Tattoo 101: What you should know before getting inked
I’ve wanted a tattoo ever since I was little, but even when I could already afford to get one, it took me a while to actually take the leap. After all, it was going to be a permanent mark on my body, so I needed to be sure about all the details. Where should I have it done? How much would it cost? Most importantly: how can I do it all safely?
I was able to learn enough to know what to expect with the pain but there wasn’t much information available about the kind of care my skin would need as it heals, and proper tattoo maintenance. If you’re thinking about getting your first tattoo, here are some tips to guide you:
Before the procedure, research your artist and parlor
Is their shop clean? Do their tools look well-maintained? Do they have good reviews? How long have they been in business? What’s their reputation like? As Gett mentioned in her article about piercings, licenses are not required in the Philippines, so it can be tricky to check if your artist knows what they’re doing. It may be best to get recommendations from a trusted friend who has tried their service. Check for average prices, and ask to see samples of their work. I chose an artist after I saw my friend’s tattoo heal nicely, and not just because I saw how well they could ink.
Only use new, sterilized needles
First, the obvious: you can get HIV from shared needles and ink. Professional artists will use sealed, sterilized needles to ensure your safety. Always speak to your artist, and don’t be shy about asking to see the sealed needle before you begin the procedure. Aside from needles, make sure everything that will touch your tattoo (wipes, ink, gloves) are sterile. Horror stories are not just stories.
Listen to your artist
Of course, a more experienced artist can make one more confident in terms of safety. Aftercare advice can vary from artist to artist (certain instructions may change depending on the materials they use or your own reactions), but they have some common points:
Your new tattoo should be covered in a thin layer of petroleum jelly and a bandage or cling wrap to protect the open skin from bacteria, sunlight, and from rubbing against clothing.
The bandage or covering can be removed within two to three hours (or however long your tattoo artist recommends). Do not re-bandage. Introduce ventilation.
Clean your hands before touching your tattoo. A tip from me: keep your nails short and trim to avoid introducing bacteria into the area.
Cleanse, moisturize, repeat
As your tattoo heals, your primary concerns are to support the healing process and avoid infections.
Wash the area with antibacterial soap and water, and gently pat dry. Avoid fragrances in your products to minimize irritation.
Apply a layer of antibacterial ointment two to five times a day. Again, there needs to be ventilation, so no need for a new bandage.
Do not wear clothes that will stick to your tattoo.
Avoid swimming since the water can have a multitude of bacteria.
Take cool showers because scalding hot water can lead to burns and ink fading.
Repeat this process for 2 to 4 weeks, until healed.
Whatever you do, do not scratch!
As your new tattoo heals, it can develop scabs or hard layers — this is normal. It’s also normal for the area to feel itchy but you must resist picking, scratching, and peeling to avoid getting an infection and causing scarring. When my tats were healing, I would lightly slap the area with clean hands (and definitely not with nails) to help me deal with the itch. If your tattoo looks swollen or has discharge, see a doctor immediately. Common signs of an infection include: redness, swelling, pain at the tattoo area, pus or drainage, and/or fevers or chills.
Watch out for allergic reactions and infections
Tattoo ink contains numerous ingredients, and any of these substances can cause an allergic reaction or ink rejection. For example, red ink is the most common cause of tattoo allergic reactions, and some tattoo artists will do an allergy test first by applying a small amount to the skin.
Common signs of an allergic reaction to a tattoo include: swelling, redness, rashes or bumps, flaking, a scaly appearance, or purple or red nodules around the tattoo.
There are other types of allergic reactions that you should watch out for as well:
Acute inflammatory allergic reaction occurs because of the irritation caused by the tattoo needle and the tattoo ink. The skin becomes red, slightly swollen, and irritated at the site of the tattoo.
Photosensitivity occurs when some yellow and red pigments that contain cadmium sulfide are exposed to the sun and cause allergic reactions.
Dermatitis is caused by allergic reactions to mercury sulfide, which is found in red tattoo ink.
Lichenoid allergic reaction is rare, but is also related to red tattoo ink. Watch out for small bumps that appear around the red ink areas.
Granulomas are small bumps that can appear as a result of an allergic reaction.
If you notice any skin abnormalities in the area where you got your tattoo, don’t ignore the symptoms or try to self-medicate. See a doctor or dermatologist ASAP, and have it properly treated. Remember: infections can lead to sepsis, amputation, and even death.
After healing, wear sunscreen
Once your tattoo has healed, it will continue to need proper care to ensure that the design and colors remain vivid and vibrant. It’s best to avoid sun exposure to keep the ink from fading, and apply sunscreen to protect both your skin and your tattoo. Avoid using abrasive products as well, since you want to preserve the texture of your skin.
Are you thinking about getting a tattoo, or do you already have one? We’d love to hear your tips and ink stories!
Sources: WebMD, Everyday Health, Byrdie, Teen Vogue, Medical News Today, CDC
