Tattoo Aftercare Advice
Signs of infection
Skin Reactions
It is important to follow the aftercare advice you have been given.
Signs of inflammation are part of normal healing in the first 0-3 days.
Signs and symptoms of infection of the wound site include:
• Swelling and redness.
• Warm to the touch.
• Pain/tenderness.
• Discharge – pus coming from the wound
• Feeling unwell or have a high temperature.
Contact your licence holder or seek medical attention if you develop any of these signs or symptoms.
Tattoo-associated Skin reactions
Reactions can occur due to ink content and cause redness and swelling but these usually disappear
after 2-3 weeks.
Other skin reactions include:
• Koebnerise skin reactions – new areas of an existing skin condition such as psoriasis or lichen planus occurring at the tattoo site.
• Inflammatory skin reactions such as eczema – appears as an inflamed red rash or scaly/flaky skin.
• Photo-aggravated reactions causing redness and swelling due to sunlight exposure and some pigment types.
You should discuss any inflammation with your licence holder.
Taking Care of the Site of your Tattoo
While your tattoo heals it is important to keep it clean, this includes washing your hands with soap and water when you touch the area. Germs from your hands can be transferred to your tattoo site.
The time it takes to heal will depend upon the size and extent of the tattoo. Allow at least 2 weeks and avoid picking any scabs.
Your licence holder should apply a non-stick dressing or cover to the wound following the procedure. This should be clean or sterile and allow the wound to “breathe.” The dressing or cover can be left on until you get home and removed after 24 hours or as advised.
* DO Keep it clean. Use plain, non-fragrant soap and water, avoid direct jets of water to the area and avoid harsh rubbing. Pat dry following a shower.
* DO Moisturise. Apply a simple moisturiser to prevent dry skin and itchiness. Avoid any fragranced creams as this can irritate the skin.
X DON’T Use antiseptic on the wound as this can damage the skin.
X DON T Sunbathe. Your skin will already be inflamed due to the tattoo needles and so further damage by sun exposure should be prevented until the skin is healed. Some inks can also cause sensitivity reactions when exposed to sunlight. You should avoid exposing your tattoo to sunshine and use a high factor sun protection cream.
X DON’T Swim. To allow your tattoo to heal, it should be kept clean and dry so avoid swimming in pools/lakes and avoid use of hot tubs/baths or saunas. Avoid washing up with tattoos below the wrist.
X DON’T Wear tight clothing. This is to stop clothes sticking or rubbing the wound site.
How to Reach Tough Love Tattoo Parlour
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