tattoo & PIERCING After care
Tattoo after care instructions
You will need
- Unscented antibacterial/antimicrobial liquid hand soap
- Ointment such as Bepanthen first aid, or a tattoo specific after care product such as supreme crème. (do not anything with aloe in it, antiseptic/iodine ointment, Lubriderm, Chapstick, Vaseline, haemorrhoid cream)
- Unscented mild skin lotion
Immediately after
Your artist may have dressed your tattoo for your return home. Leave the bandage on for about an hour; remove it when you get home. It is normal for your tattoo to be bleeding some, slightly swollen and tender. After washing your hands; remove the dressing and wash your tattoo with warm water and unscented antibacterial/antimicrobial soap and rinse it well (bar soap will breed bacteria if left in the open, do not use a washcloth or any other abrasive materials; use only the pads of your fingers). Gently pat it dry with a clean towel. With a clean hand, apply a thin layer of ointment-the tattoo should remain moist but not smothered (wipe away excess with a paper towel).
In the coming days
It is normal to remain tender and swollen for several days, Weeping is also normal for the first few days (this may stain clothing). Reapply ointment every three hours for the next few days or until the tattoo begins to flake or peel. Wash and medicate your tattoo in the same fashion as stated above 2-3 times daily (shower normally washing your tattoo last). After several days the tattoo may begin to flake and peel, avoid picking any flaking skin from the tattoo and let it shed naturally, picking/peeling the tattoo could result in scabbing and loss of ink. Once the peeling stage begins you can switch to using a mild lotion (avoid scented, perfumed lotions) in lieu of the ointment to keep the tattoo moist. Continue to wash the tattoo regularly. Avoid sunbathing or tanning as well as soaking in a tub, pool, jacuzzi, pond, river, etc. For three weeks.
A healed tattoo
People heal at different rates, in general in 1-2 weeks your tattoo will be fully healed. In some instances, you may feel raised areas of the tattoo that will typically settle over the next several weeks or months. Continue to care for your tattoo by avoiding excess sun exposure which can cause fading and irritation.
*Healing tattoos are open wounds and are at risk for infection. Monitor the tattoo continually during the healing process- if any signs of infection occur, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Symptoms of infection: excessive redness or swelling, severe itching, or pus at the tattoo site, as well as fever
BODY PIERCING after care instructions
Approximate healing timeline:
Week 1 – Fresh. Swelling, redness, and bleeding are all totally normal.
Week 2-4 – Healing. Yellow “crusties” form. Do NOT pick them, and do not touch your piercing.
Week 5 – Matured. Redness should be nearly gone. Do not discontinue cleaning.
Week 8-12 – Downsize time! Check back in with your piercer – it may be time to change/shorten your jewellery.
Oral Piercings
- Use alcohol-free mouth rinse twice daily, after eating. Do not overuse.
- Cold drinks are great during healing. They feel nice, and help reduce swelling.
- Swelling is normal for 2 weeks.
- Eat soft /blended food while healing.
- Do NOT play with jewellery at all.
- Downsize jewellery in 4-6 weeks.
- Rinse with cold water after every meal.
- Stay hydrated! Drink lots of water.
Facial Piercings:
- Spray four times daily with sterile saline spray. There is no need to rinse the spray off.
- Alternatively, you can rinse twice daily with sterile saline solution.
- Do not turn/twist jewellery and DO NOT pick at your “crusties”.
- Avoid chlorinated pools or spas.
- Do not sleep on your piercing.
Torso Piercings:
- Follow “Facial Piercings” aftercare, as above.
- Female nipples should be protected with fresh nursing pads for the first 2 months.
- No bodily fluids on piercings while they are healing.
- Torso piercings can take up to 6 months to settle.
Genital Piercings:
- Follow “Facial Piercings” aftercare, as above.
- Bleeding is normal for a week.
- No unprotected sex during healing.
- Sex can resume when comfortable (approximately 4-6 weeks).
- Shower before and after sex during healing.
- Return to your piercer for downsizing your jewellery after 6 weeks.
- Genital piercings can take up to 6 months to settle.
Surface Anchors:
- Apply a cold compress 10 minutes on/10 minutes off, three times daily for first two days.
- Apply Hirudoid cream AROUND (NOT inside) the piercing site twice daily for the first four-five days, or until the redness is gone.
- See your piercer to change jewellery – you can cause damage to your piercing trying to change the ends yourself.
- Anchors heal in approximately 3 weeks.
- Do NOT cover or bandage.
- Be careful not to catch or snag your jewellery.
Issues and Troubleshooting:
- Sleeping on or bumping your piercing will slow healing and cause bumps to form.
- Applying a gentle, topical compress of a hot chamomile tea bag can reduce irritation bumps and increase blood flow.
- Low karat/quality gold or sterling silver can cause irritation.
- Continuously playing with oral piercings will result in ripping and tearing of oral tissue, which causes white, bumpy scar tissue to form. Saline rinses and Aspro Clear can help to reduce these bumps.
- Using harsh products such as alcohol wipes, Dettol, Betadine, Listerine, etc. will harm your piercing.
- Practice a healthy lifestyle. The healthier you are the faster you heal. Eat well, drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep etc. If you’re run down or sick you will take longer to heal your piercing.
If you’re having any troubles: Many problems are NOT infection and many piercings are misdiagnosed as such. A reputable piercer will know when to suggest you to seek medical advice. While infection is very rare, it is a crucial to contact a Doctor if you do have one. Things to watch out for are sudden onset of excessive swelling, excessive bleeding, discharge of bright yellow, green, or dark fluids. Some redness, swelling and discharge clear/light yellow is normal, but excessive redness and/or red stripes coming from the piercing site may be indicative of serious problems. Should any of these symptoms occur, you should contact a doctor.
But don’t worry – these are very rare occurrences if you follow aftercare and see a reputable practitioner. There is no such thing as a silly question though. A reputable practitioner will be happy to answer any questions if you needs.