Tattoo aftercare.

Follow the bandage instructions your artist gave you. A standard wrap and an adhesive second-skin dressing are different products; the time to remove them depends on the dressing and your skin. If an adhesive dressing leaks, peels open, or causes a strong reaction, contact your artist for advice.

Before touching your new tattoo, wash your hands. After removing the bandage, gently wash the area with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap. Do not scrub. Rinse and pat dry with a clean paper towel, or let it air dry.

Keep the tattoo clean while it heals. Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer when the skin feels dry. Avoid heavy layers of ointment. Do not scratch, pick at flakes or scabs, or let clothing rub against the area.

Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, baths and soaking until the skin has healed. Keep the tattoo out of direct sun while healing. Once healed, use sunscreen to help preserve the tattoo.

Some mild redness, tenderness and peeling can be expected early on. Seek medical care if redness spreads or worsens, pain increases, the area becomes hot or swollen, there is pus, red streaking, or you develop a fever. Contact the studio if you are unsure how to care for the dressing, but do not delay medical care for possible infection.