Aftercare Instructions for Tattoo – New Tattoo Care

New tattoos require attentive aftercare to promote healthy healing. A tattoo is an open wound and requires the same attention throughout the healing process. Tattoos must be kept clean and exposed to least amount of germs as possible.

The healing stages of a tattoo will be as unique as the individual who is experiencing it. Different skin type, body location, and tattoo artist techniques can all cause a variance in your personal tattoo healing process.

Tattoo aftercare is critical to the healthy healing of your new tattoo. The aftercare instructions below should be started as soon as possible following your tattoo appointment and make sure that you take proper care of your tattoo as there is nothing worse than getting a great tattoo and then having it heal poorly and mess up the finished tattoo. For additional resources on the proper care of a new tattoo click here.

None of this article should be taken as medical advice, for all medical advice consult your physician.

How to Care for a New Tattoo -

Your new tattoo will be bandaged when you leave the tattoo parlor. It is recommended to leave this bandage on your new tattoo for a few hours, to protect it from any outside contact. A brand new tattoo is similar to having minor surgery so don't be surprised if your tattoo bleeds a little for the first 24 hours. This is normal and your bandage will help absorb any bleeding from your tattoo initially following your procedure. One thing to note is to be extremely careful when removing your bandage and to not let a large amount of blood dry on your bandage.

When it is time to remove the bandage from your tattoo, do so carefully. It is possible that blood has dried to the bandage and if you just rip it off, you could possibly screw up the appearance of your new tattoo.

Your tattoo is tattoo is going to be sore, red, and possibly a bit swollen. You may also experience a slight stinging sensation that is similar to the feeling of sunburn. Tattoo artists will tell you that getting a tattoo feels like a strong sunburn, the truth is that a healing tattoo will often feel like a sunburn. If you're a wimp, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate these temporary symptoms of tattoo healing.

Your primary focus when taking care of a new tattoo is to keep the tattoo clean. After the initial bandage is removed, gently wash your tattoo with water and a tattoo aftercare cleanser such as Tattoo Goo (or anti-bacterial soap). Do not use a washcloth or anything other than your hand. Wash gently, don't 'rub' but pat the tattoo. Try to remove all blood. Do not scrub. Rinse your new tattoo completely with clear water then blot slightly with a clean towel. Allow your tattoo to air dry for 15 minutes or so.

After your tattoo has dried, gently apply a tattoo aftercare lotion such as Tattoo Goo or Aquaphor Healing Ointment. A minimal amount will be sufficient - if your tattoo appears overly-shiny, you applied too much. Too much lotion traps germs in to your new tattoo which can potentially lead to infection. Just a dab will do.

Repeat the tattoo aftercare instructions for cleaning your tattoo 3 times a day.

Be sure to wear clean, loose-fitting clothing around your tattooed area and to sleep on clean sheets.

Tattoo Care - Peeling, Is it Normal?

The tattoo healing process is similar to recovering from a bad sunburn. It is quite common for a new tattoo to peel after a couple of days. Allow the tattoo to peel away naturally - do NOT peel the dry skin away yourself. This can pull the ink out of your tattoo leaving it discolored or uneven in appearance. You will also notice that your new tattoo feels tight, dry, and itchy. Keep applying your tattoo aftercare lotion to hydrate the tattoo and alleviate these symptoms. It is normal to see small flakes of colored skin flake away from your tattoo as your tattoo is healing.

What Does a Healthy, Healing Tattoo Look like?

New tattoos will appear red and swollen immediately following your tattoo procedure. This appearance will continue for a few days throughout the tattoo healing process. Within a week to ten days, the skin surrounding the tattoo area should be more back to normal. Most tattoos are completely healed in three weeks time.

Healing Stages of Tattoos

Everyone heals differently making it difficult to give an exact time line for the tattoo healing process. it is impossible to predict exactly how everyone will heal from a tattoo experience being that no two human bodies heal at the same rate. Those with sensitive skin may take longer to heal, and may experience a longer period of flaking or peeling, than those that have normal skin. Location of your tattoo can also cause the healing time to vary. Tattoos on the hands or feet may take up to two weeks longer to heal than a tattoo on another body part.

