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Question by chatty
Submitted on 9/7/2003
Related FAQ: rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 9/9--Bibliography
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What is the best way to care for the tattoo that is on the top of my foot.  It is very sore and I will need to be wearing a shoe of at least 8 to 9 hours at work.  The tattoo is only three days old right now. I am afraid that the rubbing form the shoe may pull of the scab.  help me please!!!!!


Answer by Woockie
Submitted on 10/17/2003
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Well I have a tattoo on the top of my foot. I have had it for about 4 months and it was very easy to take care of. You should wear open shoes but since you have to I would use a&d ointment on it and lightly cover it with gause. Do not over do the ointment or the color will bleed out of it.

 

Answer by mallorie
Submitted on 1/12/2004
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i have a tattoo on my back and it is pretty easy to take care of, its only a week old and well, its doing grate so heres how i took care of it, i left the bandageon it for 3 hours and then washed it every lightly after you wash it you need to put any ointment on it, but constenly or it will dry up and crack and you dont want that. you want to wear non tight fitting clothes. and whatever you do dont pick at your tattoo. well i hope that this helps you with your new tattoo!!!

 

Answer by Kay
Submitted on 4/18/2004
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Hi I have a lower back tattoo and nothing that I have found doesn't rub on it. Going out naked is certainly out of the question. There is no scab or oozing of any sort. Woe is me, what do I wear? Suggestions?

 

Answer by Taylor
Submitted on 4/28/2004
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Hey guys i just got a lower back tatto and i got a rash from the A&D CREAM so i stop using it. But i heard that when the bumps go away so does the ink and i'll have a poka dot tattoo!! is this tru? how can i get the bumps to leave? e-mail me at angel_kisses430@yahoo.com

 

Answer by Rebecca Elizabeth
Submitted on 5/9/2004
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hey guys, i just got a tattoo yesterday! it goes all along my lower back... umm i read something that someone else sent and it said if you put too much cream stuff on the colour could bleed out... well last night after i had my shower and cleaned it... i put polysporen on it and then bandaged it... this morning when i woke up the colour had bled a bit and now I'mafraid to put too much ointment on! because i don't want to have to go back for too much touch ups! what should i do to keep the colour from fading? and am i supposed to wear a bandage on it? If i don't wear a bandage my shirt will stick to it, so what should i do?

 

Answer by melissa
Submitted on 5/10/2004
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I got a tattoo on my lower back a little over a yr ago.  To let it heal, i wore tank tops as much as possible and pulled the back up over it to expose it to clean air.  You are not suppose to cover it.  Air needs to get to it to help it heal.

 

Answer by Dano
Submitted on 6/2/2004
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I just got tat.ed on my upper back/lower neck, slightly above the t-shirt collar line. Its flaking, and i'm hearing all this s*** about how to take care of it. First of all, i guess my artist was supposed to hook me up with a bandage? none of that. Second, there are people who say i should use neosporin, and people that say i shouldnt. same with vasoline. A+D and other things. I donno, help!

 

Answer by shanstyle
Submitted on 6/25/2004
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Well i got my first tattoo yesterday. I was told to leave the bandage on for 2 hours. i then gently wiped it with a cotton pad wet with warm dove-soapy water. wiped about 2 3 times- i had no blood or anything left really after he wiped when he finished. so then i got another cotton pad wet with just cold water and wiped the soapy water off. i then got a clean face towel and gently patted it until it was completely dry. then i gently worked a thin layer of BEPANTHEN cream(yeah what they use for nappy rash on babies) until it was completely absorbed..also i air it as much as possible-it feels reallllly good
.. i dont get much seepage-but if it looks kinda moist i just dabbed it dry with a tissue
good luck guys and love ur tatts like i love mine!

 

Answer by Michelle
Submitted on 6/28/2004
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Hey I got a tat a week ago on my lower back and they had to shave me right there. And you know when u shave and u get things that are red and white. i pick at them. will that do somthing to my tats cause one was on it and right by it?

