How to Take Care of Your Tattoo Using Adhesive Bandage for 24 Hours

It is advisable to keep the adhesive bandage on the fresh tattoo for a maximum of 24 hours, no longer. Please remember that the first piece of adhesive bandage film can also be replaced after 3 to 4 hours; the exact time will depend on the amount of fluid the wound exudes, which will vary from person to person. We recommend changing it whenever it gets dirty, too loose, or full of liquid.

New York City, 2024

Required Items: 

• Body wash with no added fragrance.

• Plastic cling wrap.

• Ointment and moisturiser with no added fragrance.

• Single-use towels

• Micropore paper tape

Recommender moisturiser or ointment:

• USA: Aquaphor, Bepanthen Tattoo, or Lubriderm.

• Denmark: Panthenol Salve, Bepanthen and Lubriderm.

•Dubai: Bepanthen and Lubriderm.

Removal

• Wash your hands.

• Adhesive bandages can be hard to pull off the skin. It is advisable to remove them in the shower after letting some water run over them, so the adhesive becomes slightly more tender, making the removal of the film easier.

• You may also use any neutral soap to rub under the film with clean fingers to help remove the adhesive.

• Wash the tattoo with soap and water, and let it dry by itself, or use only single-use towels.

• After you remove the film, apply a thin layer of moisturiser to the tattooed area. It is extremely important not to use too much moisturiser, as the tattoo must be able to breathe.

Before bed

When you are going to bed, you can wrap your tattoo with cling wrap. This is particularly recommended if you sleep on white linens or have pets. Just remember to apply a thin layer of moisturiser to the tattooed area beforehand.

One Day After Removing the Bandage

The 3-Step Exercise:

1. Wash

2. Dry

3. Apply

During the healing period, you must wash, dry, and moisturise your tattoo 3 to 5 times daily for the next 20 days.

• Wash gently using lukewarm water and a neutral soap.

• Allow to dry on its own or use a clean, single-use paper towel to pat it dry.

• Smooth on a thin layer of moisturizer.

Expect the area to get a bit messy

Expect some messiness as your tattoo heals. It may ooze blood, plasma, lymphatic fluid, and ink initially—signs of the body's repair process. Your tattoo might look rough at first, but it's normal.

Expect scabbing and itching 

You should also expect scabbing, itching, and flaking. Scabs protect the wound and signal proper healing. Itching is normal and temporary.

Avoid processed foods: Avoid processed foods sugary snacks, and excessive alcohol as they can impair the healing process. If you have any dietary restrictions or specific health concerns, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Avoid Sun Exposure: 

Keep your tattoo covered and out of sunlight for at least a month to prevent fading.

No Swimming:

Stay away from pools, lakes, oceans, saunas, and jacuzzis to avoid irritation and infection.

Delay Exercise: 

Refrain from exercising for at least five days to prevent contamination. If needed, work out before your tattoo session to ensure a 48-hour break.

Skip Tanning Beds:

Avoid tanning beds to protect your tattoo from UV damage and reduce skin cancer risk.

Signs your tattoo isn’t healing properly 

It’s important to recognize the signs that your tattoo isn’t healing properly or has become infected. Symptoms of improper healing include:

• Fever or Chills: Indicates possible infection; see a doctor.

• Persistent Redness: Normal redness fades; ongoing redness signals issues.

• Oozing Fluid: Fluid or pus after 2-3 days may mean infection.

• Swollen Skin: Puffy skin around the tattoo could suggest an allergic reaction.

• Severe Itching or Hives: May indicate an allergy to the ink.

• Scarring: Raised skin, persistent redness, or pitted areas suggest scarring.

~Apz - Tattoo Artist.