Tegaderm / Saniderm
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Tegaderm is a sterile, breathable, waterproof, germ-proof barrier to protect your new tattoo. Leave the Tegaderm on for 3-5 days and do not lift, change, or remove it.
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Tegaderm will protect your tattoo from infection, abrasion, irritation and contamination while healing.
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It’s normal for the tattoo to have layers of blood and fluid visible under the bandage.
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You can do your normal activities (including exercise) while the tattoo is covered with Tegaderm.
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Do not bump or rub your new tattoo excessively, or do anything that will scrape or peel off the covering.
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You can shower normal while healing. Do not bathe or swim until your tattoo is fully healed.
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After 5 days, remove the Tegaderm by carefully peeling it off of your skin. Do not quickly tear it off, as this can cause skin irritation. The easiest way to soften the adhesive is to stand in a hot shower for several minutes and remove the covering in the shower.
After removing Tegarderm:
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Rinse the tattoo thoroughly with antibacterial soap and warm water. Gently work any excess material off the surface of your skin using the palm of your hand. Do not use any wash-cloths, sponges or brushes.
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Pat your tattoo dry with a clean towel. The skin should be shiny and dry.
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Apply a thin layer of hand lotion. Only use an unscented, colorless lotion like Jergens, Lubriderm, Nivea, or Noxzema.
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Continue to apply a thin layer of lotion for next 7-10 days when it feels tight, dry, or itchy.
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You might notice a few layers of flaky skin peeling. This is completely normal.
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Regular Bandage
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Do this:
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Leave the bandage on for at least two hours after getting the tattoo. If you get tattooed at night, leave the bandage on until the next morning.
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After taking the bandage off, gently wash the tattoo with antibacterial soap and warm water, and then gently pat dry. It’s normal for it to sting. Stay away from scented soaps.
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Apply a thin layer of moisturizer after cleaning the tattoo. Please use ointment like Aquaphor then switch to fragrance free lotion like lubriderm after 3 days. Do not use any petroleum-based products. Wipe off any excess moisturizer. Too much moisture will damage your tattoo.
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Continue to clean and moisturize your tattoo several times a day for two weeks.
Don’t do this:
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Showers are okay, but do not soak the tattoo (no baths, hot tubs, swimming, etc.)
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Do not let the tattoo have direct sunlight for two weeks.
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Do not scratch the tattoo. It will get itchy!
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Do not pick the scabs. You will lift the ink from your skin and ruin the tattoo.
Oral Piercing Care
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Rinse every 4 to 5 hours (about 4 to 6 times per day) with alcohol free mouth wash.
Crest Pro-Health, Biotene, etc.
To reduce swelling, follow these 3 steps for the first 3 to 5 days:
1. Take ibuprofen or naproxen sodium (Advil,Motrin,Aleve) as recommended.
(Consult a physician prior to taking any type of drug.)
2. Ice it 2 to 3 times a day. ice chips, ice pops, slushies (no straws).
Do notsuck on the ice; simply let it melt in your mouth. Avoid ice cream and all dairy)
3. Sleep with your head elevated above your heart. Use two pillows..
Remember to switch to smaller jewelry in approximately three weeks.
Outside of Lip Piercing
~ For outside of lip piercing follow both oral piercing care and basic care instructions.
Things That May Occur
~ White discharge around the piercing.
~ Tightness and pressure.
~ Difficulty eating and/or swallowing.
~ Raised or broken skin around the piercing.
~ White or brownish color on the tongue. This may be due to excessive rinsing.
Things To Avoid
~ Hot drinks or hot food. (soup, coffee, etc)
~ Spicy, acidic or citrus food or drinks. (hot peppers, orange juice, marinara sauce, etc)
~ Keep hands out of mouth. You’re expsing the piercing to foreign bacteria.
~ Refrain from sexual activity even including kissing.
~USE COMMON SENSE~
If you don’t think it’s a good idea you’re probably right. Trust your body.
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Basic Piercing Care
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Saline Solution or Make a Sea Salt Mixture Ingredients:
Non-Iodized Sea Salt or Kosher Salt and a Gallon of Distilled Water.
Making Sea Salt Mixture:
For a correct mixture of sea salt and distilled water,you must make the mixture the same
salinity as it is in your body. Add 3 tablespoons of sea salt to a gallon of distilled water.
Replace cap and shake vigorously. To check, do a simple test. Pour a small amount into
a cup. It should be slightly salty to taste. If not, add more salt and repeat vigorous shaking.
~ Soak piercing in sea salt water solution 3 to 4 times daily for 3 to 4 times daily for
5 to 10 minutes. Continue to do so until piercing is healed.
~ After each individual soak, rinse piercing with clean water. If you do not rinse with
clean water the piercing will dry out over time.
~ Wear loose fitting clothes, especially with navel piercings.
Make sure the piercing is comfortable.
~ Avoid excessive movement or rough activity. This can cause problems such as:
keloids, hypertrophic scrars, prolonged healing time, migration, rejections, etc.
Things To Avoid
~ Rubbing Alcohol or Witch Hazel - This will prolong the healing time.
~ Hydrogen Peroxide - Causes scar tissie to form.
~ Antobiotic Oointments (Neosporin, Bacitracin, Triple Antibiotic.
This will suffocate piercing and may breed bacteria.
~ Touching Piercing with Unclean Hands
Your hands are exposed to foreign bacteria. Money, public door handles, pets etc.
Hand washing is always a good idea anyway.
~ Over Cleaning - This causes irritation and prolong the healing process.
Swimming and or Hot Tubs - Avoid for the first few months if possible.
If not, use a water proof bandage (Tegderm) to cover piercing, and clean thoroughly after
~USE COMMON SENSE~
If you don’t think it’s a good idea you’re probably right. Trust your body.