 

Answer by Rijel
Submitted on 8/8/2004
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I've got several tattoos. I have them on my ribs and on my chest. I wore shirts everyday and as long as you keep it lubricated (not with neosporin) your tattoo should turn out fine...whether it's covered constantly or not. Try sleeping without clothes over it and give it as much air as possible.

 

Answer by ELLE
Submitted on 8/11/2004
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ALRIGHT PEOPLE, FIRST,DANO HE SHUD OF FUKIN HOOKED U UP WIT A BANDAGE TO WEAR FOR TWO HOURS TO KEEP IT CLEAN ( U USUALLY SWEAT ON UR NOT) N KEEP IT OUT OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT.  CLEAN THE AREA LIGHTLY, DONT EVER GET IT TOO WET AND DONT HAV THE FULL FORCE OF THE SHOWER ON IT CLEAN IT BLOT DRY  AND ALWAYS KEEP IT MOSTURIZED WITH A + D ORIGINAL OINTMENT FOUND IN A SUPERMARKET OR PHARMACY NEWAY DO THAT 4  5 DAYS AND AFTA THAT BUY LUBRIDERM OR VASELINE intensive CARE LOTION ANYTHING FRAGRANCE FREE  AND APLLY THAT 4 TO 5 TIMES FOR 2 WEEX DONT GET IT WET DONT PUT IT NEAR SALT OR SALT WATER AVOID SWIMMING



YOUR TATTOO ONLY LUX AS GUD AS UR SKIN SO MOSTURIZE REGUARLY X

 

Answer by Brandon
Submitted on 10/3/2004
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Using neosporin on your tattoo is the worst you can put on your tattoo for this reason: neosporin is made to prevent scabing. And with your tattoo, you WANT the wound (yes wound), to scab up. The best thing you can use is A&D lotion. YOu can find it in your local supermarket either in the baby section or the creams section. I hope this helps!

 

Answer by celle
Submitted on 10/28/2004
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hey i just got a tattoo on my lower back and the scab is healing now... but underneath the scab the color looks really light?! I dont know if it's because of the cream i'm using [nivea mosturizer] or cuz tha artist was bad? can somebody help me out? [l0velydecepti0n@aol.com]

 

Answer by TattooTracy07
Submitted on 12/16/2004
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Hey I have 5 tattoos and just got my 5th one today (1 on calf, 1 on each foot, 1 on wrist, and new one on upper back...) Each time I left the bandage on for 12 hours...then for the first 3 days put on a thin layer of bacitracin. After those first few days put an odorless moisturizing lotion of any sort on there to keep it from drying out and itching. Never rub the tattoo. Do not put neosporin or A&D or Vaseline on it...all of that is not good for the tattoo. Hope this helps!    

 

Answer by Dinky
Submitted on 5/6/2005
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I got a tattoo on my lower back 6 days ago, but my friends are telling me that there is a peice of scab missing and it looks pink not brown like its supposed to be,  i havent stratched it or anything, i also have been putting meds and coca lotion on it... Am i doing something wrong?

 

Answer by Mo!
Submitted on 5/9/2005
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Okay people,
   This is how you care for your tattoo. First of all your tattoo artist should have put a clean bandage on your tattoo after he/she was done and explained to you how to care for it. If not. Then put a clean one on for at least 1 hour until the bleeding stops. The next step is you need to wash your tattoo very softly or lightly with a  mild type soap every 3 hours. After you wash your tattoo. Use a non-scented lotion on your tattoo enough to coat it. Lubiderm is what they reccomend.  Don't put too much. Just a thin layer of lotion should be fine. Dont forget to do this every 3 to 4 hours. Don't scrub your tattoo either.Use your hand when washing your tattoo. If you can't reach that tattoo spot. Then have someone else do it for you. Now washing your tattoo that often will not ruin it.  Anyways dont listen when other people tell you to use A&D Ointment, Vaseline, Neosporin or any kind of ointment. Very bad things happen to your tattoo.Well thats what I have seen when other people uses those products. Your tattoo does need as much air as possible and don't cover it up with anything like  bandages. Your tattoo should only take about a week to heal if you care for it properly. Depending on how big it is. If your tatoo artist did not explain these things to you. Well then you went a shady tattoo parlor. I know these things cause today I got my 4th tattoo and they all turned out great using these simple methods. Oh yeah and keep your tattoo out of the sun until it heals or it will dry it up to quick. Don't use tightly fitted clothes either till your tattoo heals fully. I think that covers the basic care for your new tattoo. ;o)

