Just got a tattoo? Don’t forget to do these 4 things to avoid infection and aid healing

Getting a permanent body tattoo is trendy, but also a huge decision that will stay with you forever. Not only does one obsess about which design to choose, but a lot of research goes into finding out all about the precautions to take before visiting a tattoo artist. From ensuring the skin is cleaned properly to being vigilant that a brand new set of needles is used, we take care of everything. It is during after-tattoo care, however, where most people end up getting lax.

You see, a permanent body tattoo is made by pricking ink into the skin using needles. At the end of the day, it does involve injuring the skin, making the area prone to pain and infections. Hence, it is extremely important to take care of your skin.

Here are four things you need to do as part of your after-tattoo care routine:

1. Do not touch it

You might feel itchy or experience some pain, but touching your tattoo is not going to help at all. In fact, it can lead to an infection. In addition, you might see some scabs when your skin is in the healing phase, but please avoid picking on them. As already stated, it is an open injury and needs some time to heal. Scratching, touching and picking won’t just prolong the healing process, but can also lead to infections.

2. Don’t cover it with clothes

Given that your tattoo is still healing, you should avoid covering it with cloth. If it is on your arms or legs, try to wear sleeveless tops or shorts. If the tattoo is on your torso, wear loose-fitting t-shirts. Covering it with cloth can prove to be extremely uncomfortable and cause severe pain.

3. Wash it every day

You need to keep the area clean in order to reduce the risk of infection and allow timely healing. At the same time, you should avoid using chemical-laden and heavily fragranced products that might cause irritation or even an allergic reaction. Also, remember that you cannot scrub it to clean it. We recommend pouring cold water over the tattoo area every day to keep it clean and hygienic. Avoid using hot water, as it can mess with the ink of the tattoo and also cause more inflammation by irritating the skin.

4. Keep it moisturised

You should ideally ask your tattoo artist or dermatologist for any antimicrobial ointment that you can apply. But if that isn’t available, you can always opt for petroleum jelly to keep your skin moisturised. It will prove to have a healing and soothing effect on the skin. In addition, moisturisation will also help you avoid any discomfort that could be caused due to the skin becoming dry.