How to Heal Your Tattoo

-Leave bandage on for 1-3 hours after getting tattooed or 3-5 days if using second skin.

-Carefully remove the bandage and wash with hot soapy water. The same method applies to removing the second skin.

-Use an unscented antibacterial soap like Dial Gold

-Wash using your hands, nothing abrasive

-Rinse the tattoo with warm water to remove all the blood, plasma, and goo

-Pat or blot dry with a clean towel or paper towel, do not rub or wipe dry. Let air dry for 10-15 minutes

-Apply a small amount of your preferred unscented lotion. I prefer cocoa butter.

-Gently rub the lotion into the tattoo making sure not to leave a thick, shiny layer that will suffocate the tattoo.

-It is best to let the skin breathe during the healing process

-After that, clean the tattoo when you shower or as needed, and apply lotion 2-3 times a day or as needed.

-Your tattoo will begin to peel within a week or so. Allow the peeling skin to come off on its own as you gently clean it. DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH AT THE TATTOO.

-Do not submerge the tattoo underwater for 2 weeks.

-Keep your tattoo out of the sun until it is fully healed. Afterward, use sunblock when prolonged exposure to the sun is expected.

Healing with Second Skin- What to Expect

-The first 48 hours are the most important for healing. You can leave the bandage on for 3–5 days, but no longer than 6 days.

-After your tattoo is finished, let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then wipe off any excess blood or plasma. Don't apply aftercare products before putting on the bandage.

-In a warm shower, start at a loose edge and gently peel the bandage off at an angle. Don't pull it straight up or rip it off.

-It's normal for the bandage to bubble, and you can try to push out the air bubbles.

-It's normal for plasma to build up under the bandage in the first 24 hours. If this happens, you can remove and replace the bandage.

-It's normal to see some redness around the tattoo, especially where the bandage touches un-tattooed skin.

-Itching is normal, but you should avoid scratching. You can try patting the area or applying a cold compress.

-If you develop an adverse reaction, stop using the bandage immediately.

If you have any further questions about your healing process please reach out to me.

Is My Tattoo Infected?

Redness and swelling: While some redness is normal for the first few days, if it worsens or spreads after the first week, it could be a sign of infection. 

• Pain: Pain that worsens after the first week could indicate an infection. 

• Pus: A thick, yellowish, or greenish discharge could be a sign of infection. 

• Itching: Itchiness that gets worse could be a sign of infection. 

• Bumps: Bumps on the skin, sometimes containing pus, could be a sign of infection. 

• Fever or chills: A fever or chills could be a sign of infection. 

• Swollen lymph nodes: Swollen or tender lymph nodes could be a sign of infection. 

• Oozing: If your tattoo is mostly dry but still oozing a bit, it could be a sign of infection. 

• Skin reactions: New or worsening symptoms of an existing skin condition, such as psoriasis, could be a sign of infection. 

If your tattoos show any of these symptoms please seek immediate medical help. And no reddit can not help you.

Is My Tattoo Healing Okay?

The healing process can seem a little scary especially if this is your first tattoo or you got a tattoo with heavy black and/or color.
Here are some things to expect from a healing tattoo:

• Inflammation: The first 1–3 days after getting a tattoo, the area may be red, swollen, tender, and oozing blood or ink. This is normal and should improve each day.

• Visible recovery: Days 4–14, the tattoo may itch, flake, scab, or peel. This is similar to how the skin heals after a sunburn. Avoid picking at scabs or removing peeling skin.

• Invisible recovery: Days 15–30, the tattoo may look fully healed but may still be dull or shiny. The skin underneath the tattoo will continue to remodel for 3–6 months.

What Products Should I Use for Aftercare?

• Soap: Antibacterial Dial Gold soap has always been my go-to. Just make sure it is unscented.

• Lotions: Any unscented lotion such as Aveeno, Raw Shea Butter, Lubriderm or Palmer’s Cocoa Butter works great.