and scabbing.

• After leaving the Tattoo shop go buy Aquaphor, antibacterial/antimicrobial (Dial, Softsoap) liquid soap, paper towels, saran wrap, paper or medical tape, and non-scented lotion. (we recommend Aveeno, Curel, or Eucerin.) We advise you use only high grade, non-scented, and dye free lotions for the after-Aquaphorportion of healing... Different lotions work differently on different people. You will need all these products before removing the bandage the first time...Aquaphor can be found in the lotion section of most drug stores. It's made by Eucerin- this is the only healing ointment that we recommend. Let it be known we do NOT advise or approve the use of any A & D, Vaseline, tattoo goo, tatwax, ink fix, snake oil, any other crap your homie told you to use, etc. (Although A & D is used during the actual tattooing process, it is NOT good for healing tattoos).

• When removing the bandage for the first time there will be blood, ink, and lymph (a clear gel-like secretion) on your skin. Wash the tattooed area in HOT water (as HOT as you can stand without hurting yourself (for larger tattoos soak in hot water for 20- 30 minutes before washing.). This will cause discomfort but will not damage the tattoo. Wash with anti-bacterial/antimicrobial soap using just the pads of your fingers (no nails, sponges or scrubbies) for a few minutes. This process pulls out all the elements that create thick scabs and will further the proper healing of your new tattoo.

• Pat the tattooed area dry, wiping only the wet areas around the tattoo with a dry paper towel. DO NOT use the same towel you dried your butt with.

• Apply a small dab of Aquaphor, just enough to cover the tattoo and rub this dab in with your finger tips. It is key to only apply a thin layer of Aquaphor. Only use what you can rub in. A thick layer is bad.

• Wrap the tattoo with new saran wrap and tape just like it looked when you left the tattoo shop.

• You are going to sleep with the wrap on. This allows for your tattoo to fully bleed out and the lymph to stay moist. It will also keep you from bleeding into your sheets. If you sleep without the wrap any hair, loose particles, sheet lint, etc. will become a part of the scab. Therefore, wrapping prevents the sheets and clothing from sticking to your new tattoo and potentially ruining part of your new tattoo. This process may make you sleep a little more uncomfortable than usual but this is KEY to SWEET healing.

• When you wake up remove the wrap. Again you will have a gooey gelatinous layer of blood, ink and lymph. Use HOT water to remove this layer of goo. After the gooey layer is removed wash with hot water and anti-bacterial soap.

• Apply another dab of Aquaphor to the tattoo. Once again do not leave a thick film. You just need enough for a thin layer to be massaged into the tattoo. If you leave a thick layer you will potentially create a trap for particles to get stuck into your tattoo.

• Every time you wash your tattoo for the next 48 to 72 hours apply a small dab of Aquaphor and wrap it back up with saran wrap.

• Keep the tattoo OUT of sunlight. DO NOT touch the tattoo just to touch it, keep your clothes off of it as much as possible. Socks, bra straps, tight pants, etc. can cause discomfort and poor healing. DO NOT let your dog hump it or your friends pee on it. DO NOT submerse it in water (other than the initial soaking).

• After the first 48 to 72 hours you should switch from the Aquaphor to the recommended non-scented lotion. Always wash the tattoo before applying any lotion or Aquaphor.

• If you follow these steps your tattoo will heal SWEET.

 

 

 

The key to keeping your tattoo looking good is keeping your skin healthy. Use lotion daily, drink plenty of water and ALWAYS USE SUN BLOCK. U/V light exposure does the most damage to tattoos.

NO tanning, tanning bed, spray tans, pools, hot tubs, rivers, lakes, streams, bodies of water of any type

UNTIL YOUR TATTOO IS FULLY HEALED.