Tattoos might make you feel good And you're going to get some pretty nice endorphins, too -- your body's chemical response to pain -- which can make you sort of high.
Some people feel psyched about their new tattoo, while others might feel sick. If you're feeling a bit under the weather after getting some new ink, you might be experiencing “tattoo flu.” Usually mild and quick to pass, this post tattoo flu-like illness is a common result of your body's natural defenses saying “Whoa!
Your new tattoo is an open wound, and the impact of the tattooing process will usually result in some swelling. After a month or so, your tattoo should begin to settle in, and you shouldn't be able to feel such a difference between your new ink and the rest of your skin.
It is normal for a tattoo to be red, swollen, and tender for the first 48 to 72 hours. There may also be some oozing of blood and/or ink during this time period. 1 Makharita notes that these symptoms should improve significantly each day. Prolonged symptoms should be evaluated by your tattoo artist and/or a physician.
Drunken behaviour could ruin your new tattoo
You need to be aware of keeping your tattoo clean and dry while it is fresh, so a night out might not be the best option. It's generally recommended that you wait at least 48 hours after your new tattoo before you start drinking alcohol again.
The average person who has followed their aftercare instructions can start sleeping on their tattoo between 4 to 7 days after getting it.
Additionally, if the tattooed area was exposed to excessive sunlight, it could also lead to a raised and itchy tattoo. Ultraviolet (UV) light can cause inflammation and damage to the skin, and can also react with some tattoo inks.
Over-moisturising can lead to inflamed tattoos and potentially infection. Excess moisture can clog your skin's pores which prevents it from breathing, something that's important for your skin to heal. This can lead to breakouts on the skin that can damage the tattoo.
What to eat to speed healing. To speed the healing process of the skin, you should consume foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as omega-3. Foods with the most antioxidant properties include tomatoes, red fruits, citrus fruits like orange, and herbs such as garlic, onion and saffron.
You can shower 3-4 hours after getting a tattoo, if you have a Saniderm bandage on, however, if you have a plastic wrap wait 24 hours to unwrap your tattoo and shower. In either case, shower in cold or lukewarm water and avoid prolonged soaking or submerging your tattoo in water for 3-4 weeks.
A tattoo infection is a skin infection that can occur in people with tattoos. There can be many causes, including contaminated ink or water. You can lower your risk by going to a licensed tattoo shop and asking about their sterilization practices. If you notice signs of an infection, seek medical treatment right away.
Most people will experience redness for a few days after leaving the studio. But if the redness doesn't improve, it could indicate that your tattoo isn't healing as well as it should. Skin feels hot. If your skin feels like it's radiating heat days after getting your tattoo, this could be another sign of infection.
Until the surface of the tattoo is healed (at a minimum of two to three weeks), wash the area gently 2-3 times per day. After cleaning the tattoo during this two to three week period, gently apply a thin coat of a lotion-based care product. We recommend After Inked tattoo moisturizer and aftercare lotion.
Your first night sleeping, your artist might recommend you re-wrap the tattoo with plastic wrap (like Saran Wrap) to sleep without the tattoo sticking to your sheets. This is generally for larger or solid-color tattoos. If your artist did not recommend re-wrapping, just let the tattoo stay exposed to air overnight.
One of the most common side effects of a tattoo is an allergic reaction to tattoo pigment. Allergic reactions to red tattoo pigments happen most often. If you're having an allergic reaction to your tattoo, you might get a rash that's red, bumpy, or itchy.
Once you get home and settled in, it's recommended that the tattooed area be iced for approximately 20 minutes. As you start this soothing process, you will notice: Swelling will start to go down. Bruising will be reduced because the icing temporarily decreases the amount of blood flow to the sore area.
The body's natural response to pain is to release endorphins, which can provide temporary pain relief. However, endorphins can also cause feelings of tiredness and drowsiness, which can make you feel even more fatigued after the tattoo process.
A lot of tattoo artists recommend sleeping with the wrap that was put on. Others recommend re-wrapping, or just applying healing ointment and keeping the tattoo clean. The important thing is avoiding infection.
Talk to your tattoo artist about how long it's best to wait. Generally, though, you can shower within the first 24 hours after getting your new ink. Waiting 2 days gives your skin more time to form a barrier over the tattoo.
You do not want the scabs picked off. The scabbing stage can last a few days. The tattooed area is unlikely to still feel sore after about two weeks.
Here's how often you should wash your new tattoo: For the first time, within 5–24 hours of getting it. At least daily until it's completely healed – ideally twice-daily.
What NOT to do? DON'T re-bandage your tattoo, rub, scratch or pick at your new tattoo. DON'T apply alcohol, Neosporin, Vaseline, or petroleum jelly (they can trap dirt and germs and cause infection). DON'T apply a heavy coat of lotion (remember the skin must breathe in order to heal).