Tattoo Aftercare
- In 2-3 hours remove the bandage! If it sticks, use warm water, moisten the bandage and pull it off slowly.
- Wash your tattoo gently! Once the bandage is removed, use clean hands, cold water and antibacterial soap. Always pat dry; never scrub your tattoo! Allow the tattoo to air dry for 5-10 minutes before applying the ointment. Wash your new tattoo at least twice a day for the first week. Note: Residual pigments and a clear to red fluid may “leak” from the tattoo for the next couple of hours; this is common. Do not allow this fluid to dry and clot to the surface of the tattoo. This is the start of a scab. Gently wash clots away only during the first wash if present, then bathe as normal.
- Apply a thin coat of Bacitracin ointment! This should be done 3-5 times a day for the next 1-3 days. Rub ointment into the area leaving a nice shine to the tattoo. If you can see the ointment build up on the skin surface, that’s too much. Note: Do not use Neosporin, baby oil, or Vaseline. Alternatives are pure Aloe Vera gel, and non scented hand lotion.
- A healing tattoo may itch. Do not scratch it! Use a thin coat of skin healing hand cream after the 1-3 days of ointment use is finished. Fragrance and dye free lotions work best.
- Avoid: Hot tubs, steam rooms, swimming in fresh, salt or chlorine water, direct sunlight, and tanning beds for 7-10 days. Note: The body perceives the new tattoo as second degree sunburn. If it is exposed to UV rays during the healing process, you could receive third degree sunburn, which may lead to future complications.
- The new tattoo may form a light protective crust over top of it. Do not pick at this layer. Let it flake off on its own.
- Do not wear tight clothing directly over the new tattoo! Bra straps should be loosened, and panty hose should not be worn for 7-10 days.
- Always protect your tattoo from the sun; SPF 30 or higher should do. Do not use during healing process.
- Infections are rare, but in case you do not follow the care instructions and an infection occurs, please consult your physician immediately!
Piercing Aftercare
Facial Piercings
Soak the end of a clean cotton swab with H2Ocean or Bactine, and remove the crusty matter from both sides of your piercing. Then gently wash your piercing with a mild antibacterial fragrance free liquid soap (you can use a cotton swab or your hands). Rinse thoroughly. Rotate the jewelry a few times each time you clean your piercing. After its clean saturate the piercing one last time with the spray. Do this 2-3 times a day until your piercing is fully healed. Avoid contact with facial cleansers, cosmetics, or other facial products to your piercing. Avoid touching your piercing with unwashed hands. Avoid lakes, pools, and hot tubs for the first two weeks.
Body Piercings
Soak the end of a clean cotton swab with H2Ocean or Bactine, and remove the crusty matter from both sides of your piercing. Then lather some antibacterial fragrance free liquid soap in your hand, and apply to your piercing and the surrounding area. Let sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Rotate the jewelry a few times each time you clean your piercing. After its clean saturate the piercing one last time with the spray. Do this 2-3 times a day until your piercing is fully healed. Avoid contact with body products to your piercing. Avoid touching your piercing with unwashed hands. Avoid lakes, pools, and hot tubs for the first two weeks.
Oral Piercings
Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash (such as Listerine) diluted 50% with spring water every time you eat, drink, or smoke anything. Avoid alcoholic beverages for the first two weeks! For tongue piercing, eat soft meals for the first week, or until no longer uncomfortable, and lots of crushed ice, popsicles, ice cream, and milkshakes (no straw!) to reduce swelling. Avoid deep tongue kissing and performing oral sex for the first two weeks.
Genital Piercings
Clean your piercing as you would for a body piercing, but once daily. If you find you are sensitive to anti-bacterial soap, you can use Summer’s Eve feminine wash (not the douche). An unscented panty liner can be worn to avoid staining. Avoid all sexual contact for the first two weeks, and latex condoms should be worn for the remainder of the healing period. Avoid lakes, pools and hot tubs for the first two weeks.
Things to remember
Alcohol, peroxide, first aid gels, and iodine are never appropriate to clean your piercing with! Always wash your hands before touching your piercing. 50 mg. of zinc, or 500-1000mg. of vitamin C will greatly help the healing process. If you have any questions, concerns, or complications, DO NOT REMOVE YOUR JEWELRY! Don’t hesitate to call us with any questions or concerns. It’s never inappropriate to be concerned about your health.
