Cleaning a new tattoo is integral to its healing process, helping keep it free of bacteria that could otherwise lead to infection, scarring, or fading. Regular washing keeps bacteria under control and delays disease from setting in.
Use clean, lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap to wash your tattoo. Gently rub the tattoo against itself while applying slight pressure if necessary. Wash it every morning and evening or whenever it appears dirty.
Wash Your Hands
Hand washing before cleaning a new tattoo is essential to ensure a successful experience. Your hands carry numerous germs that could cause infection in your new ink. Using an antibacterial soap such as Dial or Irish Spring would be beneficial in this regard.
After washing your hands, gently cleanse the area around your new tattoo with a mild, unscented antibacterial soap in lukewarm water. Avoid scrubbing, as this will aggravate blood from under the bandages. Gently wash away excess blood, ointment, plasma, etc., from your skin without scrubbing. Also, avoid using washcloths or loofahs since these may harbor bacteria. Avoid using loofahs as this may have germs and scrubbing, as this will further remove healing scabs that form and slow healing processes down.
Once your hands and tattoo have been washed, dry them gently with a clean paper towel – not bath towels as this could cause bleeding to occur and extend the healing timeframe. Be sure that it is scorched before applying lotions.
Apply Ointment
After receiving your tattoo, the artist will apply a transparent Tegaderm dressing and provide aftercare instructions. This dressing helps prevent bacteria from getting into your new wound while it heals and protects it from dirt and germs.
As your tattoo heals, its dressing will begin to peel away, forming scabs. Don’t pick at them! They will eventually fall off on their own, but speeding this process up by choosing them can cause irreparable harm.
Apply a light coating of ointment or lotion over your new tattoo to keep it moisturized. A soft layer of moisturizers such as A
