CLEAR ADHESIVE BANDAGE AFTERCARE
Clear adhesive dermal bandages are a newer breathable bandaging material that can help tattoos heal more quickly and with more saturation, help prevent infection, and help prevent scabbing that can be an issue with tattoo healing. These bandages are made with a nanotechnology that allows oxygen to pass through them, but protects the healing tattoo from germs, dirt, water, etc.
Depending on your individual tattoo, I may tell you to leave your adhesive bandage on for 1-3 days or I may give you an additional sheet and tell you to change it after 24 hours and then leave the new bandage on for up to 6 days.
SUPPLIES LIST (ITEMS CAN BE FOUND AT FRED MEYER, SAFEWAY, WALGREENS, ETC.):
• Antibacterial hand soap
• Liquid fragrance free soap (unscented baby Dr Bronners, dial or softsoap brand hand soap)
• Ointment/lotion (aquaphor, lubriderm, a&d, h2ocean, etc.)
• Clean paper towels
• For bandage changing only: 70% Isopropyl Alcohol (DO NOT USE ANY OTHER TYPE OF ALCOHOL)
General Saniderm aftercare:
Leave first sheet on for 1-3 days; remove either at 3 days or when the bandage is no longer staying down and protecting the tattoo, whichever is earlier. Please note:
Tattoo will look fuzzy and full of liquid under bandage; this is normal as the tattoo will continue to weep and release ink and fluid for 12-24 hours after initial session. The degree of fluid will depend partially on how heavily the tattoo was shaded.
It is very important that the bandage stay sealed down to protect the tattoo from infection. If water is getting in or the tattoo is exposed, the bandage is no longer working and should be immediately removed.
Keep an eye out for redness or pain around the perimeter of the bandage which could indicate a sensitivity to the adhesive; if you see this, remove the bandage immediately, wash tattoo, and then begin normal aftercare.
Removal:
Wash hands with antibacterial soap
Take an edge and gently pull down and away from the bandage, stretching the bandage and making it gently lift off the skin. Avoid pulling up toward the bandage as this will lead to a more painful removal. Tip: Removing under warm running water can help with sensitivity.
Gently wash the tattoo with liquid fragrance free soap for 25 seconds. Rinse thoroughly but gently. For the first 1-2 washes after bandage removal, wash until the tattoo no longer feels ‘slimy’ under your fingertips (1-3 minutes) in order to remove the plasma that is attempting to build scabs. Do not soak or scrub. Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel.
Allow tattoo to air dry for several minutes
Apply a very thin layer of ointment or lotion with clean hands. Do not over apply. Apply only a thin layer that will be absorbed immediately. Ointment is heavier than lotion and should be applied more sparingly. Over application is harmful to tattoo healing; you are not helping by applying more frequently than recommended.
For the duration of healing wash the tattoo 2x day and moisturize 2-3x a day until after the tattoo is done peeling (typically around 1.5 - 3 weeks, after all scabs have fallen off). You may continue to lightly moisturize as needed after peeling is finished.
Important cautions with a fresh tattoo:
DO NOT SOAK the tattoo in water for 3-4 weeks after application as this can rapidly fade the tattoo during this period (no baths, swimming, hot tubs, etc). After 3-4 weeks, as long as all scabs are gone, the tattoo is fine to be submerged.
Showers: Short showers are fine and the tattoo does not need to be wrapped or covered in the shower.
DO NOT EXPOSE TO SUN or use a tanning bed during healing. Keep it covered for a full 3-4 weeks.
The adhesive bandage does NOT contain any sun protection. It is important to keep new tattoos out of the sun as sunlight can rapidly fade the tattoo when it is fresh.
After the peeling stage is over (~2 weeks) you may begin to use a high spf sunscreen for extra protection on the tattoo, but the tattoo should still continue to be covered for the full 3-4 weeks.
SPF protectant garments or sleeves can be useful during this phase.
AVOID SWEATING Avoid heavy exercise or heavy sweating for a full week after getting your tattoo. Sauna should be avoided for 2-3 weeks. Avoid contact with unclean surfaces such as yoga mats or weight equipment until tattoo is done peeling.
Avoid wearing tight fitting or scratchy clothing over the fresh tattoo. Do not let the tattoo stick to sheets or clothing as this can pull out color. If the tattoo does get stuck to clothes, gently wet the clothing and after the tattoo has softened slowly and gently peel off the clothing layer; do not tug.
