If your Artist applied Saniderm, Second skin, or any other Adhesive Medical Wrap, please keep the wrap on as long as the wrap has not peeled or torn, trim any minor peeling as long as there is still complete coverage of the tattoo with the wrap.
Remove wrap or tape (if applied) in a CLEAN bathroom after 2-3 hours of wrap application. The wrap may be left overnight if it feels comfortable and secure. If the wrap gets removed before the tattoo has had time to heal (3 to 5 days), the tattoo may stick to and stain bed sheets and clothing; we suggest you use clean bedding and clothing free of any signs of the tattoo weeping. (about two weeks).
After removing the wrap, wash the tattoo immediately with warm water and soap. We recommend Non scented, free of moisture beads or scrubs soap (Cetaphil or Dr. Bronners works well) out of a clean pump bottle preferably.
PROCESS FOR WASHING A FRESH TATTOO:
Use clean hands to wash your tattoo. Avoid; washcloths, bath towels, bath sponges, or loofah on a fresh tattoo.
Once the tattoo is DRY, apply a thin coat of Aquaphor(Limit the amount of product). Use just enough that your skin doesn't feel tight, Rub the product in thoroughly. Use the Aquaphor for the first 2-3 days, then switch to a regular FRAGRANCE-FREE lotion such as Lubriderm or any other fragrance-free brand. (washing instructions further down the page).
If you need to remove excess plasma, Gently dab the plasma with a clean paper towel. Press the paper towel to the skin and remove it. Do not wipe the tattoo or be rough with it. Do not panic when you see the colors of the tattoo on the paper towel or your hands as you clean it. Ink may be present on the skin's surface, as this is common on a fresh tattoo.
Fresh tattoos may sometimes weep during the first couple of days, meaning that the plasma and ink form a thin, moist coating on the skin.
Once a day, in the shower is usually enough cleaning for any new tattoo. Note, the cream/lotion may cause acne-like breakouts if your skin is susceptible to irritation. You can help by reducing the number of lotion applications per day.
Consult with your Artist if you plan to do any strenuous activity within the first ten days of having your tattoo.
Wear loose, cotton clothing over the fresh tattoo.
The tattoo should be re-bandaged only in certain rare instances, I.E., A bra strap, tight waistband, sweaty gym shoe, or itchy cotton sweater can potentially create healing problems. Consult your tattoo artist for advice on what clothing to wear/avoid. If you choose to re-bandage your tattoo after washing, be sure that only sterile bandages are applied and that the tattoo is clean (cleaning instruction earlier in the article)
After a few days, the tattoo will begin to form flaky scabs that will fall off on their own. DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH AT YOUR TATTOO. Keep it Lightly moisturized and the scabs will fade and disappear naturally. The scabs will be the color of the tattoo.
It usually takes 2-4 weeks for a tattoo to heal completely.
If you have ANY questions about your healing, don't hesitate to get in touch with your Artist or email the studio shop@murderofcrowstattoo.com.
Please do not consult with anyone else but your Artist or a Medical Professional about healing issues, as everyone's experience is unique. Our artists are more than happy to help with any concerns you might have