Tattoo aftercare
Day 1-2
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Wash your tattoo daily with a mild antibacterial soap and pat dry with a soft, clean cloth. Do not rub!
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After washing, apply a very thin layer of lotion.
Day 3-30
Do not scratch your tattoo! During the healing process your tattoo will itch. This is a normal part of the healing process. Scratching may damage the healing skin causing the tattoo to have light spots.
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Wash your tattoo daily with antibacterial soap and pat down with a soft, clean cloth. Remember, do not rub.
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After washing, continue to apply a very thin layer of your chosen lotion.
DO NOT:
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Expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight or go tanning for one month.
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Allow your new tattoo to dry out. Apply lotion several times daily.
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Soak your new tattoo in water. This means no swimming or baths. Showers are fine, but try to avoid letting your new tattoo get very wet for one month.
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Scratch or pick at your new tattoo
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Apply gauze or bandages to your new tattoo for any reason
Remember:
Some redness and swelling are normal reactions to the tattoo/piercing process. Seek medical advice at any signs of infection.
Each artist will have their own aftercare suggestions, these are just general guidelines to refer to.
How long of a healing time should I expect with my body piercing?
Ear lobe.....................................6 to 8 weeks
Ear cartilage.....................4 months to 1 year
Eyebrow........................................6-8 weeks
Nostril......................................2 to 4 months
Nasal septum...........................6 to 8 months
Nasal bridge.............................8 to 10 weeks
Tongue..............................................4 weeks
Lip...........................................2 to 3 months
Nipple.........................................3-6 months
Navel................................4 months to 1 year
Female genitalia.......................4 to 10 weeks
Male genitalia...............4 weeks to 6 months
More questions?
Piercing aftercare
Navel
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Clean/disinfect daily and turn ring from one end to the other.
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Scabs that form on either end of the piercing should be left alone.
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Avoid saunas, swimming and bathing as the tissue may swell and soften.
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Do not wear a belt or tight fitting clothing over the navel until the piercing is completely healed. When sitting down, loosen the waistband to reduce pressure on tissue.
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During the healing process, a scab will form and the puncture site may ooze slightly. This is a sign that the healing is taking place. Remove dried oozing from the ring using warm water.
Eyebrow
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Clean and disinfect daily.
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During the first two weeks, apply gauze over the ring before sleeping. Avoid sunbathing, saunas, etc.
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During the healing process, a scab will form and the puncture site may ooze slightly. This is a sign that healing is taking place. Remove dried oozing from ring using warm water and sterile saline spray.
Tongue/lip
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During the first six hours, avoid: eating, drinking alcohol and smoking.
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Gargle with diluted antiseptic mouthwash and drink lots of water.
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Healing will take five to 10 days, during which you must avoid beer, alcohol and snacks or sweets between main meals. Intimate oral activities should be avoided.
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Use diluted Listerine each time after eating, drinking or smoking.
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During the first three days you may experience difficulties speaking, chewing and swallowing as the tongue will be somewhat swollen. Ice cubes are helpful to keep the swelling down.
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The hole will close quickly if no jewelry is inserted.
Ear/Earlobe/lip
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Clean and disinfect daily. Apply disinfectant on both ends of the ring or stud.
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During the healing process, a scab will form and the puncture site may ooze slightly. This is a sign that the healing is taking place. Remove dried oozing from ring using warm water and sterile saline spray.
Remember:
Some redness and swelling are normal reactions to the tattoo/piercing process. Seek medical advice at any signs of infection.