DO NOT ITCH or scratch the tattoo. While unpleasant, itching is normal and expected. Most tattoos go through an itchy phase during peeling that can last several days. Itching or scratching will lift out ink and damage the tattoo.
If you have been instructed to change the adhesive bandage:
Leave bandage on for 24 hours. The tattoo may look fuzzy/blurry under bandage; this is normal.
Remove bandage and clean tattoo as described above.
Apply new bandage:
You may want to ask for help placing the bandage if the tattoo is in an area that cannot be easily reached.
Whomever is changing the band should wash their hands first.
The bandage material has backing on both sides that needs to be removed; a clear plastic sheet with markings on one side, and a paper backing on the other side. The bandage itself is a clear film sandwiched between the two sheets.
First, remove the paper backing on the bandage. This is the adhesive side that will be applied to the skin. Be careful not to let the adhesive side touch or roll up on itself when peeling off the backing, or else it can get stuck to itself and ruin the sheet.
Make sure the body part you are applying the bandage to is in a neutral position; for example, on an elbow it should be neither fully bent nor straight but halfway between, so that after the bandage is applied you retain full mobility.
Carefully place bandage over tattoo. Make sure to leave .5”-1” perimeter around the tattoo so that the bandage is not placed too close to the edge of the tattoo; this will give the bandage more longevity.
Once the bandage has been applied and smoothed down, carefully peel off the top sheet of clear plastic; look for the perforations or gently lift along an edge until it comes off. Sometimes it can be tricky to get the edge, so just keep gently trying and you’ll get it.
And that’s it! You may see some air bubbles under the bandage; they don’t really affect anything put you can gently push them out of the sides if they bother you.
Remove second sheet up to 6 days after or when the bandage is no longer staying down and protecting the tattoo, whichever is earlier. The bandage should not be applied for longer than 7 days total.
Keep an eye out for redness or pain around the perimeter of the bandage which could indicate a sensitivity to the adhesive; if you see this, remove the bandage immediately, wash tattoo, and then begin normal aftercare.
After removing bandage, begin general aftercare and follow precautions as described above.
Tip: Tegaderm is a similar product that is sold in most pharmacies in the bandage aisle. If you accidentally damage your second bandage sheet, Tegaderm can be used in it’s place
Troubleshooting:
Sticky residue when bandage is removed: Use coconut oil (from clean container) to gently remove adhesive.
Air bubbles in bandage: These do not affect healing; do NOT pop/lance them as this defeats the purpose of the bandage by letting outside germs into the bandage. Leave them.
Bandage peeling up: If the bandage peels up so much that water can get into the tattoo or the tattoo is exposed, the bandage is no longer doing its job and is doing more harm than good. Please remove promptly and begin normal aftercare (see above).
Redness localized to perimeter of bandage: You may be sensitive to the adhesive. Remove immediately and start normal aftercare (see above).
Signs of infection:
Tattoo infections are very uncommon, but you should still be on the lookout for them.
Some signs of infection include spreading redness that originates under the tattoo and grows, pain that gets worse, abnormal heat from the tattoo area, fever, pus or pustules, or the tattoo otherwise looking abnormal. Itching is not normally a sign of infection and is usually a normal part of healing.
Please contact me immediately for advice if you notice signs of infection or when in doubt. In the meantime, wash tattoo, apply vaseline based antibiotic ointment and cover with a sterile bandage.
If you are not able to get in touch with me within a reasonable timeframe or feel like you need to be seen quickly, please visit your local urgent care or contact your doctor for advice, especially if you have signs of severe infection such as fever. Use your best judgement and don’t delay care if in doubt.
Infection is caused by improper aftercare, and can be avoided with proper aftercare. Tattoos are open wounds, so please be mindful about keeping the tattoo clean during healing and avoid any activities that would expose the tattoo to infection. Healing in a clean indoor environment is the safest option.
Touch Ups:
Not all tattoos need a touch up as a matter of course, but I am happy to offer a touch up when needed. Please give the tattoo one month to finish most of its healing and get in touch via email with a high resolution, well lit photo of the tattoo if you think a touch up may be needed. Touch ups are free when requested within two months of the final tattoo appointment, and are offered at a discounted rate for the first year.