I think a few words regarding tattoos should be said, before we get to specific instructions concerning the care for your new tattoo.
Tattoos are full of personal meaning. More often than not, tattoos are a very sophisticated form of body art. Tattoos are very personal expressions of the deepest sort. They are often rich in personal symbolism and artistically represent a love, a loved one, or a major event in the life of its wearer. People who get tattoos take their decorations very seriously. They usually don’t permanently sketch images onto their bodies without giving the act – and the image – a lot of thought.
I recently jumped back in the chair and got a new tattoo. I finally had Kokopelli inked onto my arm. I’ve been wanting to get it for a while, but now seemed like the perfect time to do it, given all that it symbolizes for me personally. It’s only my second tattoo and I only had it done after giving it a lot of thought. I personally consider tattoos to be a spiritual art form. So, why did I get this particular tattoo? There are a few reasons: 1. I’ve re-dedicated myself and my work to pluralism and this image represents the sacredness of other peoples and other faiths; 2. The image, at least for me, points to the very human aspect inherent to all of our world’s religion(s); 3. The image represents the ending of one season in my life and the arrival of a new one. That’s what my newest tattoo means to me, personally. I have given it much thought and decided that now is the right time to have the ink done.
So, before I get to the instructions for care, I ask these questions: Do you have a tattoo that symbolizes something monumental in your life? What did you get? Why?
How to Care for Your New Tattoo
There are steps that must be followed after you leave the tattoo studio if you want your new tattoo to heal correctly.
1. First, be sure that the tattoo studio is a clean, sterile environment. Also, be sure that the instruments and pigments are sterilized and fresh. If the place is a dump, pass it by and look for a clean studio. Once you find the perfect tattoo studio and get your new tattoo then follow the instructions below to assure proper healing for you body and a long, vibrant life for your new tattoo.
2. Remove the bandage after one hour. If the bandage is sticking to the skin, wet the skin with lukewarm water. When the bandage is saturated then gently remove it.
3. After the bandage is removed, wash the area gently with a mild soap and water. Be sure to gently remove any dried blood and soap residue. Pat the skin dry, don’t scrub it. Apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to the area. Don’t overdo it with the antibiotic ointment! You need only use a small amount. If you use too much antibiotic ointment excessive scabbing will result. So, apply only a thin layer of ointment.
4. For the next three days, apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to the area two to three times daily. After the third day, stop using the antibiotic ointment and switch to a skin cream such as Lubriderin, Coco Butter or Aloe. Continue to apply the skin cream until the flaking has stopped. do not let your new tattoo dry out!
5. You will experience itching while our tattoo heals. Do not scratch, rub, or pick your tattoo. You will damage it and affect the healing process in detrimental ways.
6. For the first two weeks do not expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight and do not soak it in a bath or hot tub or swimming pool. You tattoo will fade if you expose it to any of these things.
7. Try to wear clean, loose, and soft clothing during the healing stage.
The healing stage usually takes two to four weeks, depending on the individual. Everyone heals differently, so healing times may vary. However long it takes, just know that the proper healing of your tattoo is your responsibility once you take that first step out of the tattoo studio. If you follow the above instruction, your tattoo will heal properly and will have a long, vibrant life.
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