Tattoos cause skin injuries, so we must deal with their healing according to this damage. Let’s see the best remedies and tips to properly heal a tattoo and avoid complications.
When tattooing our skin is injured therefore, as with any other, it will be essential to take care of it with the relevant processes and avoiding some situations. In this article, we will explain how a tattoo acts on our skin, what changes it produces, as well as we will mention some recommendations to heal the tattoo well and avoid possible complications.
- We recommend you read: “Skin types: what is yours and how to take care of it?”
How do tattoos affect our skin?
Everyone knows that tattooing involves introducing ink into the skin, but how is this process actually carried out and what effect does it have on our skin. Tattoo machines made up of one or different needles act by piercing the first layer of the skin , the most superficial, the epidermis, in order to deposit the pigments in the second layer, the dermis, this layer performs functions as important as: protecting from external agents, nourish the epidermis, temperature regulation, as well as structural and sensitive function.
The needles produce small holes in the skin at very high speeds, reaching up to 100 perforations per second, thus depositing tiny drops of ink. In this way, the continuous pricks of the needles, to make the tattoo, will produce, as expected, small wounds, therefore it will be common for the skin to bleed in the area of the tattoo, therefore, it will be essential to care for and cure the tattoo effectively. tattoo to avoid possible problems or complications that may arise.
Recommendations to care for and cure freshly made tattoos
Once we have seen how the tattoo process affects our skin and the wound it generates, we will present some care recommendations for a good cure for it and for the process to be as favorable as possible.
1. Keep the tattoo bandaged between 2 to 24 hours
As we have pointed out, the time interval is wide, and can range from 2 to 24 hours depending on various factors. As a general rule, it is considered that after 2 hours it is already safe and the bandage can be removed , although it is recommended that if you do so, you can clean the tattoo immediately, otherwise it is better not to uncover it yet.
In the same way, the types of bandages that exist are different, in this way, depending on the one used by the tattoo artist, he will recommend keeping it for more or less time. Another factor to take into account may be the area where the tattoo is located, so if it is likely to rub or get caught, for example with clothing, it will be better not to remove the bandage until you can prevent this from happening. We have to keep in mind that the newly made tattoo will continue to ooze liquids such as ink and blood for a while, so it can stain.
2. Wash the tattoo at least 2 times a day
While the wounds are not healed, it will be essential to clean the tattoo well. This daily cleaning period can vary between 7 and 10 days depending, for example, on how the appearance of the tattoo evolves in each case. The correct cleaning process will be essential to avoid possible infections, since it has been seen that correct cleaning almost totally reduces the risk of these and for correct healing to also occur.
It is recommended, first of all, to wash your hands well and then start cleaning the tattoo with warm water and neutral or antibacterial soap, to damage the affected area as little as possible, it is important to carry out the process carefully, using only our hands and making a circular motion, without squeezing too much. At the time of drying it, you can choose to let it dry or do it very gently with a piece of paper, without scratching the skin. If there are traces of blood or dye that are still on the skin and we cannot remove them with gentle cleaning, do not insist, it will go away in the following washes.
3. Use a cream or ointment
Once the tattoo has been properly washed and never before, the cream will be applied to keep the tattoo hydrated and improve healing . In this way, we can use the cream twice a day, after the appropriate cleaning, it is also important to know that using a greater amount of cream is counterproductive, since the area remains moist and can generate the appearance of germs and bacteria. For this reason, the layer of cream must be thin, thus helping the skin to heal and regenerate faster.
4. Use bandages to heal the tattoo
The use of the dressing is a newer method than the use of the cream. This allows to protect the tattoo and help in the healing process of the wound . If the tattoo artist puts a dressing on us, it will be necessary to make the first change of this at 24 hours, then keep the second dressing for 48 hours (2 days) and finally the third for a period of 72 hours (3 days). Some tattoo artists recommend the use of dressings instead of cream for greater comfort.
5. Take caution at bedtime
Recent tattoos, as we have said, the wound is not yet healed by fool will continue to expel liquids and stain. That is why it is important to monitor and prevent the sheet from sticking to the wound. In the event that this occurs, we will wet the area with warm water so as not to pull the sheet abruptly and worsen the wound.
6. Do not scratch the tattoo
It is essential not to scratch the newly made tattoo, since that area of the skin is more sensitive and we can damage the wound . If the itching does not disappear, we can consult the tattoo artist to check that everything is fine, since the area may be dry and this causes the itching. In the same way, when we scratch the wound, we usually do it with dirty hands, a fact that also makes healing difficult and increases the possibility of infection. It is also important that you do not remove or pick at the scabs as this increases the risk of infection and impairs healing.
7. See a doctor if the swelling and redness does not subside
It is normal that the first days the tattoo area is red and a little swollen, but if we carry out a correct care and cure, its appearance should improve, if this improvement does not occur or its condition worsens, we see it more swollen, red or it itches a lot, it will be necessary to go to the doctor to rule out a possible infection or skin reaction.
8. Avoid sports for 1 week
It is advisable to avoid sweating, or not sweating too much, after a tattoo is done, as it can irritate the skin or cause itching. The recommended time not to play sports may vary depending on the size of the tattoo or the state of the tattoo (everyone can observe it). In small tattoos it is advisable to avoid it for at least 5 days , if it can be better 1 week and in larger tattoos, since the wound is better, it is presented as pertinent between 2-3 weeks.
9. Avoid and do not sunbathe during the first 15 days
It is very important that during the wound healing period, which usually lasts between 10 and 15 days, we are very careful with the sun. As we have already said during the first few days, the skin area where we have the tattoo will be especially sensitive because of this, given the damaging effect that the sun’s rays can have if we are not vigilant, it is essential to avoid getting the sun in the area.
10. Do not wear tight clothes
It is advisable to wear loose clothing during the healing period to help the healing process and the wound to breathe better. If on any specific occasion, we cannot prevent clothing from coming into contact with the tattoo, it may be advisable to cover it so that it does not stick or rub.
11. Avoid the beach and the pool for the first few weeks
In the same way that we have recommended avoiding the sun and playing sports, it is important not to swim in the pool or the beach or enter saunas, for a minimum period of two weeks, especially during the healing period, although we can, it is advisable maintain a period of avoidance for a longer time, as this reduces the risk of infections and wound damage. Swimming pool and beach water contain germs that can harm the condition of the wound.
12. Do not wax the tattooed area
As you already know, the skin of the tattooed area is sensitive, therefore, in the same way that you would not wax the area of a wound, we will not do it after getting a minimal tattoo during the healing time, about 15 days. If we use wax or laser hair removal, the waiting time increases, advising between 2 and 3 months .
13. Avoid using scrubs
Given how affected the tattoo area is during the healing process, it is important not to use products or treatments that can damage or irritate the wound. In this way we will avoid exfoliants that can scratch the skin, an action that, as we have already pointed out, we must avoid both during the washing and drying of the tattoo as well as when it itches.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.