Tattoo aftercare
Tattoo aftercare from Mad Ethel’s in Downtown Raleigh. Start with the dressing your artist used, then follow the daily care instructions below.
IN THIS GUIDE
Recovery Derm Shield
Standard bandages
Things to avoid
Healing and getting help
Common questions
Care questions?
919-900-8345
Choose your bandage routine
Use the routine for the dressing your artist applied. Recovery Derm Shield and standard bandages have different removal and product instructions. If you are unsure which you have, call 919-900-8345 before changing your routine.
Adhesive film: Recovery Derm Shield
Your artist applies Recovery Derm Shield at your appointment. Leave Recovery Derm Shield on for 3–5 days, preferably five if it stays sealed and comfortable. Ink, blood, and plasma collecting underneath are normal. Don’t puncture, cut, or lift the film.
Remove it early if:
• The seal breaks, leaks, or exposes the tattoo.
• Water gets underneath.
• You develop significant irritation, rash, blistering, or an allergic reaction.
While it’s on:
• Avoid swimming, baths, hot tubs, saunas, soaking, and excessive sweating.
• Wear clean, comfortable clothing that won’t rub.
• Don’t apply products over or under the film.
To remove it:
1. Wash your hands.
2. Use a warm shower or warm running water.
3. Slowly stretch the film parallel to your skin and gently peel it away. Don’t pull upward.
After removal, keep the tattoo clean and lightly moisturized. Avoid heavily scented lotions, petroleum-based products, and harsh skincare products. Follow your artist’s product guidance. For other film brands, confirm the instructions with your artist.
Standard bandage: removal and daily care
• As soon as you get home, remove the bandage. Do not remove it before you are able to wash the tattoo, as this may allow bacteria to enter the skin or blood and plasma to dry and become scabby.
• Wash the entire tattoo with a mild, unscented soap and warm water. Remove all of the build-up that has accumulated on the surface, as remaining build-up can result in a scab.
• Apply a very thin layer of the ointment your artist recommended for your standard-bandage routine, such as Aquaphor.
• Reapply a very thin layer of ointment every 4 to 6 hours, or as needed, to keep your new tattoo soft for the first 3 days.
• On the 4th day, switch to a mild, unscented lotion such as Lubriderm or Eucerin. Continue to apply lotion as needed throughout the rest of the week while the tattoo finishes scaling.
Things to avoid
• Loofahs or other abrasive products when washing
• Re-covering your tattoo after removing the dressing
• Direct sun and tanning beds
• Swimming or soaking in the tub
• Scratching, picking, or peeling scabs and flaky skin
• Neosporin, alcohol, peroxide, or other drying products
• Shaving over your tattoo
• Animal dander, oils, or fluids on your tattoo. Change your sheets, too.
• Waxing, laser treatment, exfoliation, or another tattoo directly over the healing area
Wear sunscreen once your tattoo is fully healed.
Healing and getting help
What you may notice
Your tattoo may flake, peel, itch, and appear dull or cloudy during healing. Some swelling and/or bruising is normal.
For questions about pain relief, ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional what is appropriate for you and follow the medicine’s label. If swelling, pain, or redness is worsening, seek medical care.
When to get medical help
Seek medical care promptly for spreading redness, worsening pain, pus, fever, or chills. Trouble breathing or a severe reaction needs emergency care. For questions about your dressing or routine, contact your artist or the shop.
Questions about your tattoo?
Call 919-900-8345 for questions about your dressing, care instructions, or follow-up. For signs of infection or a severe reaction, seek medical care.
When you call, tell us when you visited, the area treated, the products you’ve used, and what has changed.
Common questions
Recovery Derm Shield stays on for 3–5 days if sealed and comfortable. Remove it sooner for the problems listed above. Standard bandages follow the separate removal instructions on this page.
Remove it early using the removal steps above if it leaks, exposes the tattoo, or lets water underneath. Contact your artist if you’re unsure which care routine to use afterward.
Avoid swimming and submerging your tattoo until it is fully healed.
Confirm with your artist first. The Derm Shield and standard-bandage routines recommend different products.