I got a new tattoo done, and I'm using Borosoft enrich cream to help it heal, is that all right?

Question

I got a tattoo and was told to use neosporin antiseptic powder. It was drying out my tat too much and making it itchy. My tat guy also recommended putting Vaseline on it before i showered and wash it off with baby soap. I'm doing that. my earlier ones, I've used borosoft and it works OK, i was wondering if this would affect the color of my tat, as this is the first one with color.

Answer 1

I hope that it turns out alright for you, but it is not advisable to use Neosporin, it has been found to cause an allergic reaction in the form of little bumps that pull out the colors.

Also, Vaseline is a huge NO NO! Absolutely no petroleum products, they can also pull the color out and it can harbor bacteria, and smoother the tattoo - which needs to breathe.

As far as soap, you should only use liquid antibacterial soap, applied by hand - no cloths, no towels,

also, no direct streams of water, no soaking, no swimming, no sun, no bandages, no picking.

I am not familiar with borosoft - but your lotion should not have: petroleum products, lanolin, fragrances, dyes. It should not be heavy and thick, it should be applied in a thin coat. Lubriderm is highly recommended and has healing properties. Cocoa butter is safe.

I think that your tattooist needs to update his/her aftercare instructions. What was told to you was definitely 'old school', no longer recommended because of problems that have occurred, and was not as good for the outcome of the tattoo. Your aftercare is 50% of getting the tattoo,.. do it right and your tattoo will heal clear, crisp, with good lines and color and will last through the years if you use sunblock always for the rest of your life after it heals (not until then).

Here is an excellent link for current info.:

http://tattoo.about.com/

good luck with your new ink.