Tegaderm or No Tegaderm

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Tegaderm — How to care for your tattoo?

Before you start, make sure your hands are clean and you have unscented antibacterial soap ready. Avoid soap with fragrance, moisture beads or scrubs.

1. 
   

   1. Carefully remove the tegaderm after 24 hours — best in shower.

   2. Make a lather in your hands with soap and warm water. NO washcloths, bath towels, or sponges on a fresh tattoo.

   3. Gently clean the tattoo using a circular motion until all ointment and plasma are removed.

   4. Rinse the tattoo gently until the skin is clean.

   5. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel then allow to fully air dry for a minimum of 10 minutes. DO NOT SCRUB.

   6. Once the tattoo is dry, apply new tegaderm and leave on for another 3 days.

2.

a. Remove tegaderm after the 3 day — best in shower. Apply a very thin coat of ointment for the following 3 days.

Applying too much ointment can cause your tattoo to “suffocate.” Apply only a very thin coat so your tattoo can breathe.

b. Clean your tattoo this way once a day in the shower for the first 2-3 days. There is no need to re-bandage the tattoo, but please be mindful that your tattoo is a wound and when unwrapped, it is prone to dirt and bacteria which may

cause infection. Avoid direct contact with any surface. 3. Please proceed reading “Your Daily Tattoo Aftercare Routine” post.

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If you’re allergic to Tegaderm — Taking off the Bandage and Cleaning Your Tattoo

Before you start, make sure your hands are clean and you have unscented antibacterial soap ready. Avoid soap with fragrance, moisture beads or scrubs.

Carefully remove the bandage and tape. If you feel the bandage sticking to the tattoo, wet it with lukewarm water and gently slide it off.

Make a lather in your hands with soap and warm water. NO washcloths, bath towels, or sponges on a fresh tattoo.

Gently clean the tattoo using a circular motion until all ointment and plasma are removed.

Rinse the tattoo gently until the skin is clean.

Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel then allow to fully air dry for a minimum of 10 minutes. DO NOT SCRUB.

Once the tattoo is dry, apply a very small amount of Aquaphor or Bacitracin. Gently rub the ointment into your tattoo. Dab any excess off with a clean paper towel.

Applying too much ointment can cause your tattoo to “suffocate.” Apply only a very thin coat so your tattoo can breathe.

Clean your tattoo this way once a day in the shower for the first 2-3 days.

There is no need to re-bandage the tattoo, but please be mindful that your tattoo is a wound and when unwrapped, it is prone to dirt and bacteria which may cause infection. Avoid direct contact with any surface.

Please proceed reading “Your Daily Tattoo Aftercare Routine” post.