Why do they put clear plastic wrap over a new tattoo?

Answer 1

BECAUSE THEY DON'T KNOW ANY BETTER for starters.

The concept is that if you put a dressing over it, people will want to remove it too soon because all their friends want to look at it.

They "think" it helps - it's a disgustingly poor habit - tattoos are wounds, not left-overs!

It is because dressings and tape cost money - that's the major reason why they do it.

A properly cared for tattoo walking out the door will have a clean, dry dressing applied to it with a large amount of an after care product of choice. This keeps the fluids from sticking to the tattoo causing a scab and they get absorbed into the dressing. This also keeps dirty fingers off of it.

Then, after a predetermined amount of time afterwards, the dressing is removed and the area is washed and a very thin layer of an aftercare product is applied.

This is the ONLY acceptable form of wound care - not only is plastic wrap unsanitary, it causes fluids to build up and then leak down from under and around the plastic causing cross contamination issues.

Answer 2

Take that plastic cling wrap off, that tattoo has got to get air. It's seeping fluid. Your tattoo is fine, it just needs to be washed carefully, under warm water. Use just the tips of your fingers and a gentle soap, like shampoo. Pat dry with a paper towel. It's got to get air, so wait a while before applying any heal remedy to it. Use some aquaphor or some bacitracin for a few days, then you can switch to lubiderm if you want. Just a reeeal thin coat, it has to get air. Take care.

Answer 3

To protect the newly exposed skin, and keep debris out of it. It also keeps the ointment they put on your tattoo on there.

Answer 4

My tattoo artist was a burn victim and he learned from being in the burn unit that plastic wrap acts as a scab over the wound. It keeps it from actually scabbing up (even though you will still peel slightly). It also keeps that tattoo from drying out and protects it from bacteria.

BUT... there is a chance of developing diaper rash when using plastic wrap.

Answer 5

to protect the area as it's irritated and they don't want anything to make it worse, and so the color can set in faster if it's protected.
some types of tattoos may have a chance of infection so the plastic wrap keeps the area clean.

Answer 6

To protect it. The ink is not yet settled and if it was exposed,the ink could be drawn out of the skin.

Answer 7

To help it from getting bacteria or infected and also to keep it moist with the ointment so it doesn't dry out.

Answer 8

Because gauze sticks

Answer 9

to avoid infection and damage to the tattoo

Answer 10

to protect the ink while it absorbs in ur skin