Getting a new tattoo? Follow these aftercare tips

SUN EXPOSURE IS A TATTOO’S BIGGEST ENEMY. IT CAN BLISTER THE NEW EPIDERMAL CELLS AND CAUSE THE TATTOO TO FADE

After getting yourself inked, it’s important to care for the tattoo till it heals completely, suggest experts. Taking the right precautions will help avoid infections and will keep the tattoo looking good for as long as possible.

Here are a few important tips that can help the tattoo heal fast and effectively: Do not remove the bandage put by your tattoo artist for at least 24 hours or as directed by the artist. After removing the bandage, wash the tattooed area with cool or warm water. Use a mild or plain soap. Pat dry the area and do not rub. Make sure all residue is removed, but take care to not irritate the tattooed area. Apply protective ointment for the first three days after getting tattooed. However, do not put a lump of ointment on the tattoo as the skin needs to breathe. Do not use scented lotions as they might contain alcohol and dry out the tattoo. Use non-scented hand lotion or moisturiser, two to three times a day. Sun is a tattoo’s biggest enemy. So, protect yourself from the sun as much as possible. The sun can blister the new epidermal cells over the pigment. Excessive sun exposure may even cause the tattoo to fade rapidly. Avoid swimming or soaking the tattoo in water for the first few weeks. Scabbing is a very natural process after getting a tattoo, wherein the flakes peel off the tattooed skin. Do not worry about the scabs. However, ask your tattoo artist for precautions to be taken to avoid overscabbing. Execssive scabbing may lead to discoloration and the tattoo may lose clarity. If the tattoo causes irritation or if you feel it has gotten infected, visit the doctor immediately. This can be avoided in the first place by taking precautions. (With inputs by tattoo artists Vikas Malani and Mickey Malani)