 

Answer by havoc
Submitted on 6/12/2005
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i just gave myself a tattoo with a sewing needle a BIC pen ink and it turned out pretty good i just need to no how to take care if it

 

Answer by shortthickness
Submitted on 6/18/2005
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hi i just got a tat on my lower back an my gurl told me that ur not suppose to wet a new  tattoo so when i take a bath i need to cover it ...is that true?

 

Answer by wickedjoker
Submitted on 6/24/2005
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Your new tattoo is an open wound. Let's make sure it doesn't turn into a festering open wound. Leave the bandage on for at least twelve hours, and when you take it off, be nice. If it won't come off right away, use warm water to help it off. Let it dry for about an hour, then wash the crud off (don't ask us to go into detail, but it'll be there) with a gentle soap. Then apply a thin coat of Polysporin or another antibiotic cream. For the next four or five days you'll want to wash it gently and reapply the cream twice per day. Do so in the shower, not the bath, as the new tattoo should not be submerged in water for any great length of time. That means no swimming, no hot tubs, no baths and no sex in the shower for about two weeks after you get tattooed. After four or five days you should switch to a water-based cream such as Moisturel until your tattoo is completely healed. As with any open wound, you must not allow it to get dirty and you should keep your damn hands off it. No picking, scratching, or other dorking around until it's healed. It will scab over a bit while it's healing, but that's natural and you should not feel compelled to try to remove the scab.

For those of you who are too hardcore to worry about your health, this is not just about health. You can think of it as primarily about making sure your tattoo looks its best, because if you mess with it while it's healing, the colors can run together, it can fade and if it gets infected the resulting wound could cause enough scar tissue to mar your work of art seriously.

 

Answer by michkitten
Submitted on 8/9/2005
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Hi all, I just got my 4th tattoo on friday and you guys are making them seem like they are SO hard to take care of.  Rules are, keep it clean, dry and moistured, if it becomes too dry, it flakes too easily and the color comes off..DONT PICK AT IT.  IF it itches, put curel lotion or vaseline intensive care lotion on it..fragrance free.  Only problem I am having is finding clothing that is low enough (my new tat is my whole lower back) to not rub my tattoo off and yet not show my crack!! :) good luck all with your new artwork and enjoy them!!

 

Answer by Jamie
Submitted on 9/5/2005
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I got my first tat on my ankle a butterfly he told me to leave the bandage on for a hour and the wash it with soap water lukewarm and don't use a rag use your finger tips and then put cocoa butter on it for two weeks mine looks great

 

Answer by Candace
Submitted on 9/9/2005
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I just got my first tattoo on my lower back a week ago and it looks great. I keep cream on it and i don't pick at it. Yes it's going to scab, but don't pick at it. I wash it off with soap and water 3 times a day. And i wear sweat pants so it can breath. Give it a couple of weeks and it will look great.

 

Answer by jaiceh
Submitted on 10/29/2005
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I got a tat yesterday on my lower right kidney. It only is sensitive where the tape is for the bandage... the tat itself does not hurt. I left the bandage on from the artist from 4pm to 10 pm and then washed it with soapy water. Then let it air dry. We reapplied the hospital gel he gave us. And put on the plastic patch with tape.In Canada the gel is called poly topic. This a.m. I woke up and all is well. I am to wash it again now for the last time with cool soapy water and let it air dry. I was told to apply the gel sparingly. Just a thin film so it looks shiny is all. I am allowed to shower but not soak in a bath. The gel is to be applied 5-10 times a day as needed for one week. When it dries is when it scabs, if you keep it moist it won't scab. I got this info from my doctor who has tattoos.

 

Answer by Travis
Submitted on 11/23/2005
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Hey, i got my tattoo 5 days ago, all the scab is basically gone now, i didnt pick at it or anything but the tattoo is red and black and  it looks kind of foggy. the artist said it will fade but the colour will come back 3 weeks later... is this correct???