Below is a general over-view of the healing stages of a tattoo.

Tattoo healing stage - Week 1
New tattoo will be sore and red.
Slight bleeding is common during the initial 24 hours following your procedure.
Minor symptoms such as swelling and stinging can be eased with the use of over-the-counter pain relievers.
Proper tattoo aftercare must be started immediately following procedure to ensure healthy healing.

Tattoo healing stage - Week 2
Tattoo may begin to flake or peel.
Tattoo may become itchy
Important to NOT scratch or pick at tattoo

Tattoo healing stage - Week 3
Scabbing and/or peeling has subsided
Tattoo area may still feel sensitiveTattoo Care - Tattoo advice to preserve the quality of your tattoo.

Tattoo Care - Tattoo advice to preserve the quality of your tattoo.

Do not expose your tattoo to extreme sunlight or tanning beds

No swimming, hot tubs, or baths for first two weeks after getting
new tattoo

Do not shave the tattooed area for the first 30 days following
tattoo procedure

Only touch your tattoo with clean hands. Don't let others touch
your healing tattoo

Tattoo Aftercare Video

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IP2E-Oz7GVY[/youtube]

Tattoo Aftercare Products

You probably spent good money getting that great new tattoo, didn't you? Now is not the time to get cheap and skimp on tattoo aftercare products. The Original Tattoo Goo Tattoo AfterCare Kit is full of high-quality products designed to aid in the proper healing of a new tattoo, and to preserve it's beauty for a lifetime.

If you change your mind, then you can always look into Tattoo Removal. I've searched around a few places in Atlanta for a good Tattoo Removal Atlanta doctor and am considering getting mine laser removed. We'll see as time goes by what I decide to do there.

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August 14, 2007 | Filed Under Tattoo-Advice

Comments

68 Responses to “Aftercare Instructions for Tattoo – New Tattoo Care”

Kasie on July 26th, 2009 2:14 pm

Hi, I have a few questions if you don’t mind….Three years ago, I got my first tattoo…..a small star on my right foot. I LOVED it, but of course I wanted more…Three days ago, on vacation, I got a wild hair (stupid I know) and had two more stars tattooed on my foot and the original one re-inked so it would be the same color as the two new ones. Although if you look closely, you can see the lines of the stars, there is alot of ink coming out. I don’t remember this with the first star…Will this all dry up and peel away…It’s been 3 days and it looks like it is “cracking” at times, but going no where. Also, I didn’t worry about it at all with the first tattoo (maybe it’s because of the shop that I was in) but I am worried about infection with this one. I guess being out of town I didn’t know this place as well. Before tattooing me, the artist showed me a needle and something else, saying that the needle was new and the other part had been autoclaved. I remember the tattooist smoking outside when I drove up, he wore gloves while tattooing me, but I am still freaking out…Am I just being paranoid??!?? THanks so much, please be honest with me!
Dude with the Sucky Tattoo on July 27th, 2009 4:47 pm

If you are seriously concerned, you should go to the doctor. You don’t want an infected tattoo.
tara on July 31st, 2009 9:51 am

hello
i had a tattoo on monday, today(friday) my tattoo is starting to crack is this normal?

thank you
tula on August 5th, 2009 1:45 pm

on the spur of a moment i got a tattoo at a less than reputable place a few days ago. although i’m almost sure he used a clean needle he didn’t wear gloves and the pain was excruciating. none of my other tattoos hurt that much and this one was only on my stomach. i wasn’t aloud to stand up to see the transfer before it was tattooed on and he put the bandage on before i could look.
another thing is the tattoo sucks. its wonky and almost upside down!!!what are my options? i regret it so much. i’m scarred life.
take my advice book, get to know the artist and do your homework. don’t end up with the mess i have.
Dana on August 15th, 2009 1:06 pm

