ETERNAL TATTOOS – TATTOO AFTERCARE

Congratulations on Your New Tattoo!

Proper aftercare is essential to ensure your tattoo heals well and retains its vibrant appearance. Please follow these instructions carefully:

1. Keep the Tattoo Covered

• Leave the tattoo covered with the dressing provided by your artist for 2-3 hours after your session.

• The dressing helps protect the tattoo from bacteria and dirt.

2. Remove the Dressing

• After 2-3 hours, gently remove the dressing.

• Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattoo to prevent infection.

3. Clean the Tattoo

• Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap.

• Lather the soap in your hands and use your fingers (not a cloth) to clean the tattoo.

• Avoid scrubbing. Clean the area to remove any excess ink, blood, or ointment, ensuring the tattoo is free of any residue.

4. Dry the Tattoo

• Use a clean towel (preferably not white to avoid stains) or a paper towel to gently pat the tattoo dry.

• Never rub the tattoo, as it can irritate the skin.

5. Apply Ointment or Cream

• Your artist will provide a sachet of aftercare cream or recommend a suitable product.

• Apply a thin layer of cream 2-3 times a day.

• Avoid over-using cream; the skin should be moisturized but still able to breathe. Too much cream can clog pores and prevent healing.

6. Avoid Scratching or Picking

• It’s normal for the tattoo to itch or flake during the healing process.

• Do not scratch or pick at scabs or flakes, as this can cause scarring and affect the tattoo’s appearance.

7. Avoid Direct Sun Exposure

• Do not expose your tattoo to the sun for at least 4-6 weeks after getting it.

• After healing, always apply sunscreen to protect the tattoo from fading.

8. Avoid Swimming & Soaking

• Do not swim in pools, hot tubs, or the sea until your tattoo is fully healed (approximately 1-3 weeks).

• Avoid soaking the tattoo in water (e.g., baths) as it can introduce bacteria and prolong healing.

9. Wear Loose Clothing

• If the tattoo is on an area that may rub against tight clothing, try to wear loose, breathable fabrics to prevent irritation during the healing process.

Healing Stages to Expect:

• Days 1-3: The tattoo may feel tender, swollen, and warm to the touch. This is normal.

• Days 4-7: The tattoo will start to scab and peel. Do not pick at the scabs.

• Weeks 2-4: The skin will continue to heal, and the tattoo may take on a silvery appearance. The outer layers of skin should no longer peel, but continue moisturizing.

• 6 Weeks: The tattoo should be fully healed, but the deeper layers of skin may still be adjusting. Continue to take care of your tattoo.

What to Avoid:

• Do not wear tight clothing over the tattoo that could rub against it.

• Avoid scratching, picking, or peeling the tattoo, even if it starts to itch.

• Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and hot tubs during the healing process.

Signs of Infection:

While rare, infection can occur. Contact your artist or a healthcare provider if you notice any of the following:

• Redness, warmth, or swelling that worsens over time.

• Pus or unusual discharge from the tattoo.

• A fever or overall illness.

Remember: Proper aftercare is essential for a successful healing process. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Eternal Tattoos for assistance.

Thank you for choosing Eternal Tattoos! Your new tattoo is an art piece that will last a lifetime with the right care.

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS:

1. Drop out.
The most common problem – patchy, uneven colour, occurs during healing
and is apparent once the tattoo has healed fully.
A. Exposure to sunlight – causes colours to appear faint and uneven.
B. Over-soaking in water, ie: swimming, long baths/showers, also applyingtoo much cream, too frequently – causes the scab to soak off, drawing out pigment. The scab over a healing tattoo should feel dry and slightly
soft to the touch. If it has become too moist/weepy, keep it dry for1-2 days and it should return to normal.
C. Not applying cream – causes the scab to dry out, contracting, becoming more sore and cracking, leaving unpigmented scar tissue.
D. Excessive movement, ie: exercise – causes the scab to split, leaving unpigmented scar tissue.
E. Chafing of scab inside clothing – tears portions of the scab away,leaving unpigmented scar tissue.
2. Histamine reaction.
Swelling of the tissue around a healing tattoo is caused by cells in the ‘damaged’ area producing histamine, which promotes inflamation as part of the healing process – blood capillaries also become enlarged, allowing more blood,containing healing agents, to reach the area.A healing tattoo will often swell slightly, although some locations, such as the ankle, may occasionally become excessively and painfully inflamed. This swelling will go down within 1-2 weeks and application of cold compresses and anti-histamine creams will help.
3. Infection.
Infection of a healing tattoo, as with any wound, is caused only if the area is allowed to become dirty; matter containing bacteria collects around and inside the wound and the area becomes swollen and very sore. Stringent cleaning or a course of antibiotics should clear up any infection, but the tattoo will almost certainly appear faint and patchy when healed.