with saniderm
Do not leave saniderm on longer than 3-5 days. You may notice that as your tattoo heals, it will spit out blood, ink, and plasma under the bandage - this is totally normal. Remove saniderm before this period of time if:
your skin gradually becomes red or irritated in the shape of the bandage
you notice sweat underneath the bandage
the saniderm peels off over a portion of the tattoo
fluid starts to leak out of the bandage
you feel the need to remove it for sensory purposes
It is best to remove the saniderm at the end of a warm shower. Slowly and gently pull the edge of the bandage away from itself (like removing a command strip). Wash your tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap (Gold Dial or Softsoap are safe options). Your skin will likely be a bit dry at this point, you can apply a thin layer of a gentle unscented lotion for the next few days, but make sure your tattoo still has time to breathe in between applications.
You may shower with saniderm on, but avoid any and all bathing, swimming, or submerging your tattoo in standing water for at least three weeks. Keep out of prolonged direct sunlight. Do not scratch or pick at your healing tattoo at any point!
If you remove saniderm within the first 24 hours or while the tattoo is still an open wound, resume non-saniderm aftercare instructions below.
Sweat and a healing tattoo do NOT mix and can lead to a serious infection - if you begin to notice any sweat, remove the saniderm and wash with antibacterial soap. Avoid any serious exercise for the first three days after getting tattooed.
If anything starts to worry you or if you have any questions regarding aftercare, please email me at vampiresnackstattoo@gmail.com
with plastic wrap
Leave the plastic wrap covering on your tattoo for at least 30 minutes up until you get home for the day. If you’re traveling home for a long period of time or running errands after your appointment, make sure the tattoo stays covered.
After removing plastic wrap, wash your tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap. Pat dry with a clean paper towel or a completely clean and unused washcloth, and let your tattoo breathe for a few minutes. (Optional: at this stage you may apply a thin layer of aquaphor. This acts as a barrier for the tattoo while it’s still an open wound.)
Repeat this process at least twice a day for the next 3-5 days. When your tattoo starts to become dry, itchy, and flaky, and appears to be a closed wound, switch to applying a thin layer of unscented lotion. This will help with itchiness, but it is important to let your tattoo breathe in between moisturizing as well.
Showering is fine, but avoid any and all bathing, swimming, or submerging your tattoo in standing water for at least three weeks. Keep out of prolonged direct sunlight. Do not scratch or pick at your healing tattoo at any point!
Sweat and a healing tattoo do NOT mix and can lead to a serious infection - if you begin to notice any sweat, wash your tattoo with antibacterial soap. Avoid any serious exercise for the first three days after getting tattooed.
If anything starts to worry you or if you have any questions regarding aftercare, please email me at vampiresnackstattoo@gmail.com