A couple of tattoo healing questions?

Question

I am looking to get a tattoo by christmas.

The first question is, I know you have to wait a couple of weeks at least before swimming, will covering it up whilst in the pool help? or should I just not swim at all? after a few weeks of healing I mean.


Also I am getting it on my upper back and have to work. (not on actual day and I will make sure I get it on the first of the days I get off)
My work shirt is 100% polyester, will this be bad for the tattoo and can I cover it up just while I am at work in something breathable? if not will my tattoo get stuffed up? I do about 6-7 hour shifts max.


Thanks, I just wanted to ask online to find out some information before I go in and book it.

Cool coz I was thinking my work shirt already rubs a bit and in the upper back area too, it's loose enough for me to stick a singlet on or something thanks :)

Answer 1

I don't think swimming is safe right away. The chemicals are pretty harsh on skin. Working should be okay, but maybe you can wear a cotton t-shirt under the polyester? That fabric might rub on the skin.

Answer 2

I am not sure about swimming i think i would wait awhile till the tattoo is all the way healed b/c the chemical in the water could irritate the tattoo and your skin around it you should also wear a cotton shirt under your work shirt or cover the tattoo with some ointment and put a piece of gauze and some tape on it to hold it on there while at work

Answer 3

Think about when you used to fall down and scrape your knees when you were a kid. Remember how disgusting the scabs would get when you soaked them in the bath? They go all slimy and horrible and then fall off - a tattoo will do the same, and take the colour out of your precious ink at the same time.

It's ok to shower, and get it wet, but for a couple of weeks you need to avoid soaking it, is the issue.

Other people have mentioned cling film (saran wrap), which I recommend. Put some healing cream on it, like Bepathen, then tape the film over it and you'll be protected from your work shirt. It'll mean the tattoo heals from the inside out, as well, instead of healing from the outside with a horrible scab!

Good luck!

Answer 4

You shouldnt swim to be on the safe side. Dont cover your tattoo up after the first day. It needs to breathe and having your shirt on should not bother it at all. I usually take the day off the next day due to a little stiffness and just wanna take it easy but I have actually gone to work right after getting the tattoo. Good luck!!

Answer 5

you shouldn't swim at all (or soak in a bath or get in a hot tub or the ocean) for a minimum of 4 weeks after getting a tattoo. if you do you run the risk of getting an infection including staph which can be deadly.

i always wear a cotton t-shirt under my work shirt, so wear something cotton, like a tank top that will prevent your shirt from rubbing and it should be fine.

Answer 6

each thing sounds incredibly regular, Tattoos will heal and scab at different expenditures - whilst factors of the scab fall off it is going to be lighter yet do not subject - the colour will return in each week or 2 after its all healed. As for protecting it moist - dont subject approximately it, i by no capacity even used the tattoo goo, i only persisted washing with antibacterial cleansing soap till it develop into healed.

Answer 7

First of all, I have several tats and my best experience with covering them and not covering them is that if you wrap it up with siran wrap off and on during your day and keeping a healing ointment on it is wonderful. I didn't wrap mine at work, my shirts did make them pretty itchy tho. As for swimming I have no clue...I don't swim. Ask your tattoo artist,make a sort-of "consultation" appointment, its the best thing you could do.