Tattoos are works of art, but the canvas they’re inked on is your body, and at the end of the day, you still need to work with your body’s defenses to ensure that it heals right and well.
If you don’t, your tattoo could become infected, which can ruin the stunning artwork you just paid for. Don’t let your investment go to waste. Instead, use this smart person’s guide to tattoo aftercare:
The Risk of Infection
A fresh tattoo, for as beautiful and vivid as it is, is still an open wound. That’s why it’s at risk of developing an infection or even healing improperly.
In general, you have two separate infection risks you need to be aware of before getting your tattoo.
The first are superficial infections that affect only the outer layer of your skin. These infections can look and even feel painful, but they’re not as dangerous as the second type of infection, such as cellulitis, erysipelas, or sepsis.
Tattoos can get infected immediately, or over time, with some of the worst infections not showing symptoms till even months later. While most infections are mild, causing issues like chills, fever, and inflammation, others can cause septic shock or organ failure.
The Importance of Aftercare
Aftercare is essential if you want your beautiful tattoo to heal properly and continue to dazzle for years. The good news is that aftercare itself is rather simple. You can start by learning all about tattoo aftercare from elvistattoos.com, right down to the healing process and best products to use.
It’s also important to know what really works, and what’s just myths that have been perpetuated on the internet.
Don’t Re-Wrap Your Tattoo
Every tattoo is wrapped up in clean, sterile cellophane to protect the tattoo. While you should always listen to your tattoo artist’s recommendation on how long to keep it on for, there is one additional tip you need to take to heart, don’t re-wrap it. Once you take off the wrapping (which was applied in sterile conditions by a professional), that’s it.
Avoid Over-Moisturizing
Do you need to keep your tattoo moisturized? Yes. Is it possible to go overboard with the moisturizer? Also yes. This is because too much moisture can actually create an environment where bacteria can thrive.
The secret to avoiding over-moisturizing is to minimize the dose and up the frequency. A thin layer of moisturizer several times a day is far better than drowning your tattoo with so much moisturizer that it casts a white sheen, or even sits on your skin.
Avoid Abrasions
Avoid picking at the tattoo, chafing it with tight clothing, shaving, or anything else that could further scratch your skin while it’s healing. This will, naturally, disrupt the healing process and may even change your tattoo.
Avoid Water
Another top tip the smart person uses to ensure proper healing is to avoid water, in all its forms. You’ll want to avoid submerging your tattoo in water (so no baths or swimming) and also avoid excessive sweating, like in a sauna. This water is a haven for bacteria, which normally isn’t a problem unless you have an open wound, like you do with a fresh tattoo.
