This is the "standard" method and most common. We suggest this method
for those with smaller tattoos, and those that have had good results with it
in the past. Your new tattoo has been bandaged, and it should be
removed after at least one hours. It is very important that your new tattoo
be protected from the sun and dirty environments, as it is a rather large
open wound at this time. You should wait to remove the bandage until you
can properly clean it with mild soap and warm water. Rinse it well, and pat
it dry, then allow it to air-dry before applying ointment.
You should apply ointment A&D regularly throughout the day, keeping the
tattoo slightly moist, but NOT smothered. Use just enough ointment to
make the tattoo slightly shiny, and blot off any excess. For the first day or
two, your tattoo will require more cleaning, as it will lose fluid at first--this is
normal. You want to make sure that moisture doesn't get trapped under
the ointment (hence the air-drying), and that the tattoo doesn't stay
submerged in water either. We recommend washing your tattoo a couple
times throughout the day, using only mild soap, and rinsing and drying
well. Frequency of cleaning depends on your lifestyle--use your best
judgement, but don't overdo it.
You should only apply ointment for as many days as it takes for your
tattoo to peel, this process will take anywhere from three days to 1 week,
depending on your body and the area of skin. It will begin to flake like
sunburn--just let this happen on its own, and don't pick at it. When the
tattoo has fully entered the peeling phase, you need not, and should not,
apply any more ointment. The area will become dry and itchy, and a good
hand lotion should help with this.
Here's what you should look out for with this method. Should any
"bubbling" of your tattoo occur, you should consider method 2. This
bubbling is caused from moisture (usually too much ointment!) getting
trapped in your tattoo, and could lead to scabbing. If scabs develop, they
can remove the color beneath them. It is very important that they are
allowed to dry out completely, and not at any time get water-logged. The
scab will eventually fall off on its own, and your tattoo should be fine if you
keep the scabs dry. Also, some people develop a small allergic reaction to
A&D, which shows up as a red rash around the tattoo, and disappears
once the ointment is no longer used. A small percentage of people may
develop a more serious reaction, and may require medical attention, so
we suggest the use of A&D.
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