Arazu Ink
Aftercare Instructions
Congratulations! You made it through your tattooing session! The journey’s not over yet, though, and the next few weeks are vital to how your tattoo will look for the rest of your life. Here are some instructions to help you get the best possible healing results.
WHEN YOU GET HOME
Your artist will have given you a timeframe that you should leave the bandage or wrap on your tattoo. Once that time has passed, it’s time to remove the dressing and wash up! If your artist used a “Second skin” bandage on your tattoo, leave it on for three to five days. Carefully peel off the film after the time span recommended by your artist, and proceed with the same directions.
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WASH YOUR HANDS FIRST! Your tattoo is an open wound, and you should treat it with the same care that you would any other injury that significantly damages your skin.
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Gently remove the tape and plastic wrap. It shouldn’t stick, but if it does, run lukewarm water over the tattoo and dressing until it’s loosened enough to pull away without resistance.
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Carefully wet the tattoo with warm (NOT HOT!) water. Use your clean hands, not a washcloth or towel. Chances are, the tattoo will contain a gooey mess of blood, ink, lymph, and plasma. It’s important to clean all of this off, as the plasma will harden and cause excessive scabbing on your tattoo, which might complicate the healing process.
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Lather up a small amount of alcohol-free, fragrance-free antibacterial soap in your hands and gently rub it onto the tattoo. Your skin is going to be raw and sensitive, but it’s important to make sure you get all of the crusty, weepy fluids washed off. Be gentle, but be thorough. Check the ingredients on your soap--fragrances and alcohol can burn and dry out your skin. If there are stubborn dried-on bits left after gently scrubbing with your fingers, leave them be--they’ll come off later.
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Rinse thoroughly! Again, use lukewarm water, as hot water might open your pores up too much and cause some ink to fall out.
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Dry your tattoo. Either let it air-dry, or gently pat it (don’t rub!) with a paper towel. DO NOT use a fabric towel or washcloth, as they might stick to it, and because they may be harboring bacteria, even if they’re “fresh.” Your tattoo should be fully dry in 5-10 minutes.
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Apply a thin layer of a aftercare ointment. We personally love Redemption brand, but other brands of lightweight general skincare can be effective. Check the ingredients. DO NOT use anything with fragrances, alcohol, or petroleum products. Your skin needs to breathe, so don’t oversaturate it with ointment or lotion!
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Make sure your bedding is clean throughout the healing process. You might want to use old/cheap bedsheets during this time, as your tattoo may weep ink and blood for a few days. If you wake up stuck to your sheets, don’t rip them off! Soak them with lukewarm water until they separate from your skin easily. Take them into the shower with you if need be.
The Next Few Days
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Keep your tattoo clean.
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Reapply ointment/lotion as needed to keep the skin moist, but not suffocated.
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Don’t wear tight-fitting clothing over the healing tattoo.
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Don’t put any bandage over the tattoo--remember, it needs to breathe.
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DO NOT go into any bodies of water! No pools, no ponds, no lakes, or the ocean.
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Avoid long, hot showers and steam rooms. Having open pores means more ink can leak out.
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Avoid heavy exercise. Your pores open up when you sweat. Gyms present an environment that may be full of bacteria.
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STAY OUT OF THE SUN! Sun exposure is an absolute tattoo-killer. Even after it’s healed, make sure you protect it from UV radiation with sunscreen or clothing.
The Scabfest
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DO NOT PICK YOUR SCABS.
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DO NOT PEEL ANY SLOUGHING-OFF SKIN, EVEN IF IT’S BARELY HOLDING ON.
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DO NOT SCRATCH YOUR ITCHY TATTOO. Instead, try tapping it. You can also cool it with water or ice, or take a quick shower. And, of course, you can find some other activity to try and distract yourself. If you’re concerned about scratching it in your sleep, trim your fingernails or wear gloves.
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DO NOT SHAVE THE AREA.
The First Day to the Rest of Your Life
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Wear sunscreen.
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Take care of your skin. Exfoliate and moisturize.
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Wear sunscreen.
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Drink plenty of fluids. Water is the best, of course, but pretty much anything you drink counts towards your water intake. The exception is alcohol, of course. Go easy on the booze.
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Try to avoid rapid changes in weight and mass. If you get Swole As Heck or Skinny after being tattooed, your skin is going to stretch or sag to accomodate, and so is your tattoo.
Tattoo Infections
What is a tattoo infection?
Tattoo infections are skin infections that can occur in people with tattoos. Most are limited to the area of the tattoo. In rare cases, the infection can become severe or spread to other organs.
What types of infections can tattoos cause?
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Two common forms are: Superficial infections that affect only the outer layer of skin, such as impetigo.
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Deep bacterial infections, such as erysipelas, cellulitis and sepsis.
How do tattoo infections happen?
Getting a tattoo involves a mechanical needle depositing ink deep into your skin. There, it launches an immune system response. This process permanently traps ink within your skin cells. In some people, it also causes a tattoo infection.