 

Answer by Travis
Submitted on 11/23/2005
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Hey, i got my tattoo 5 days ago, all the scab is basically gone now, i didnt pick at it or anything but the tattoo is red and black and  it looks kind of foggy. the artist said it will fade but the colour will come back 3 weeks later... is this correct??? bike_pimp15@hotmail.com

 

Answer by me
Submitted on 12/1/2005
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Dont use NEOSPOREN
use a diaper rash ointment such as A&D
or better yet a healing ointment called
AQUAPHOR, its made by eucerin and it is better than any ointment i have ever used
also dont pick at it, of course thats not good

 

Answer by Drea
Submitted on 12/24/2005
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i just got my 4th tat on my hip, i have been told many different things in the matter of all 4 of them. I used a&d ointment on my first three, and they look great. I was then told tonight (for my 4th tat) to leave the bandage on for 2 hours to let it finish bleeding, take the bandage off, wash it with dial soap, pat dry, and leave it for the rest of the night and the next day. after that day of not putting anything on it, use either lubriderm or curel lotion, fragrance free for 3-4 days, keep it lightly moisturized. I hope this helps some of you. I was told also that a & d ointment takes away from not only the color, but also doesn't allow oxygen to get to the tat to make it heal faster. What ever works for you again, but those are my suggestions!! feel free to contact me about this if you want at utopian_drea@yahoo.com!!

 

Answer by shay
Submitted on 12/26/2005
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i got a tattoo on my wrist yesterday and i was wondering what to put on it to keep the color from fading

 

Answer by my_lazy_itis
Submitted on 1/3/2006
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ive had 2 tattoo's in the past month, a couple of hints i wish i'd followed are;

don't use thick moisturing cream, you can easily pull out and move piece's of ink when applying heavy creams to a new tattoo.

NEVER rub or exfoliate the dead/ flakey skin that covers your tattoo. this removes the new skin and expose's the ink to damage.

NEVER pick the tattoo. you might end up removing a big chunk of ink!!!

 

Answer by swtnsxy200214
Submitted on 1/13/2006
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Hey ladies i got my first tattoo on my lower back yesterday and it feels good. the artist said to just keep applying regular hand lotion to it and don't let it dry out and it will heal.

 

Answer by chris
Submitted on 1/23/2006
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I got mine 3 days ago and i use A+D ointment and it works great. Just don't use to much and you will be fine.

 

Answer by Imilla
Submitted on 1/30/2006
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I just got a tattoo on my foot and it hurt for 2 days, i put cetaphil on it....it's cool now...no bleeding...i whore loose shoes...but my advice is to buy new socks, where them inside out, as to not get the fuzzies on it...good luck

 

Answer by karaju
Submitted on 2/13/2006
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All you peeps need to spend your $$$ on a little education instead of tattoos. All of you have terrible spelling & grammar!!!!! Hello!!!!! There is a spell check!!!! Maybe you
all need a little lesson in reading too.

 

Answer by alana
Submitted on 2/16/2006
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please everyone use bagbalm on all your tat's It works the bomb and it will heal faster and safer than harsh ointments,and for the lower back tat'sjust stick with the cleaning and just be carefull with them, they will bleed out a little ink at times but they all do for a day or too.

 

Answer by Nasty Boy
Submitted on 2/20/2006
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I just got my first tattoo on my inside forearm and it didn't hurt as bad as i thought it would.If you keep it clean and keep it open to air, you should have a problem.

 

Answer by Joeswife
Submitted on 2/23/2006
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I got an ankle bracelet tattoo that runs down the front of my foot last week. I was told after it scabs just leave it alone. Do not put anything on it. It will heal on its own.

 

Answer by ashley g
Submitted on 3/5/2006
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well i got one on top of my foot and the guy that did it said to wear shoes that  are flip flops or something. If you're like me and have to wear closed toe shoes at work he said to wrap the foot in plastic wrap b/c the skin on the foot is very thin and you can rub the ink right out. do this until it heals. i would put some ointment on it b 4 the plastic wrap to keep it from drying out. as for the pain, two Advil has worked for me so far.

