As mentioned above, it can cause infection by keeping the area too moist, and keeping your wrapping on for too long compromises the healing process. Without the proper exposure to oxygen, your freshly tattooed skin takes longer to heal. This elongated healing period can actually put you at a higher risk of infection.
Tattoo Aftercare Pointers
Your bandage (Saniderm, Tegaderm, or RxDerm) is waterproof and breathable, so you can leave it on for 2–3 days without worrying about it. You may see ink seepage and plasma building up underneath your bandage. Do not panic! It is part of the healing process.
If your tattoo is bandaged with Saniderm (Second Skin), you should keep the bandage on for 3-4 days. During this time, it is normal to see some fluid build up beneath the bandage. (If the bandage begins to leak, you must remove the bandage and follow the standard aftercare instructions listed below).
Your tattoo artist will wrap your tattoo immediately after finishing the piece. This bandage should be left on anywhere between 3 and 24 hours after getting your tattoo – depending on the bandage used and the size of your piece. Tattoo bandages often come off before going to bed the first night.
You'll need to keep your tattoo wrapped in cling film from one to three days. Depending on the size of your artwork this may be longer and your artist will let you know but a general rule of thumb is: Small line-work pieces – keep the cling film on for one to two days.
Many people naively believe that leaving the bandage on for too long is a good idea, as it will protect the tattoo from bacteria for longer. It works the other way around. It is not safe to leave the bandage on for long as it can lead to infections.
The bandage or wrap should stay on no longer than 6-8 hours max. If using products like Saniderm or Dermalize, you can always remove it, clean the tattoo and apply a new layer. As discussed above, the post-procedure wrapping helps protect your skin from getting infected.
Remove the cling film after 2/3 hours, wash the tattooed area gently, pat dry, and apply the designated tattoo cream thinly over the tattoo, following the instructions on the cream tube.
Your first night sleeping, your artist might recommend you re-wrap the tattoo with plastic wrap (like Saran Wrap) to sleep without the tattoo sticking to your sheets. This is generally for larger or solid-color tattoos. If your artist did not recommend re-wrapping, just let the tattoo stay exposed to air overnight.
Allow It to Breathe
Although in the early stages the tattoo needs to be wrapped, it is important to remember to let it breathe as time goes on. Don't wrap it for longer than you have to, and when you clean and apply ointment it is a good chance to leave your skin uncovered.
After you remove the bandage, you should wash your tattoo. Use lukewarm water and mild, liquid antibacterial or antimicrobial soap to gently remove any ointment, blood, and plasma and to completely clean the area.
(with black bandage) Leave the bandage at least 2 hours (overnight if it's an evening tattoo.) Do not remove the bandage as this is an important step to start the healing process and helps prevent infection when your skin is at its most vulnerable.
You may have heard some rumours that Bepanthen shouldn't be used on new tattoos, but this absolutely isn't the case. Bepanthen is by far one of the most highly recommended tattoo aftercare products and is the go-to ointment for most tattoo artists and studios.
Ink is a pigment that can easily be stained, so it's important to keep the area around the tattoo clean while it's healing. Cling wrap or plastic wrap helps to protect the tattoo from dirt and debris, which can speeds up the healing process.
You can shower 3-4 hours after getting a tattoo, if you have a Saniderm bandage on, however, if you have a plastic wrap wait 24 hours to unwrap your tattoo and shower. In either case, shower in cold or lukewarm water and avoid prolonged soaking or submerging your tattoo in water for 3-4 weeks.
The body's natural response to pain is to release endorphins, which can provide temporary pain relief. However, endorphins can also cause feelings of tiredness and drowsiness, which can make you feel even more fatigued after the tattoo process.
Remove the bandage after 2 to 3 hours unless SecondSkin is used –keep SecondSkin on for 2-3 DAYS. Wash the tattoo area with lukewarm water and gentle soap.
Your tattoo will still be weeping some ink/blood/other fluid for the first day or so. This discharge can get stuck under the bandage and cause it to look blurry or even like there is a thick colored film over the entire area. This is ok!
Signs Your Tattoo Isn't Healing Properly
Prolonged Swelling: While your tattoo may be swollen at first, this swelling should reduce over a few days. Prolonged itching or hives: If you break out in bumps or hives after getting a tattoo, or if your skin becomes extremely itchy, consult your doctor.
If the Saniderm begins coming off, do not stick it back down, instead remove the plastic early. Additionally, the Saniderm will accrue body fluids and ink under the wrap, your tattoo is not falling out or staining your skin.
After getting a tattoo, you can expect the skin around your new ink to flake and peel off. It can be alarming to see chunks of pigment pull away from their permanent placement on your skin, but don't fret—the peeling of tattoos is normal and a sign that your new ink is properly healing.
Is Bepanthen the best antiseptic ointment to use? Bepathen is a popular antiseptic ointment choice. However, other antiseptic ointments include Savlon and Soov. Any of the three can be used on new ink once gently cleaned with a combination of antimicrobial soap and lukewarm water.
It may be used as often as needed. Q8: Who can safely use Bepanthen Ointment? Bepanthen Ointment is a gentle product and do not contain added colorants, fragrances, or preservatives, it is safe for use even by infants.