How fast can a tattoo get infected?
Some infections occur shortly after getting a tattoo. Others develop over time, and you might not notice them until months later.
Can tattoo infections occur if I go to a licensed tattoo artist and reputable tattoo shop?
Any time you receive a tattoo, there’s a risk of infection. Even if you go to an experienced tattoo artist and the shop looks clean and sterile, it can happen. There’s also a risk of infection with at-home tattoo kits and ceremonial tattoos that are part of cultural celebrations.
Symptoms and Causes-What causes tattoo infections?
Common causes include reactions to tattoo ink and ink diluted with nonsterile water.
Reactions to tattoo ink
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate tattoo ink. Even containers marked “sterile” can have bacteria and other substances in them. Contamination can happen after the ink leaves the manufacturer, even if the container is sealed. Reactions can also stem from the ink itself. Ink is often made from or includes substances that may be harmful, including:
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Animal-based additives.
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Calligraphy ink.
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Chemicals, such as pH stabilizers and coating agents.
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Metal salts.
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Pigments used in printer toner and car paint.
Nonsterile water
Diluting ink with water helps tattoo artists achieve a specific color. But microorganisms in tap and distilled water can lead to infections. Using a newly opened container of sterile water can lower this risk.
Which types of bacteria can cause a tattoo infection?
Common types of bacteria found in contaminated tattoo ink or nonsterile water include:
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Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM).
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Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
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Staphylococcus aureus.
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Streptococcus spp.
Are there other potential causes of tattoo infections?
Other potential sources of infection include:
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Nonsterile needles.
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Tattooing skin that hasn’t been cleaned.
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Tattoo shop or artist not following sterilization practices.
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Secondary infections that occur while your skin is healing from getting a tattoo.
What does an infected tattoo look like?
Signs of a tattoo infection may appear across the entire tattoo or only within specific colors. They can include:
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Bumps on your skin (papules) that sometimes contain pus (pustules).
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Nodules, bumps on or below your skin that are larger than papules.
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Redness.
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Swelling.
What does an infected tattoo feel like?
If you have a tattoo infection, you may experience:
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Chills.
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Fever.
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Inflammation (dermatitis).
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Itchiness.
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Pain that worsens.
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Soreness.
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Sweats.
What are the potential complications of tattoo infections?
People with severe tattoo infections are at risk for complications that may include:
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Endocarditis.
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Organ failure, which occurs when your kidneys, liver or other organs can no longer do their job.
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Septic shock (sepsis).
Diagnosis and TestsHow are tattoo infections diagnosed?
Healthcare providers can often confirm an infection based on symptoms alone. Lab tests may be necessary to determine which bacteria is causing it. This helps you receive the appropriate therapies for your needs.
Management and Treatment-How do you treat an infected tattoo?
Antibiotics are a common treatment for tattoo infections. Depending on the diagnosis and severity, it may take multiple antibiotics to clear the infection. Many people need to be on these drugs for up to six weeks. For severe infections, intravenous (IV) antibiotics may be necessary. Surgery may also be required for infections that don’t respond to antibiotics. It can take more than one procedure to remove all the affected skin.
Is there anything else I should do if I get a tattoo infection?
If you received your tattoo at a shop, it’s helpful to let them know. If you suspect your tattoo is infected, seek immediate medical attention from a doctor or dermatologist! Don't try to treat it at home with over-the-counter medications, as this could worsen the infection. Your tattoo artist might be able to offer information to your healthcare provider about the type of ink used. The shop may also be able to prevent other people from experiencing an infection. You can also contact the FDA’s Medwatch program. This program investigates issues and works with other agencies to advise the public, when necessary, of medical product safety concerns.
Outlook / PrognosisWhat is the prognosis for people with an infected tattoo?
People with mild to moderate infections often make a full recovery. But it can take several months.
Prevention-What can I do to lower my risk of a tattoo infection?
Seeking services from a licensed tattoo artist and shop may lower your infection risk. Check with El Paso County Public Health Department. about complaint activity against the shop.You should also ask your tattoo artist about the kind of ink they use and sterilization practices. They should wear gloves at all times and use sterile wipes to clean your skin before, during and after your tattoo. You should also receive and follow detailed instructions about caring for your tattoo while it heals.
Living With-What is important to know about living with a tattoo infection?
In addition to infections, tattoos can cause other forms of irritation, as well as chronic skin disease. If you notice changes in the look or feel of your tattooed skin, contact your healthcare provider.
Tattoos can cause chronic skin diseases, such as:
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Lichen planus.
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Skin cancer.
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Vitiligo.
Points of Contact
Arazu Ink
5215 Galley Road,
Colorado Springs, CO 80915
(719) 920-2468
email: arazuink@gmail.com
El Paso County Public Health (Main Location)
1675 West Garden of the Gods Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
(719) 578-3199
email: healthinfo@elpasoco.com
Medwatch Program
https://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program