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