After making the decision to get a tattoo, you visit the tattoo parlor, get the tattoo and come home unsure of how to properly care for it. If you do not properly care for the tattoo, your skin may become infected. The skin around a new tattoo is always extremely sensitive because of the methods used in tattooing.
When you leave the tattoo parlor, you might find it hard to leave the bandage on that the artist placed over the tattoo. Most tattoo artists use professional medical tape; which is designed to help with the bleeding and keep the skin clean. Do not take this bandage off for at least two or three hours. After removing the bandage, gently wash the area with mild soap and water. Rub your skin lightly to remove any blood that might be on it and then pat it dry with a soft towel.
After drying the tattoo, apply cream to the tattoo. A cream that is antibacterial works well, or you can use an A&D ointment. Make sure you choose a cream that has Vitamin E in it because that will help with the healing. Apply cream onto the tattoo at least two or three times every day. After a couple of days, a tattoo begins to scab. Do not remove the scab by picking at it or scratching it. Allow it to naturally fall off. Continue to put cream on the tattoo until it is completely healed.