Step 1: Please remove bandage in 24 to 72 hours. Clean thoroughly with a soft antibacterial soap and warm water. (Ex: Dial Complete, Softspoap). After this leave your tattoo alone for the rest of the day.
Step 2: The day after you remove wrap begin to wash it once a day with the same antibacterial soap. Do this for the next couple of days.
Step 3: On the 3rd or 4th day, still cleaning it once a day with antibacterial soap begin to use Unscented lotion. (Ex: Aquaphor, Lubriderm) Continue this till all flakes have fallen off. Your tattoo will flake like a sunburn, this is normal.
Suggestions: Do not soak, pick, scratch, or expose to the sun for at least a month. This will allow you to have the best possible heal.
These are the do's and don'ts for healing a tattoo wrapped with removable bandages (NOT clear second skin like Saniderm etc).
Do's
Don'ts:
There is no exact science to healing a tattoo, call your artist with any concerns!
Rinse your piercing with water, in the shower, at the END of your shower. To do so, use the water pressure from the shower head to rinse soap, shampoo, etc from the piercing site. Do not move your jewelry. In some cases it may be necessary to bring a cotton swab into the shower with you to wipe build-up away from the piercing site.
DO NOT touch your piercing outside of the shower
DO NOT use chemicals or ointments on your piercing
DO NOT try to clean your piercing in the bath or at the sink
Your body was designed to heal itself; leave it alone and that's what it does. If you have questions or concerns, please call or stop by.
Use either an antimicrobial or alcohol-free mouthwash to rinse for 30 seconds after meals and before bed (4-6 times per day) for the first 10 days. To combat the swelling, take ibuprofen as directed on the bottle. Ice can also be helpful whether you're putting the ice in your mouth for a tongue piercing or holding an ice-pack against your lip.
DO NOT rinse more than 6 times per day
DO NOT drink fermented beverages
DO NOT eat hot, spicy, or overly salty food