Tattoo aftercare

• Wash your hands before touching the area. Clean gently with water and mild fragrance-free soap, rinse and pat dry without rubbing.
• If you have the absorbent mesh dressing I supplied, follow your session instructions: keep each one on for no more than 6 hours, changing it sooner if wet, dirty or loose. Protect against bedding or clothing friction. This is not an adhesive film dressing.
• Do not add creams or antibiotics to open skin on your own. Use only what was recommended for your situation.
• Wear loose clothing. Avoid scratching, direct sun, pools and soaking. Some clear fluid and early tenderness can occur; these should improve.

Flaking and thin scabs may develop. Let them come away naturally; do not pull off skin or scabs.

Once the surface is closed, dry and not oozing, apply a thin layer of the recommended moisturiser when it feels dry or tight. Do not leave it soggy. The absorbent dressing is no longer needed once there is no discharge or specific need for protection; ask if the area remains wet or open.

Watch for spreading redness or increasing warmth, swelling or pain around a scab.

Day 8 does not mean healing is complete. Flaking or a different skin texture can last for weeks. Continue a small amount of plain fragrance-free moisturiser as needed, not just any cosmetic product.

Do not scratch or remove thick scabs. Avoid soaking and direct sun until the skin has fully closed and recovered. Once healed, protect it from the sun. Seek advice if open areas, pain or thick scabs are not improving.