OMG!! No gloves?? I would have walked out right then and there. It is ABSOLUTELY necessary that the artist wear gloves! But just because he didn’t use gloves doesn’t mean that it should hurt more. It could just be the artist or the area where he was tattooing. You could get it removed, although it is pricey and you can still see a scar. I would see an artist that you trust (and researched beforehand) and see what you can do about a cover up.
Marci on August 15th, 2009 1:55 pm

I got a tattoo on my ankle exactly a week ago. Last Monday, (2 days later) I accidently dropped my laptop and it scratched a small center area of my tattoo. I have been putting on predominantly Badger After Sun Salve and an unscented organic shea butter salve. I have also been putting on some Aquaphor from time to time, but kinda have liked the other stuff better.

BTW, my artist covered my tat with plastic wrap after, which I kept on for a hour or so. He was very sanitary. I have heard pw is a no no, tho.

I have been gently washing my tat about 3-4 times a day, ( with castile soap), blotting dry and dabbing the salves on.

This am while washing it, it completely peeled, apart from the still healing center. It is still there and looks fine, but is lighter. Is that from the dead skin being sloughed off? It gently peeled off, since it was dead skin moisturized with salve, kinda like a peeling sunburn. Is that ok? I have had no itching, yet.

Now, the center has a few pustles, but aside from being slightly sore, like the rest of the tat, it is fine.

I went to my local tattoo parlor (I got it done while visiting a tattooed friend in TX) before it peeled and they said they could not give me any advice on the center part until after about a month. I have not seen a dr.

Any advice is welcomed. Thanks!
Marci on August 15th, 2009 1:57 pm

Actually, looking at the center in daylight, I think it has a scab on it, and that’s how it feels when I wash it.
Marci on August 15th, 2009 2:06 pm

Sorry, one more question: I read not to put petroleum jelly on it, yet that is the primary ingredient in Aquaphor. Is is ok or not, to use it?
Just Joe on August 25th, 2009 4:50 pm

I think its freaking funny all these morons asking questions and not getting answers, I wonder how many times a day they come back to look and see that nobody cares about them or their tattoo…so sad. I am going to go look for an active board and ask my questions there instead of wasting time here.
nick on August 29th, 2009 3:04 pm

i got a tattoo about 14 hrs ago and it is pussing ever since i took a hot shower is that normal??
john on September 6th, 2009 3:29 am

had a new tattoo how often do i need to wash it?
TheDude on September 7th, 2009 10:49 am

I’d say just be sure you keep it clean… don’t overdue it, but if it gets at all dirty you need to clean it… Do not scrub the tattoo with a washcloth or anything other than your hand. Wash gently, don’t ‘rub’ but pat the tattoo. Do not scrub it, just rinse it / pat it at the most… .

Rinse your new tattoo completely with clear room temperature water then blot slightly with a clean towel. Allow your tattoo to air dry for 15 minutes or so. Most tat artists will provide you with instructions on how to clean your new tattoo, cause again, my tattoo sucks.
Daphne on September 12th, 2009 2:26 pm

I want to do depilation with laser. I have the tat 10 days.
Im not asking of cource, to do it straight on the tattoo.
But around it. How much around?
And at the procedure do i have to cover it with sth? Cause i m covering my eyes just in case.
Teresa on September 28th, 2009 5:59 pm

Tula, (aug. 5,2009), you can remove the tat if you really really hate it, with a product called Tat B Gone. It will take around 6 months or so, but it is less than having lazer surgery. I have heard very good things about this.
Hope this helps…

PS
If you decide to get another tat, please don’t do a spur of the moment. Tats, the most part last forever. It should be something you really like or something with special meaning for you.
Have a good day.
Katelynn on October 7th, 2009 3:59 am

within the last week i got 2 tattoos in 2 days… i was told by several people that its ok to do that but someone told me that its not healthy to do that… and one of the tattoos i got im still going to be adding on but i wanted to know how long to wait to get more added to it…
Rachel on January 15th, 2010 7:46 pm