 

Answer by kaz
Submitted on 3/6/2006
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hey, i got a tattoo done about a wk ago n i keep putting cream(E45) on it not too much that u cant see it but not too little for the skin to absorb the moisturiser.

 

Answer by tabt
Submitted on 4/20/2006
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hey guys, i have a few tattoos and am going for my next 2moro!! tat care: first off, u guys dont want to be doing too much washing of those tattoos. keep them clean by all means, but its advised not to get them too wet, the water can soak out the ink (so no baths and only quick showers). also you need to moisturise regularly and sparingly. dont use too much moisturiser or it will leech out the ink. i found the best cream to use is E45. u need a moisturiser not an ointment, dont go for anything with petroleum in it (eg. vaseline). and fragranced products are a definate no no! as is picking!!!! even if they did have to shave your back. tattoos last a life time, im sure a little self control isnt too much to ask to ensure a great looking tat. hope i was helpful. wish me luck for 2moro!

 

Answer by teo c.
Submitted on 4/20/2006
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i just got my 1st tattoo on my upper back 2 days ago...its kind of hard to reach to clean etc...im using this paw paw ointment a friend suggested, seems to keep it moist pretty well...i roll around a bit in my sleep and saw a bit of an ink print on my bed...is that normal in the 1st 2 days...

 

Answer by sarahellen10
Submitted on 6/13/2006
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hey, i got my first tattoo on Saturday. i clean it twice daily with warm water on a cotton wool pad and then put a thin layer of SAVALON on it. thats the only time i put any on as i have been told that too much can actually stop the tattoo from healing.i took the padding off after 14hours and have had no seepage from it, only the excess ink wen i first had it done. but my advice would be to not put too much cream on as it will suffocate the healing. hope that helps

 

Answer by sarahellen10
Submitted on 6/13/2006
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hey, i got my first tattoo on saturday. i clean it twice daily with warm water on a cotton wool pad and then put a thin layer of savlon on it. thats the only time i put any on as i have been told that too much can actually stop the tattoo from healing.i took the padding off after 14hours and have had no seepage from it, only the excess ink wen i first had it done. but my advice would be to not put too much cream on as it will suffocatre the healing. hope that helps

 

Answer by michael
Submitted on 6/30/2006
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i got my first tattoo 3 days ago on my arm at 1 it didn't hurt but the after affects its itches so bad i have been putting that triple antibiotic ointment on there and its starting to work

 

Answer by tattooess
Submitted on 7/8/2006
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In response to: [Hey I got a tat a week ago on my lower back and they had to shave me right there. And you know when u shave and u get things that are red and white. i pick at them. will that do somthing to my tats cause one was on it and right by it?]

Picking at your tattoo is NEVER a good idea. You could potentially pick out some of the colour which will make your tattoo appear faded or disconnected. Also you could cause scarring which can ultimately ruin your tattoo with little hope of fixing it. Tattoo artists, including myself recommend against tattooing over scar tissue, it doesn't hold colour as well, and also may disfigure the colour. Sooooo, yeah, don't pick your TATTOO'S EVER!

 

Answer by Nikki
Submitted on 7/14/2006
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I have ten tattoos.  I've been getting them for seven years and have taken care of them all the same way.  After you take the bandage off,  which your tattooist should put on before you leave the shop, let air get to it.  Then I use Palmer's Cocoa Butter lotion to moisturize it.  It helps keep it from peeling to much and speeds up the healing process.  I just got my tenth one last night and they mentioned tea tree oil works well also periodically to put on but not to much, just have to get over the smell.  Hope this helps.

 

Answer by tatoodman
Submitted on 7/20/2006
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man, some of you are S-T-U-P-I-D. your artist should have given you specific aftercare instructions, and you should be following them to the T. your artist is not going to give you any info or instructions thats going to make his/her work get screwed up. thats bad advertising on there part.

just follow the artist that did your works instructions and youll be fine.

