ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE TOUCHING YOUR TATTOO!!!

WHEN YOU GET HOME

Remove derm product within 24-72 hours after getting your tattoo. While wearing the derm product it is NORMAL to have a buildup of plasma and pigment under the bandage. If the derm product begins leaking remove it and wash immediately. If the adhesive is bothering your skin at all remove the product and wash immediately. Removing the derm product is uncomfortable but not unbearable and it is easiest to do in a hot shower with a generous amount of soap. Make sure to peel it off SLOWLY then wash the tattoo thoroughly. Do not re-bandage; Allow your tattoo to breathe. The derm will have an impression of your tattoo on it, this is NORMAL, your tattoo is not coming off.

IF YOU'RE ALLERGIC TO MEDICAL ADHESIVES

If you are allergic to medical adhesives be sure to mention it when filling out the consent form and tell your artist as well. We will then dress the tattoo with a simple witch hazel wrap instead. A witch hazel wrap is very temporary and is only intended to be on the tattoo for 3-4 hours. Remove wrap then wash and treat accordingly with the following aftercare. Do not re-bandage; allow your tattoo to breathe.

WASHING YOUR NEW TATTOO

Wash your tattoo with an anti-bacterial soap (RX Tattoo Care foaming soap is recommended but Dial Gold is a close second).

Be gentle, do not use a washcloth or anything that will exfoliate your tattoo. Only use your hands. Wash 3-4 times daily and avoid long periods of soaking (hot tubs, swimming pools, exceedingly long showers, lakes, ponds, sewers, cesspools or any large body of questionable water is strongly advised against).

Gently pat your tattoo dry with a paper towel.

Do not rub, or use a fabric with a rough surface.

USING OINTMENT

After the derm product (or witch hazel wrap) comes off and the tattoo and is clean, rub a small amount of ointment on your tattoo; the thinner the better, even if you have to use it frequently, just remember SUPER thin coats of ointment (About the size of a chocolate chip worth, rub into the tattoo and dab off any excess with a dry paper towel).

RX Tattoo Care ointment is what we heavily suggest but Aquaphore will work in a pinch – whatever you know you’re not allergic to. Always use clean hands and do not place your fingers back into the ointment after touching your tattoo.

Make sure to rub the ointment in so that it is not shiny, or greasy– you want the thinnest amount possible. 

Do not use Vaseline, petroleum, Neosporin, or Bag Balm. Wash, dry, and apply ointment 1-3 times daily, as needed.

Wear clean, soft clothing over your tattoo for the first 2 weeks– nothing abrasive or irritating.

For a foot tattoo: go barefoot as much as possible.

If you must wear shoes, first wrap your clean tattoo in saran wrap, then cover with a clean cotton sock before putting on your shoe.

Avoid sandals or flip-flops for this period to prevent chafing and damage to the tattoo.

Your tattoo will eventually begin to peel after a few days. This is NORMAL!

Do not pick at the skin. Begin using a mild, white, unscented lotion, free of dyes or Perfumes.

Use lotion for minimum 2 weeks, 1-2 times daily.

THINGS TO AVOID

Do not pick, scratch, peel, slap, rub or irritate your tattoo.

You can shower, but you may not soak your tattoo for 3 weeks.

No swimming, soaking, or hot tub.

You may not expose your tattoo to the sun for at least 3 weeks, after that you must use sunblock.

Do not wear abrasive materials, jewelry, or shoes that rub against your tattoo.

Do not let anyone touch your tattoo unless they wash their hands.

Beware of gym equipment; wash it well before using it.

YOU CAN ALSO

Ice pack on top of clean paper towel for your tattoo, to reduce swelling.

Elevate your tattoo, to reduce swelling.

Take short showers.

Ibuprofen, to reduce swelling.

ALL AFTERCARE PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT THE SCURVY DOG

JUST ASK YOUR ARTIST OR ANYONE AVAILABLE IN THE SHOP. WE'LL BE GLAD TO HELP.