I got my 1st tattoo, about a week ago. I never used ointment for it, all I did was wash it how your supposed to, and kept it moisturized. I rarely touch it, and keep it from touching things I know is dirty. Now its going through the itchy phase, but it looks as if its “cracking”. Is this just the part where it starts peeling, or am I not keeping it moisturized enough?
Shakirrra on February 25th, 2010 7:47 pm

I jus got a tat last fri and it seems like its loosin color..Could it b that its jus scabbin up and healin and i cant see the color yet?
Shakirrra on February 25th, 2010 7:48 pm

I dont kno it looks fine but wats the best kind of soap to use on it while its healin up?
beanstat on April 7th, 2010 7:22 pm

Im considering getting a tatto, but i am also in the proccess of losing weight. I have aout another 20-30 pounds to go. Should i just wait it out or go for it????
Amber on April 15th, 2010 5:01 pm

Beanstat (April 7th, 2010) I would suggest waiting because you may change your mind after losing weight depending on the tattoo and where you want it.
Ciara on April 28th, 2010 2:27 pm

@Rachel January 15th 2010
Dont worry about the cracking, once you have been moisturising its alright, keep moisturising it 3 times a day and dont pick it and the tattoo should be fine. I just got my first tattoo aswell about 3 weeks ago and mine is totally fine now after it went through that “cracking” stage aswell.
hope this helped
Shilo Watts on April 30th, 2010 4:00 am

I have a tattoo on my penis. I wont heal properly and blleds when I am having anal sex with my lover.

is this normal?
smartelic14 on May 20th, 2010 2:53 pm

@Shilo Watts–first of all, why the hell would you get a tattoo there?? second of all, if it’s not healed all the way you shouldn’t be doing those kinds of things. i’m not a doctor or a tattoo artist, but you should probably wait until it’s healed to do anything with it.
Laser Tattoo Removal | My Tattoo Sucks on May 28th, 2010 4:22 pm

[...] forget, tattoos are meant to be permanent! All tattoo aftercare advice is designed to help prolong the life of your tattoo and keep it as perfect as the day you [...]
Jerrmy on June 21st, 2010 12:28 am

Ok I got a tattoo on tuesday and its now sunday (same week). The first few days were fine, then, thursday night I noticed that it was cracking but I was told that it was normal (so I had no worries). But the same night I was rugh housing with my uncle and the top layer of skin came off, and from what I hear that is normal as well. But the next afternoon (friday afternoon) I went to the river and did very little swimming. I did my best not to soak my tattoo. And the rest of the skin from the night before was getting washed off. My tattoo is now way lighter than is was before and has a little scabbing I think. I have blue in the tattoo and in a part of the blue there is a small speck of green (? WTF?) but I know he didnt use any green ink because I was watching the whole time; What the hell is this green??? And will my tattoo be repaired if I just go and get it recolored?
Anonymous on June 21st, 2010 1:57 pm

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Anonymous on June 21st, 2010 2:06 pm

this is how u take care of your new tattoo:
for the first 5days use ointment, i personally apply aquaphor, A&D, or preparationH.
you got to wash it 3to4 times a day, make sure to wash it with worm water and antibacterial soap, make sure you only use your hands to wash it. do not scrub it or scratch it!!!! you will regret doing that!!!! after its nice and clean wait for a couple minutes to let it dry(7min) and than apply a very thin layer of ointment. keep doing this everyday after you get your new tattoo for 5days straight….. after the 5days your tattoo might start or perhaps it has fully pealed, this is normal so dont freak out! it is now time to start using any kind of lotion that is fragance free for 2 weeks , you wont need to wash it, but just make sure you keep it clean!!! this is how i treat all my tattoos, and i have over 50 of them!
Anonymous on June 21st, 2010 2:08 pm

let me know if this was helpful…… just leave comments and questions and i will gladly help you..
i dont want to leave my name because its noot importatnt…………
kristi on June 23rd, 2010 1:36 pm

