Washing tattoo question!!?

Question

okay so i just got my first tattoo like 2 hourse ago. and on the card that said wash it when i get home then put the ointment every yhalf hour. but i didnt know if they ment to wash it with soap and water every half hour or just put the ointment on every half hour? does anyone know?

Answer 1

wash it now and then put on the ointment when it gets dry (or every half hour or so) you just want to keep it moist so that it doesn't scab up. Scabs lead to spotting in the color

Answer 2

For me (also in accordance with what my artist recommends after 15 years tattooing), I don't use anything other than the occasional moisturizer.  

I wash my work a couple of hours after getting it done and then let it air dry. I reapply plastic wrap before bed and wash again upon waking. Then back to air drying.  After around 3 or 4 days it starts to get stiff, then I use a light application of Aveeno with oatmeal (helps with the itching).  Don't pick or scratch.  

If you need to scratch, either lightly slap the tattoo or do what I do, use my knuckles and gentle roll or lightly drag them over the itch with a shirt or whatever between my knuckles and the tattoo.

I only use the moisturizer when I feel really itchy or am feeling stiff. Don’t use anything with a petroleum base (avoid petrolatum, petroleum jelly, and Vaseline).  I don't  use A&D or Bacitracin or anything else and  I've never had a problem with weird ink behavior or infection.  

The way I look at it, what would I do for a mild scrape or a bad sunburn?  Anything beyond that, in my view, could affect the ink/wound.  

Answer 3

Just the ointment. You initially wash it to clean any blood and stuff that may be there.

The ointment is to stop it drying out too much and to relieve the aggravation to your skin from actually getting the tattoo.

Answer 4

I dont think you are suppose to put ointment every half hour... its suppose to be like 3 times a day. Also, if you put too much ointment your tattoo will get pimples.. (its happened to a few of my friends) I was told to put ointment 3 times a day and clean it those 3 times a day with soap and water and to only use a little bit of ointment.  

Answer 5

Just remember that it is important for your tattoo to breathe.

So, you don't load up on ointment on top of ointment. You must wash it off each time, then a light coat. And do not use ointment past 3 days, then switch to unscented lotion, ... Lubriderm is great - I do not use any ointment, just Lubriderm from beginning to end.

But anyway, your new tat will seep, you need to wash off all the plasma, because the plasma (slimy stuff) will form a scab, and your goal is to minimize scabs, because they can pull out color, and if you get any, leave them alone (no matter how long it takes for them to fall off)

after washing, pat dry with paper towels, air dry, pat, then light coat of ointment or lotion, air dry, pat with paper towels until it stops seeping (maybe 15 minutes) then don't cover if possible and treat it like a baby.

Remember that it is an open wound, and very vulnerable.

The 1st 3 days, it is vital to keep it clean and well cared for. Wash 3 -5 times at least a day.

here is a good site to easily answer your questions:

http://tattoo.about.com/

Answer 6

Here's what I do....

I wash it when I get home - then dry it really well - then apply a thin layer of ointment-then dap it with a paper towel to get any excess off - then when it starts to get really dry - put on another coat.....I usually only put ointment on once or twice a day...don't overdue it.  

Answer 7

you wash it off with anti bacteria soap to get the blood and excess ink off,. then you use  a and d ointment or anti biotic ointment dont use vasoline it will pull the ink out. after 2 to 3 days use regular lotion unscented if possible. you only need to wash once and when you bath do not go swimming or tan until it heals . I work in a tattoo parlor and i am heavily tattooed

Answer 8

The ointment.  You wash it like usual and put the ointment on every half hour or so.  Course with mine I didn't put it on that often and it was fine.  Also, try to avoid exposure to the sun for a bit it fades the Tattoo early on.

Answer 9

ok i used salt and water the tat can absorb the soap and the colour will begin to fade and use the cream when ever you feel it is becoming dry .

hope that's help  

Answer 10

What I did was wash it with antibacterial soap like Dial and do not use a wash cloth! Its very rough use a paper towel and damp dry it well i washed it at least 5x a day and kept it moist with the A&D so just keep up with the washing and ointment and you will be ok. And I would say put the ointment on every half hour

Answer 11

You are going to get a lot of advice here...and most of it bad.

WHEN IN DOUBT CALL YOUR TATTOO ARTIST AND ASK THEM.

NO DYES NO FRAGRANCES...soap and lotions without these is what you are going to want to use.

Dial Antibacterial Soap (no dish washing soap) is good.

ALSO...THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL QUESTIONS CAUSE IT WILL VARY from artist to artist.

DONT RE WRAP IT...and dont use Salt water...salt tends to pull the moister out of the skin...bad idea if you are trying to keep it moist.

Tattoos need oxygen to breathe and ointments are a bad idea...Even A&D (in my opinion for experience)...wash it with warm water when you shower, pat dry, then apply a bit of lotion on it.  Youre 2 main objectives here is to keep it clean and keep it moist.

I use Curel (no fragrance no dyes).  I have used A&D in the past and Lubraderm...either way...Curel is what works for me, after my experience with the other things out there.  

Most will tell you to use A&D...too goopy, but if you apply a thin layer....and keep it moist and dont smoother the skin...OK...antibacterial ointments like neosporin are a bad idea and can leave ink spotty in some people who may have a reaction to it.  Call your artist in the morning and ask them to clarify what the instructions mean.

Everyone's experience is going to vary and they will swear by it....so when in doubt call the shop you got the ink and ask them...in the meantime, just keep it clean and keep it moist.

Best of Luck!