 

Answer by CREASY
Submitted on 8/2/2006
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I just got my first tat today on the middle of my back.  I was told to leave the plastic on for 2-5 hrs, once I remove it clean it (bath, shower) and pat dry.  Apply thin layer of MEDICATED BLISTEX for lips, the one that comes in the RED PACKAGE. Keep applying every 3-5 hours or when you feel it tightening up.  Key is to keep it moist. Don't pick at the scabs let nature take its course.  If you pick at the scabs your art will have bits spots with no color.  I saw a chic's tat who did that.  Be patient and good luck to us all.

 

Answer by tat84
Submitted on 8/6/2006
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there is a balm that you can usually find in health food stores or you can order it that worked awesome with my boyfriend tattoo, he got it on his side/ribs and he used it and didnt have any itching,peeling,scabs,nothing
its called Dr.Bronners and sun dogs magic naked balm for dry/chapped skin or tattoos.

 

Answer by tcnative29
Submitted on 8/20/2006
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FYI FOR ALL:
   Concerning taking care of tattoo that you just got...under no circumstances use an antibiotic ointment.  Your color will bleed out.  It is recommended to use A & D ointment.  I used it every couple of hours on my lower back piece for 10 days and had no problems whatsoever.  Also do not keep it bandaged.  

 

Answer by Jewelzy Dog
Submitted on 8/23/2006
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I just recently got a new tattoo on my forarm. I am a proud owner of several.

Anyhow, this is what I do to care for my newly made tattoos.
First I apply a nice layer of Neosporen. I'm sure you would be able to use A&D or any other form oily based product. On some of my first tattoos I used Johnsons Baby Oil and I never had any issues w/ my tats.
Next I bandaged it up for a couple days to keep it free from dust & dirt or what not. IMPORTANT: Keep your tat away from direct sunlight!! Throughout the bandaging you want to keep applying ointment every now and then to keep your tat moist. You don't want it to dry up on you. Also, gently massage your tat while you're applying the ointment.

After a few days remove the bandage and simply apply ointment to it whenever you see that your tattoo is starting to become dry. And make sure you keep it away from the sun until it's fully healed! ;)

 

Answer by J1m1_G33
Submitted on 8/25/2006
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Just got a chest panel done the other day.  To care for the Tat I wash it with anti bacterial soap in the shower.  After that I put on A&D ointment(super thin layer).  I do this after I wash it (3 times a day).  everything is going good.

 

Answer by Carole
Submitted on 9/1/2006
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I hope this answer helps you guys....I have seven tattoos, and I have heard several ways to care for a new tattoo. What worked best for me is Polysporin, however, most parlours don't recommend this because it is believed that it will attack the ink as it does infection and draw it out. But I have only had the best results with that.
  At one time, Vaseline was recommended...But that is not a good choice. In my experiences, the tattoo flakes off and loses color.
  I have spoken to many people at Tattoo Studios and this is what they have told me...
   For the first three days use only soap and water. Some artists will say Ivory soap, others recommend Spectra Gel. After that use Lubriderm skin cream. It all really depends on your skin type. Over the years I have heard MANY different ways to care for them, but ppl just need to find what works best for them.

 

Answer by Mel-Dog
Submitted on 10/11/2006
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Question...I dont have a tattoo yet but am getting it in 2 days and im worried about the night times. I mean do you avoid sleeping on it or do you bandage it. Do you rube cream on it or do you just let it air out...PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!

 

Answer by amber8987
Submitted on 10/12/2006
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i've had my new tat2 about a week and its on the inside of my foot. i was sure i was taking care of it the way i was supposed to, but now that the scab is starting to come off naturally, the ink seems to be faded, is that normal? i got the colors red and black and they both dont seem as vivid as when i first got it. anyone know what i might have done wrong or if this is normal?