Jeremy. the green is the color it will be scabbing. it will come back blue. with the rough housing you probably scrufed off a top layer of the healing to it will be significantly lighter then if it would have healed normally. just wait till it is healed completely, which takes about a month, and then decide whether you are happy or want it recolored.
shorty on July 10th, 2010 3:10 pm

i am going to schlitterbahn on monday i got my tat on wednesday night. its all outline no shading. does anyone think it will be ok to get in the water.
John doe on July 20th, 2010 2:33 am

I got two tattoos the other day. I got an h on my left butt check and an e on my right butt cheek. When I bend over and spread my Cheeks it spells hoe
tracy on August 10th, 2010 12:11 pm

got 4stars down my spine,9days ago,starting to look scabie,washing daily&moisturing when needed is this ok,thanks
Aquaphor Tattoo Care – proper aftercare instructions for a tattoo | All About Tattoos on August 18th, 2010 11:23 am

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Tattman on September 5th, 2010 8:07 pm

i got a tattoo about 14 hrs ago and it is pussing ever since i took a hot shower is that normal??

That is a quote from above
THE ANSWER IS DONT TAKE A HOT SHOWER USE COOL WATER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thats why an artist told you to use cool water.
Adriene on September 21st, 2010 3:35 pm

I got a tattoo 2 days ago, the artist said to gently wash it and dab with vitamin E ointment 3 times a day for the first three days. But after the first 3 days he said it is extremely improtant not to let it get wet AT ALL for a week. No water what so ever, sponge bath. I think because water carries bateria which makes it more prone to infection. Is this really necessary?? It is healing beautifully, no bleeding, scabbing, peeling or itching….so far.
Chengdutata on September 26th, 2010 5:21 am

@Adriene – Every artist I’ve talked to says to keep the tattoo clean and moisturized. You need to wash it every single day to keep bacteria from getting into your system like it would with a cut. You can buy bottled water or boil water (like you would for drinking in a foreign country) if you want to be extra safe.

I recently got a tattoo that seems to have some “ink bleeding”. Meaning that some edges aren’t as crisp and it almost looks like there’s smearing. I’ve read about “blown lines”. Has anyone else experienced this? Does the blurring fade once everything is healed? What can my artist do about it?
Marisa on October 2nd, 2010 1:25 am

Okay so I got a tattoo monday and it’s now Friday and I am going through the itching and peeling stage I, I cleaned it 2 times a day and didn’t wear any of my tight skinny jeans near my hip now is it normal to see some of the colors flake off with the dead skin? And how much longer till the itching stops :/ I’m 18 and this is my first tattoo ever thank you.
Nora on November 18th, 2010 9:41 am

My choice of tattoo aftercare is Tattoogenie. It’s main advantages as of the tattoo aftercare are:
Tattoogenie speeds healing, relieves pain, itching and irritation.
Anonymous on January 3rd, 2011 4:55 pm

Well basically got a tattoo re-done, well like gone over because its was crap & faded, it wasn’t professional it was done by someone I know, he used tatto ink, the proper stuff he used gloves clean needles, antibacterial spray stuff and everythink. Its looks fine I’m just a bit worried that its gonna get infected he covered it up with cling flim afterwards and it feels fine, just stinging abit I’m just getting my self worked up now? Guys do you think it will be fine?!
the hippie on January 9th, 2011 9:20 pm

Spent 150 on a ruby throat hummingburd on my right shoulder, Wednesday (it is now Sunday) and its straight black, watched him re draw and correct the actual picture, knew the artist, and watched him open the needle, and pour the ink and everything, he did an absolute perfect job on putting it on me, perfect location, size, wonderfully perfect tracing on me. Nothing but good things to say about my first tattoo experience, except its now peeling, and Idk why but it freaks me out looking at the skin peeling away makes me wanna rip it off but I know not too. Also, NO bleeding at all. No scabbing at all yet, just itchy and peeling, and its still as dark as when I got it. My 2 cents, make sure your comfortable with 100% of everything like your artist, his capabilities and everything if you don’t DON’T BE SCARED TO WALK OUT. OR WAIT A WEEK TO GET IT FROM SOMEONE YOU TRUST
Daryl Nowley on January 26th, 2011 3:21 am

