what happens to the tattoo when someone puts petroleum jelly on their tattoo?

Answer 1

That would depend when it happens. During the tattooing process vaseline is used to prevent colours from mixing into eachother and to keep the area slick so the artists hand moves easily. After the proceedure vaseline is put onto the piece to draw any moisture away from the skin (excess ink and blood) and into the patch they put on.

After this process Vaseline SHOULD NOT be used. The reason behind this is that it continues to do the same thing, pull moisture away and while healing this means you will lose more ink from the piece and it will fade. The other reason behind this is because petroleum products are not suitable for healing large areas, they are intended for cuts and scrapes not tattoos. The vaseline stops the pores from breathing and therefore from healing. This can cause things like Carbunculosis (boils under the skin while healing) and infected hair follicles. Tattoos need air to heal. Stick to white lotion with a thin coating and there shouldnt be any complications with healing.

Answer 2

One of the main reasons petroleum jelly is put on the tattoo right after it is done is so that while the fluids are still coming out of the "wound" the vaseline keeps evetrything from sticking to the dressing that is applied.

After this is removed and the area washed, it is inappropriate to use since no matter what people are told, they have the mindset that if a little bit is good, a lot is better!

After a short period of time, while it feels good in the beginning, petrolatum actually has a drying effect. This is why people are addicted to lip balms. You need to wean to one that does not have petroleum jelly (but that's another "answer").

Another problem with the vaseline, when thickly applied, is that it anchors in bacteria - everything sticks in it, it prevents the skin from breathing as Deb stated. You can lose ink because it just goos up that whole outer skin later that has been damaged and takes ink right out of the dermis with it - it does not allow an opportunity to "lock in."

As far as Bacitracin, that has petroleum jelly too, and as an antibiotic, people are known to have reactions to it and think they are having an ink allergy. Best to stay away from that.

Answer 3

I don't know what these people are talking about. Especially the one tattoo artist. Petrolium will seal the tattoo away from the air, and as far as the seven that I have gotten are concerned they have always needed to breathe. The best option is something called Bacatracin, it will penetrate the skin enough to add the needed moisture and will allow the air to add its natural healthy effects as well. As a matter of course the one that I have that I used petrolium to "heal" has faded with the re-healing of my skin and has turned the skin around it rough and occasionally pimply. All of the others are bright and looking new after even seven years. Not to mention the jelly is the equivalent of putting a heavy motor oil on your body.

Answer 4

My friend's tattoo artist told her to use Neosporin Cream. Instead, she used neosporin gel. She drowned it once every three hours. Within less than twenty-four hours, it began to literally bubble. Now, her tat has these big, flesh colored spots. Use A&D or Aquaphor. I've used both. I prefer Aquaphor because you can use it throughout the entire healing process; A&D you're only supposed to use for the first two or three days, then switch to lotion. I also have had no issue with itching when I've used Aquaphor.

Answer 5

nothing it just protects the tattoo and prevents it from scabbing really bad by keeping it moist and wet

Answer 6

it keeps the area moist to keep it from scabbing over real bad.

Answer 7

this is usually done right after to prevent friction

Answer 8

Nothing.

Answer 9

it would become shiny and a little bit sticky.