 

Answer by doctor beat
Submitted on 11/1/2006
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if your tattooist knows what they are doing, they will have covered the tattoo with cling film.
leave the cling film on overnight. don't worry about the 'sludge' that collects under the cling film- this is the crap that would have formed a scab if it had been allowed to dry out. in the morning, gently shower the sludge off the tattoo, pat it dry with kitchen towel, then apply a thin smear of bepanthen cream. this will prevent a hard scab forming whilst still allowing the skin to breathe.
keep applying the bepanthen every few hours until the tattoo is healed. the trick is to apply more cream every time the tattoo stops looking 'glossy'. this prevents a scab forming, so there is no danger of cracking or scabs being pulled off and damaging your tattoo.
over the next few days, the tattoo will peel- don't mess with it, just keep applying the bepanthen.
if you look after it in this way, and your tattooist has not overworked the skin, the tattoo should be healed in about 4 days.

 

Answer by Zach
Submitted on 12/11/2006
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Ok, everyone and their brother will have a way for you to take care of a tattoo.  This is the best way to take care of (depending on how fast you heal I suppose).

1. Leave the bandage on for a few hours at least. Listen to your tattoo artist.  I left mine on for 12 hours.

2. When you take off the bandage, wash it. Use soap and lukewarm water, but once its washed, get it out of the water. And only pour water over it, never submerse it in water (like a bath)

3. Wash it 3-4 times a day. Use your hand and unscented soap. Dont use something abrasive or a washcloth. The cleaner you keep it, the faster it heals.  After washing, use an unscented lotion on it.  Listen, don't use neosporin or anything like that. A tattoo is closer to roadburn than an open wound, so just use lotion. A thin layer at that.

4. Dont wear tight clothing, and DO NOT BANDAGE!! It will bleed the tattoo. It needs air.  

5. Depending on how fast you heal, give it 7-10 days. It only took me about 8 days to heal completely, but it may take a few weeks even for some.  


Good luck!

 

Answer by OZ
Submitted on 1/10/2007
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hi i have a tattoo on my back and i lay on it is that fine

 

Answer by Bridget
Submitted on 2/8/2007
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I got a tattoo on my lower back almost a week ago and it's flaking. I don't pick at it but when I put lotion on flakes come off and it looks like the coloring is comming off as well. Is there anything I can do?

 

Answer by crystalys
Submitted on 2/11/2007
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I've got 6 tatt's My Husband is a tattoo artist and he tells me that neosporin can make rashes and if you get spots...they usually take the color with them. So...NO neosporin! Petroleum jelly can make your tattoo bleed out ink. So...NO petroleum jelly. Bacitracin is O.K.; but it can bleed out color as well. The best thing to do is...first of all,keep it covered for 4 to 12 hours(depending on size,the bigger the longer),then wash w/dial antibacterial soap and warm water,(it will sting at first!)pat it dry(don't rub!!!).Then apply A&D ointment(not the white cream).And if A&D irritates your skin or you see too, much bleeding ;just go straight to using Curel non-scented,non-dyed lotion.Don't over apply the A&D...just put enough on it to make it shiny.If it stars getting wettness seeping through,dab it off gently. Wash it 3-5 times a day for the first 3-4 days then apply Curel non-scented,non-dyed lotion on it when ever it feels dry and then wash it up to 2 times a day for the remaing 3-4 days then it just lotion for the next 2
weeks. Now... I've recently got a chest tatt(a big one)I would wear a loose tank top after the first couple days and at first I'm going to wear a speghetti strap shirt with the straps tucked down..wear a bra but wear the straps loose(that's why the strappy shirt has to be tight).Guys...well you can go shritless. If you have to go any where that you can't do either of those things. Then wear plastic wrap over it untill,you get home.Ankle tatt's...elivate your foot and ankle as much as possible.Back tatt's...don't let the shower go directly on them(that goes for every tattoo!)...God knows it's hard to think about that when you get in.And as with any tattoo...NEVER...submerge in water of any kind for 3-4 weeks and no sun exposure(NO TANNING BEDS EITHER!!!)for 3-4 weeks.When your tattoo is healed then use SPF 40 sunblock on them to prevent fading.REMEMBER THE FIRST 4 WEEKS ARE THE MOST CRUCIAL...THE BETTER YOU TAKE CARE TO FOLLOW THESE DIRECTIONS THE BETTER AND LONGER YOUR TATTOO WILL TURN OUT.