I really like Tattoo,Your subject material is extremely helpful to me! I will typically visit your blog.
sara crews on February 12th, 2011 7:49 pm

Hi! I just got my first tattoo a week ago and today as I was cleaning it I noticed It was peeling so I started cleaning away the loose skin was that the wrong thing to do? as soon as I did it I stopped quickly and decided to ask before I went further.
Daily Dealer on March 22nd, 2011 4:03 pm

Nice instructions very helpful as am going for a tattoo next month.
Will definitely follow these instructions for a good looking tattoo.
corey on March 23rd, 2011 9:07 am

i got a tattoo a week ago the tattoo is fine but my leg around it is swollen its not red or painful just swollen the tattoo is on my calf but my ankle hurt dont know if that is related or not but i was wondering if the swelling of the leg is normal and if it is how long should it last also the calf muscle is tight
Anonymous on April 2nd, 2011 3:47 am

I got a tattoo band around my ankle a week ago. I have been washing it with soap and water twice a day and applying A&D ointment afterwards. It has been itching for the past two days and my ankle is still red! Is there anything else I need to be doing? Is it normal for my ankle to still be red?
heather on April 4th, 2011 8:52 am

I have a question..i have had my tattoo for 1 week..and the color has faded away so bad..and the tattoo looks horrible..i used vasline when i first got the tattoo and i used coco butter soap to wash..do you think that may ahve anything to do with the color fading> and o..can i use neosporin?
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country boy on May 19th, 2011 9:49 pm

Got a tattoo on my forearm on monday and it’s now thursday. Still yet I have to keep my arm elevated or it thumps like it was hit by a bat. Is this normal?
Anonymous on May 25th, 2011 3:00 pm

To John: you should wash your tat 3-5 times a day. i put safe 4 hours on it .I love it
Patti on June 11th, 2011 3:00 pm

I got my foot inked 5 days ago… Really lovely design. Very pleased with it.. I have kept it clean and moisturised and used Bepanthen on the advice of the artist…. It is very red and sore, hasn’t really scabbed as such, but the lines are extremely fine, so I may not have noticed. Yesterday I noticed a couple of red marks running through the lines… Today the tat is covered in tiny little blisters which are very sore… I have now started to use Savlon in case I’m allergic to the other cream… Any ideas what this could be? Not had this problem before with a tat…
Coralskipper on June 14th, 2011 11:35 pm

I got a new tattoo last night. It’s my second one. My previous one bled ink like the dickens and is really pale. What can I do to avoid this happening with my new one?
Anonymous on June 30th, 2011 9:32 am

Remember peeling is healing
Caroline on July 7th, 2011 4:16 pm

Ive had a large tattoo on my foot 3 weeks ago it’s still swollen which I’m concerned about and parts of the tattoo look very sunken in but it’s fine when I put cream on am I worrying about nothing?
Tattoo Aftercare Advice from 434 Tattoo | Hawaii Tattoo on July 7th, 2011 7:12 pm

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Meagan on July 24th, 2011 8:51 am

To anyone who has blisters, sunken spots or swelling for more than a week, or are simply worried about infection GO SEE A DOCTOR! A tattoo is in essence a minor surgery, remember those needles are piercing your skin over 300 times a minute. If you dont trust where it is going to be done or who is doing it, or you dont like it perfectly when the stencle is applied DONT DO IT! Take your time and resurch where and who will be doing the tatto, hang out at the shop wait for a regular to come in look at their tattoos ask them about their experience. Most tattoo shops will not mind this ( I encourage it at the studio I work in) and if they mind well then why the heck would you want to do business with them in the first place. A tattoo is PERMANENT it takes thousands of dollars for laser removal and the removal creams rarely work, do your resurch and take your time just as you would if you were having a medical surgery.
jp on August 5th, 2011 5:04 pm

i had a tat on my penis and sex really hurts know ,help!
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jonathanhebert on October 24th, 2011 2:10 pm

hi i got a tattoo on thursday and it is monday now , i have been putting A&D otment on it and it hasnt peeled yet , my tattoo is black but where he shaded it is white ? im wondering if thats a bad healing prosses? my tattoo looked good before not it look soo shittyyy , should i let it dry for like 1 or 2 hours without the ointment ? please be honest help me out !
jonathanhebert on October 24th, 2011 2:17 pm

