I was so pleased with the results of the tattoo
I was eager to show it off but wanted it fully healed before I did that. The tattooed area was red and swollen, it felt very tight like a bad case of sunburn for the first day, these symptoms reduced fairly quickly. I struggled to sleep as I was aware I shouldn’t put any pressure on it as it was tender and sore.
I followed the advice of my Artist to keep the tattoo dry and covered for the first 2-3 days then was desperate to clean it.
The tattoo secreted a clear watery-gloopy substance called plasma, I rinsed the area in tepid water and as I rinsed, the water appeared dark red/brown (blood) and black (ink).
From Day 1 to 6
From day 1-6 the area was red and oozed, I made sure I cleaned the area with fragrance free hypoallergenic soap and rinsed with tepid water. I did this at least 3 times per day, for the days when it oozed more, I would then clean it more. I preferred to let it air dry because I have pets and their hair is on absolutely everything no matter how much I clean. Once it was dry, I applied the tattoo lotion I had recommended to me. I could feel it soothing the area and providing the area with much needed moisture.
From Day 7 to 14
From day 7 to 14 the itching began. I could feel the area getting much tighter, I had a lot of scabbing which is normal. I resisted the urge to touch it and when it was particularly itchy, I covered the area and exposed it to the cool air from the freezer which took the urge from wanting to itch.
On Day 15
On day 15 the skin started to peel. That area resembled the shredded skin of a desert snake. I felt like that patch of skin had aged considerably but I knew once healed, it would look like the rest of my skin again.
A tattoo causes injury to the skin. The body’s natural response is to repair and regenerate itself so the top layers of skin will flake off. I was a bit worried at this stage as I thought some of the pigment from the tattoo would disappear with my scaly skin but it didn’t.
It is recommended not to undertake exercise that causes sweating for a minimum of 48 hours. I avoided it for the first couple of weeks because the itchy phase is worsened by heat and sweat so it can be even more uncomfortable. Exercise may cause over stretching in the area and crack any scabs which can cause irritation.
Avoid sun exposure until your tattoo is fully healed and once healed make sure you ideally cover the area and wear SPF50 on the area if exposed as direct sunlight will cause your tattoo to fade.
Other things to be avoided until the tattoo is fully healed are;
Hot tub use and swimming due to the chemicals/salt/bacteria in the water that will affect the pigment and increase the risk of infection by exposing your healing skin to harmful bacteria.
I was strict with following the aftercare guidance given to me as it was worth it as my tattoo looks amazing. I am ready to show it off now!