 

Answer by Tera
Submitted on 3/30/2007
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I got a tat 4 days ago on my leg and so far everythings great. I took the bandage off after an hour and I put one on the first night so the sheets wouldn't stick, I haven't put one on since and it looks amazing I haven't had hardly any seeping except for the first day and my color still looks as bright as the first day. Keep your tats open to air and cream them lightly at least 3 times a day.

 

Answer by Lynn
Submitted on 5/4/2007
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I've got 3 tattoos and I got the latest one yesterday on the top of my foot. Here's the deal. Once you're done with your tat, leave the bandage on for 3-4 hours. After that, clean the area by hand gently with soap and water. Pat it dry with a towel, NOT paper towel! I've used the A&D ointment before but the tattooist told me that Neosporin CREME not the OINTMENT works the best.It's not so thick. Re-apply that like 3-5 times a day for about 3 days just so it doesn't too dry Since it needs to heal, it needs to breath so let it. Tattooist said to keep it away from direct sunlight. That also means no tanning! Don't let the tatt soak in water. Shower but don't drown the ink!  after the 3 days with the Neosporin, you can go back to your usual lotions. Making sure it doesn't have any alcohol content or anything that's too perfumey. Those aren't good for the tattoo. Oh yea, don't pick the scabs. Let it fall off on its own. It should take about a week or so for it to completely heal. Good Luck!

 

Answer by pr4life
Submitted on 6/8/2007
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dont use vasaline. use lubrederm. Thats what they reccommend. after 24 hours, dont bandage it. it needs air. dont use anything with dye or aloe. dont scratch or go in a pool or bath for couple weeks. dont use too much or little ointmint. Best of all do ur research!!!

 

Answer by Ying
Submitted on 6/12/2007
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Hey everybody I just got a tattoo today and it hurts like butt. i got it on my upper back it is a cross with wings coming out of it, A tribal cross. It's bandaged right now. In 2 hours I'm going to put Aquaphor on it. It's bruised right now but it will look beautiful. If you have any suggestions on how to take care of it please tell me.  

 

Answer by bizzibee
Submitted on 6/22/2007
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Hey guys, I just got a tat on my right ankle thats pretty sweet but I've been told that I have to stay out of the pool for awhile! Does anyone know for how long? Thanks!!

 

Answer by Krista
Submitted on 6/24/2007
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Hey guys I got my first Tatty in January and I scared really bad I guess you would say  it's really itchy and hasn't completely healed what would make my tattoo heal anybody have any answers please let me know

 

Answer by lexie89
Submitted on 7/8/2007
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well i got my first tattoo on the weekend and i got told dont use vasoline or sorbaline cream or anything.. i think the best bet is to use bepanthen or macro E (what my tattoo artist recommended)
also they shaved my back for my tattoo.. i dont think u will get the ingrown hairs (the red and white things)

 

Answer by anna
Submitted on 7/20/2007
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well wen u first get a tattoo always listen to the artist as you can tell the artist went threw the same thing.keep the bandage on for at least 2 hours not more or less.well it depends on the tattoo if its big or small.the artist will tell u how long but dont go over what the artist told you.after u take the bandage off make sure you slowly take it off,let your skin breath.do not cover it with anything.do not wear tight close if u do it will damage your tattoo. Put a drop of mild antibiotic soap on your hand and lightly wash the tattoo. Gently pat it dry with a washcloth (not a paper towel) taking care not to rub it. Dab an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin) on the cleaned area. Do not use an ointment that contains zinc as it may cause an adverse reaction. Continue to lightly apply antibiotic ointment to your tattooed skin for the first few days, then switch to a plain skin lotion that is free of dye, perfume, lanolin, Vitamin E, aloe or alcohol. Expose your healing skin to air as much as possible but avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Avoid getting a lot of water on your new tattoo - showers are OK, but no swimming or baths for a few weeks.


one most important thing!!!
If, after getting your new tattoo, you experience extreme swelling, unbearable itching, excruciating pain, fever, a rash or any other unusual symptoms that may indicate infection, allergic reaction or other serious complication, contact a doctor immediately.

 

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