^ to add on to that its not like white it looks like its white underneath my tattoo nd looks like a bunch of lines where he shaded ,
Autumn on November 27th, 2011 3:40 pm

Any special considerations for active people? I run everyday for 1-2 hours which would mean alot of sweat. Want to place a small tat on my mid/upper back. It’ll be my first.
Kristle on November 29th, 2011 10:40 am

I just got my tattoo done saturday night & it was my first tattoo so i’m kinda worried about how its kinda crackling & sorta bubbly peeling look to it 7 feels tight it is now tuesday iv been putting lubriderm lotion with oat extract on it but now i but triple antibiotic ointment & started putting that on it pleasee help????
smd on December 4th, 2011 6:40 pm

i had a tattoo on my penis, im gay, so i do anal sex, it bleeds everytime. what should ido?
Cat on December 4th, 2011 8:48 pm

For those of you who don’t follow instructions:
-Read the damn instructions. If you got you tattoo within a week: NO, you can’t go swimming, NO, you shouldn’t be rough-housing, having sex if it’s on your penis, or putting any strain on the skin in any way. For the first 3 weeks you have to be taking the utmost care with your healing tattoo.
-If it gets infected, i.e. pus is coming out, it is burning or turning a weird color after a week, GO SEE A DOCTOR.
-It is NORMAL for it to look discolored while it is healing. After about 3 or 4 weeks, if it still looks discolored, usually artists offer free touch-ups on their work. Otherwise go see another artist and see how much they charge to do touch ups.
-Aquaphor is fine because it isn’t straight up vaseline. Pure petroleum jelly would over-hydrate your skin. Aquaphor or it’s generic are fine if you aren’t using a lotion specific for tattoo after-care.
-Lastly, if you get a tattoo on a whim YOU’RE A DUMBASS. Always research ahead of time before you do something permanent, especially if doing it badly would make you sick.
Ni on December 18th, 2011 1:25 am

Hey i have a problem but my tatt artist aaid its normal and it will heal, I just got my tattoo the 9th of this year of december and it completeley peeled off tidy and I am concerned is to why it looks sorta whitish and should.I.still be applying the a+d ointment or.can I use the aquaphore he said its natural he even showed me a pic of a similar tattoo with a whitish look he said it will heel withing 2 weeks so dnt mess wih it jusy keep applying ointment.
sammie on December 29th, 2011 4:38 pm

thanks i got alot of answers for my new tat:)
Wouldn'tuliketoknow on December 31st, 2011 2:58 am

Hi…I was reading some comments and I gotta say wow…I got a tat a few weeks back and I gotta say yeah I didn’t really think about it but whatever I knew I wanted it so I got it…it was for my stepdad who passed away anyway so the colors faded sure but I put the lubadorm I don’t know how to spell it…on it patted it dry but I asked the person who tattooed me about taken a show he said I could go home as take a shower right then and there well I didn’t I waited tell the next day but whatever I love it…it’s healin i am happy tho I was paranoid the first few weeks I think it depends on where u get it I got one on my foot back in july and he said don’t go swimming for a week well I went the next day covered my foot got out and toweled dry it put the stuff on it I was fine…it’s fine has wonderful color…
mb on January 4th, 2012 3:35 pm

Me hice un tatuaje hace cuatro dias, es normal que se este rompiendo me lavo con jabon antibacterial pero me estoy aplicando vaselina por que se me reseca mucho. es bueno…
Anonymous on January 9th, 2012 12:01 am

I just got a tattoo on my thigh on dec 30th and it scabbed over and peeled off but there is still a layer of skin there and it itches so much. Also there are bubbles like where my hair is growing back. Is that normal or do i need to get it done again? No one i know has a tattoo on their thigh so i cant ask them. Please let me know im a bit worried that it will look like this forever!