Tattoo Healing Problems

By Master Tattoo Artist Rev. Kita Kazoo

Signs of Normal Healing

At first the tattoo looks shiny, swollen and the colors are extra bright. Within 24 hours the scab forms, this should be very thin, looks like the tattoo and with proper care is slightly flexible.

After about 4-5 days the tattoo will go through a period of peeling. This looks similar to a sunburn peeling. The scab that peels off will be the color of the tattoo, and it will look like your tattoo is flaking off. Sometimes this stage is accompanied by mild itching which can be relieved by rubbing it gently with more ointment or lotion.

Do not ever leave your tattoo slick or sticky.

Always blot off any extra ointment or lotion.

When the tattoo is completely done pealing you will notice a layer underneath the new tattoo that contains healing skin cells that will cause the skin to seem milky rather than transparent. Don’t worry about this; it’s all part of the healing process and only takes about a month to go away. If you want, you can put lotion on the tattoo to help it look brighter and more healed during this final stage of healing.

Tattoo Healing Instructions

Tattoo No-No's - No Swimming! No Tanning! No Hot Water! No Picking!

#1. Leave the bandage on for at least 3 to 5 hours. After you've removed the bandage, follow directions below. You do not need to bandage it again. Your tattoo needs air to heal, so keep it dry and wear loose clothing.

#2. Wash tattoo twice daily at the sink with warm water, soap and finger tips, be gentle. Pat dry with clean towel. Apply Vaseline and blot until it is no longer sticky. If you can see the Vaseline it is too thick!

#3. Apply Vaseline, 2-4 times a day to keep the scab flexible. You can use an antibiotic ointment, but this is optional and for the first 48 hours only.

#4. Coat tattoo with heavy Vaseline to protect it from too much water in the shower. Do not at any time soak your Tattoo. After you shower, gently remove all of the Vaseline with a tissue. Getting your tattoo too wet will take out the colors, scar your skin and slow healing.

#5. In 6 -10 days the scab will flake off and you can resume normal treatment of area. Do not try to speed up this process with picking or rubbing. If you are itching, sting the skin with your finger tips, or apply ointment.

When your tattoo has healed there will be a layer of dry white flaky skin on your tattoo, it is normal and will wear off in a few weeks. You can make it look brighter by putting any gentle lotion on it.

If you want the colors to last, use sun block when in full sun or in tanning booth!