TATTOO CARE

TATTOO CARE
Quick Tips: Caring For Your Tattoo
Getting the tattoo is uncomfortable. It can be downright painful. But one
thing is certain, everyone will feel something different. Afterwards, it is
imperative that you look after your new tattoo.
Take the bandage off after an hour or so, and wash with an
antibacterial soap. Dab dry with a clean towel. Otherwise try not to get
it wet. Keep it out of the sun until it’s healed. Ice packs can help with
swelling, and over the counter medication should be enough to deal
with any slight pain you might feel. Don’t use peroxide or alcohol as
they will dry out the tattoo, and don’t use petroleum jelly as it can fade
the ink.


Tattoo Problems and Pitfalls
While the popularity of tattoos, with a vast variety of messages,
seems to be on a steady increase, there are still some very important
safety considerations which cannot be ignored.
Especially in the warmer months of the year, many experience and
have questions about raised and itchy tattoos. Most people who suffer
with this condition typically describe the discomfort being occasional
rather than consistent, or sometimes either. There may actually be one
of several different causes and it is important for proper treatment to
find the precise cause. Let’s consider some of the most common
causes and then examine possible courses of treatment.
The tattoo ink being the source of an allergic reaction comes to mind
immediately, but is not a likely causative factor. While there are
occasions where allergic reactions to ink occur, the reaction could be
immediate, a week later, or years from the original tattoo application.
Red and yellow inks seem to be the most likely colors to cause an
allergic reaction.
Changes in the body chemistry due to illness and/or aging may
adversely affect areas that once were originally benign. Ink allergies will
be itchy and swell only in spots of the particular color. With the ink
allergies, the irritation is more common, not peaking and waning. For
mild irritations, topical ointments may help to relieve symptoms, but a
prescription drug or even tattoo removal is recommended for more
severe cases.
Weather is most often the cause of the consistent, yet possibly mild,
irritation. It may only be noticeable during the summer months.

Seasonal increases in temperature and humidity may cause swelling of
a tattoo, and thus, some itching and irritation.
As the swelling proceeds, there’s a slight stretching of the skin, causing
an itchy sensation. If your tattoo has had a long time to heal, it won’t
likely be damaged by scratching, but best to avoid any mechanical
irritation. For relief of itching and irritating symptoms, use topical
creams, ice packs or cool water for relief.
The overall health of your body can affect your tattoo site, as well.
Increases in blood pressure, adrenaline, or changes in body
temperature – will render some affect on the tattoo site. Always try to
pay attention to any irritations or skin injuries at or near the tattoo site.
Many folks who suffer with eczema may have irritation problems with
their tattoo, as well.
Some skin conditions are so minor that symptoms are not apparent until
a reaction forms at the more sensitive skin, the tattoo site.
Of course, also be careful about the placement and design
compatibility. I often joke about seeing a tattooed on dragon turn into a
green zebra over time. Ink can smudge and stretch as your body
changes.
If your tattoo ever gets smudged or you decide that you no longer want
it, it's important to know your options for tattoo removal. Unfortunately,
removal methods are harsh, painful, and usually result in scarring. You
can avoid this by following the pointers we outline shortly, when we talk
about trust.
Research, research, research! You can’t do enough. It's like thinking
about your first mortgage. Buying a house is a big thing, but it is not
exactly permanently modifying your body. But you looked at every loan

facility under the sun to find the perfect one for you. Same for the parlor
you will be going to for your tattoo.
Most importantly...
The worst possible negative side effects include those derived by poor
hygiene practices of the tattoo artist. Make sure you see them throw
away previous needles and ink cups. Certainly it can be a concern, if
you are interested in an extensive tattoo. Serious health complications
can occur if proper sanitary techniques are not used.
Concerns over hepatitis can be valid if the artist is reusing equipment
that touches the skin. While tattooing seems as fashionable as costume
jewelry, it brings with it many more possibilities for illness.
You must see needles come out of an unopened packet. Similarly, ink
pots must be new, unopened, and unused. Cross contamination can
occur when needles and inks are not new. Any reputable parlor will
open fresh packets, and don’t be shy about asking! A decent, ethical
artist won’t mind you checking, but if they do, leave.
Instruments also must be fresh – everything that is reusable must be
sterilized in an autoclave. You need to be able to see it, and make sure
it works. An autoclave that doesn’t function properly is as pointless as
not even washing the equipment between clients. Some parlors clean
the instruments with ultrasound (it jiggles the contaminants free) before
sterilizing them. This is obviously even better.
Check the general cleanliness of the parlor. Being able to answer these
questions is very important:
• Are the benches and work areas clean?
• Is there hot running wat

• Do the workers wash their hands regularly (check their toilet, is
there soap and hot water available)?
• Do they have sharps disposable containers?
• Are the artists licensed?
• Is the parlor registered?
If you cannot honestly answer all of these questions, do not get your
tattoo at the parlor. You're asking for a world of trouble and possible
infections.
This leads us to the next thing to talk about – the issue of trust. How do
you know they’re a good artist? This can only be addressed through
your own research. Watch them work, see how they operate – make
sure you check that it’s okay first! Don’t just waltz in and peer over their
shoulder! See how they treat their clientele. Are they polite and
courteous, or rude and condescending?
Don’t just look through the folder sitting forlorn on the table at the front
of the parlor. Ask to see the artist’s portfolio – it will contain work they
have actually done, not pictures they’ve gathered. Ask locals (who have
tattoos) for recommendations of parlors in the area.