These tattoo aftercare instructions are provided by The Arcadia Ink Tattoo shop in Manville, New Jersey to help your tattoo heal properly and maintain the best possible results.

Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

These tattoo aftercare instructions are provided by The Arcadia Ink Tattoo shop in Manville, New Jersey to help your tattoo heal properly and maintain the best possible results.

First Day Care
Remove the bandage after one hour (two hours maximum). Wash the tattoo using your fingertips or hand only. Use a mild fragrance-free soap and warm water. Take care to remove all traces of blood or plasma, as this can cause scabbing. Do not scrub the tattoo with a washcloth during the two-week healing period. Always gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean soft cloth or allow it to air dry.

Ointment and Moisturizing
Apply a thin coat of ointment to the tattoo. Aquaphor and A&D Ointment work very well. Just enough to make the tattoo slightly shine is all that is needed — a little goes a long way. Work it in gently and dab off any excess with a paper towel. You should barely be able to tell that it is there.

Too much ointment can suffocate the tattoo and cause ink loss or blotchy healing. Apply ointment twice a day for the first two to three days. After that, switch to a regular fragrance-free moisturizer such as Aveeno, Eucerin, Lubriderm, Curel, or similar lotions. Continue moisturizing twice daily for the remainder of the healing period.

Avoid lotions that contain fragrances, dyes, or glitter until the tattoo is fully healed.

Peeling and Healing
Your skin will form a protective layer as it heals. When properly moisturized, the tattoo usually forms a thin protective membrane that will peel similarly to a mild sunburn. It is normal to see small flakes of colored skin during this stage.

Do not pick, scratch, or peel the tattoo. Pulling away healing skin can remove pigment and damage the tattoo.

Showering and Water Exposure
You must keep your tattoo clean, but long showers or soaking must be avoided during the healing process. Do not soak the tattoo in baths, pools, hot tubs, oceans, or saunas for approximately two weeks. Short showers are best.

Itching
It is normal for the tattoo to become itchy during the healing process. If the itching becomes uncomfortable, lightly pat or slap the area with your hand to help relieve the sensation. Do not scratch or pick at the tattoo.

Sun Exposure
The sun can damage a new tattoo. Avoid direct sun exposure until the tattoo is fully healed. After healing, always apply a high-quality sunscreen to protect the tattoo and prevent fading.

Hands and Feet Tattoos
Hands and feet naturally regenerate skin faster than other areas of the body, which can make healing more difficult. Tattoos in these areas may take longer to heal and are more likely to fade due to friction.

Avoid excessive washing, gloves, tight socks, or rubbing during the healing process. Tattoos in these areas are not guaranteed.

Signs of Infection
If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact a physician immediately:

• Persistent swelling or redness
• Warmth or radiating heat
• Excessive pain
• Fluid discharge or oozing