If you have decided to get a new tattoo you should know that complications can happen due to the heat, the sun, and even insect bites. Follow these tips on how to take care of your new tattoo and you will have no complications of any kind.
Basic care of a freshly done tattoo
First, you need to clean the area with an antiseptic.
Second, you will have to cover the tattoo within 24 hours of getting it done with a waterproof and microorganism-proof sheet suitable for direct contact with wounds.
Read this previous post if you want to know more about how long you should keep a new tattoo wrapped covered.
Remember to use a good moisturizing cream for at least 2 weeks to allow the skin to recover its elasticity.
Only if advised by a doctor, you can apply an antibiotic ointment to avoid infections during the first 5 days.
If all goes well, the area will be recovered in 4 to 6 weeks.
Get your new tattoo and do not sunbathe
Avoid bathing, especially in hot water until the tattoo heals completely, you should avoid immersing it in the sea or in the swimming pool, to avoid erasing part of the drawing or getting infected by bacteria.
Do not sunbathe, avoid exposure to the sun to avoid complications and not to diminish the pigmentation.
Always use sunscreen, it would also be useful to wear light cotton clothing, stay in the shade, do not expose yourself during the middle of the day, etc.
Avoid heat because it would increase sweating, and this can damage your tattoo design.
Also, avoid stings, insect or jellyfish stings cause local inflammation that hinders the proper course of healing.
Do not scratch it is advisable to avoid scratching because it can lead to over-infection or alterations in the tattoo.
It is also not good to remove the scabs formed during the healing period, I mean, tattoo peeling is normal sometimes, you can read our previous post for you to discover that peeling tattoo is almost certainly nothing to worry about.
A common symptom of an infected tattoo
The most common symptom of an infected tattoo is red or bumpy skin, with rashes, around the area where you have the tattoo.
In some cases, your skin may just be irritated by the needle, especially if you have sensitive skin. If this is the case, your symptoms should go away after a few days.
But if these symptoms continue for a week or more, consult your tattoo designer or a physician.
Consult your doctor if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Feeling hot or cold spells
- Abnormal shivering
- Swelling of the tattooed area
- Pus coming out of the tattooed area
- Red lesions around the tattooed area
- Areas of hard or raised tissue
What should I do if I have a complication with my new tattoo?
The first thing is not to be alarmed if your skin is irritated, this is normally on the first day of the tattoo.
Of course, you should keep a close eye on the area to be able to tell if the healing process is proceeding normally.
If you think your tattoo may be infected, feel pain, or are concerned that the tattoo is not healing properly, contact your doctor.
Also, if your tattoo is not what you expected and you are interested in having it removed, consult your dermatologist about laser surgery or other tattoo removal options.
Anyway, if you have already made the firm decision to get a tattoo and do not want to regret it later, it will also be useful to read the tips we offer you in our post: How to choose a tattoo without regrets.
If you know someone who has gotten a new tattoo, share this information with them.
They will find it very useful to take care of their tattoo properly and avoid complications.
Related articles:
How Long Should You Keep A New Tattoo Wrapped & Covered For?
About the Author:
Mónica Chacín, SEO Copywriting specialist and author of a
book of reflections and poetry known as “Serendipia de sueños”
www.monicachacin.com
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