Getting a new Tattoo
• Take safety precautions: Don’t tattoo yourself or allow an untrained friend to do it.
• Go to a reputable tattooing studio with properly trained employees.
• Let the tattoo artist wash his/her hands and wear fresh gloves for each procedure.
• Make sure he removes the needle and tubes from sealed packages before your procedure begins.
• Make sure he sterilizes all non-disposable equipment.
Caring for your tattoo
How you care for your new tattoo depends on the type and extent of work done. Typically, however, you’ll need to:
• Remove the bandage after 24 hours. Apply an antibiotic ointment to the tattooed skin while it’s healing.
• Keep the tattooed skin clean. Use plain soap and water and a gentle touch. While showering, avoid direct streams of water on the newly tattooed skin. Pat — don’t rub — the area dry.
• Keep the tattooed area out of the sun for at least a few weeks.
• Stay out of pools, hot tubs, rivers, lakes and other bodies of water while your tattoo is healing.
• Don’t wear any cloth that might stick to the tattoo.
• Don’t pick at any scabs, which increases the risk of infection and can damage the design and cause scarring.
• If you think your tattoo is infected or if it isn’t healing properly, contact your doctor.
• If you’re interested in tattoo removal, see your dermatologist.
Source: mayoclinic.com