First tattoo, typical questions?

Question

I just got my first tattoo 3 days ago, and im curious on a few things. First, im keeping it covered while im at work, so my bra and whatnot doesnt rub on it and just make things worse or screwed up. Whats the smear factor.. and how long should i do this for work? ( the tattoo is small 4 pawprints on my upper shoulder ) Also, I've been putting A & D on it, which was recommended- and after 3-4 days i was told just lotion would be fine? Should i keep up the A & D anyways? I just am curious how long i have to worry about a smudging or ruin factor with bra straps and tank straps rubbing on it. So far so good i have great tanks for avoiding the tatt. Any common advice would be great. Thanks!

Answer 1

I think covering the tattoo is probably not the best Idea It is a fresh wound and needs to heal. I would recommend keeping your chosen ointment or lotion on it. Reapplying at least 3 to 4 times daily. If your are using a petroleum based ointment, use only a thin layer of it, otherwise you may leak excess ink and such. Wash your hands before you touch it. (very important) Congrats on the new ink.

Answer 2

This is what I follow..and FYI your tat needs air to heal properly. Don't put a lot of gunk on, only a THIN layer.

Fresh Tattoo

Take bandage off in 2 hours
Wash tattoo carefully with warm soapy water
DO NOT SCRUB
Lightly pat the tattoo until dry…
DO NOT RUB
Apply a very thin coat of bacitracin or aquaphor ointment 3 times a day for 3 to 5 days
Although re-bandaging a tattoo is not recommended, if covering the tattoo is necessary a sterile bandage or dressing should be used.
Be sure and wash the tattoo every night and morning…
DO NOT SOAK
Avoid tattoo exposure to direct sunlight and refrain from swimming in fresh, salt or chlorinated water for at least 2 weeks.
After External Healing

Tattoos heal quickly BUT fading can still be a problem
Apply hand lotion once a day until dryness stops
Vaseline Intensive Care, Lubriderm, Nivea, etc...
Tanning fades tattoos
Always cover fully healed tattoo with sun block
DO NOT RUIN YOUR INVESTMENT!!!

Answer 3

There should be no smear, smudge etc. - after all the ink is in the skin not on top of it.
Cover it with plastic and tape only 2 sides down to feel safer and put the A & D on before the plastic - wash with mild soap twice a day or more.
Lotion keeps the skin from drying out and scabbing - the A & D does the same thing.

Answer 4

The A & D is going to help for the first week or so, because it is a fresh wound. But the lotion after the fact should be fine. Just make sure you keep it completely hydrated in one way or another until it has COMPLETELY healed. Just makes ure you use a regular, non fragrance lotion. A plain Jergens or a mild Dove will work good! Just a thin layer a couple of times, but dont drown it because it will need to dry out a bit so it can heal!

It is going to look like it is smearing for the first couple of weeks because it is expelling the excess ink, dont freak when you see it, it is normal!

The better you are at taking care of it now, the better it will look in the long run. Good luck! Also, make sure you keep it out of the sun until after it is completely healed!

Answer 5

The only thing that would remove the ink from your skin now would be if you used an ointment such as neosporin or something that would create a scab. Wash it two to three times a day with antibacterial soap and pat dry, then apply non perfume lotion like lubraderm to keep it soft. You shouldn't' have to worry about the ink "rubbing" or "smearing" off.

Answer 6

First off, don't use a&d ointment it can suck the color out of it, which I've had happen and it's not fun. And the smear factor is when the color can be smeared off by contact with clothes and such...that's how it was explained to me. So, you probably want to leave it covered for a week or so. But a good scentless lotion like lubriderm or something like that helps, just slather it whenever you feel it getting dry. Good luck

Answer 7

you cant really smudge it after 3 or 4 days especially if you have been putting the a&d on it...that helps it heal therefore keep the ink INSIDE the skin. id put the lotion on it after the 3 or 4 days, really a&d is no longer useful for it would be almost cured. i have 9 tattoos and have not yed had that type of problem

Answer 8

whenever i get work done on my back i don't keep it covered with gauze or anything i just wear a t-shirt on my bare skin and then put my bra on over that shirt and then put whatever real clothes i am going to wear. i know it sounds super ghetto but it keeps the bra and other clothes from sticking. i would go with the A+D for just the three to four days and switch to lotion. after it peels if there are any places that look like they may have scarred or something (i had this happen to one of mine) you can start back with the A+D. it's what i did and my scar went away.

Answer 9

your not suppose to keep bandaging you tattoo. once you take off the bandage that was placed when it was first done, its shouldnt be covered again. when i got my tattoos my artist said to apply the A&D ointment for at least a week. the rubbing from the bra strap isnt going to rub off your tattoo. but to be on the safe side wear strapless bras or like you have, tanks. and avoid exposing your tattoo to the sun for 2 wks.

Answer 10

You might want to keep the A&D Ointment if you plan on getting another tattoo anytime soon. It should take about a week to heal, but I was wearing my bra starp over my tattoo when I first got it done and it didn't mess it up.

P.S. Make sure the A&D Ointment is the gel kind, not the cream.