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cutie_pie44 · Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 2:48 am Post subject: New Tattoo Question

I got a tattoo on Monday, and I've basically been doing everything that I was told washed it put ointment on it, and kept it up. Today is my third day well, and I noticed that a piece near the tip of the star was peeling away and I can basically see the ink underneath is that normal?

Yes, this is my first tattoo so I was really freaked out when I saw it.

Also there were like small bubbles forming which I am assuming were scabs that aren't there now that some part of it peeled off. Please help me out I don't want to go crazy thinking I did something wrong. Embarassed

Ed Sr · Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 9:09 am Post subject:

Hi cutie_pie44,

I am not sure what you mean by a piece peeled off and you can see the ink underneath it nor what you mean by bubbles.

Here is the NORMAL progression of a new tattoo and maybe this answers your question.

Within a few hors of a new tattoo:
Your new tattoo may bleed slightly or appear to have small leakage of clear fluid, blood or ink or combination of the three. The skin around the tattoo may be red and inflamed.

After the first day:
You new tattoo may begin to scab and start to look flaky or dry and when washing small flakes of skin may come off as you wash making your think color is coming out. It is only the dead layer of skin that is stained by the ink it is not color coming out. The skin around the tattoo may still be a little red and inflamed.

After the first few days it will be dry, possibly scabbed and may look like the skin is shriviling or cracking on the surface.

After two weeks you tattoo should be completely healed.

The first 48 hours are the most crucial. Do exactly what your artist told you to do.

I tell my clents the following but by typing this I am not telling you to do other than what your artist told you meerly as a reference for you.

After the first hour remove the bandage and wash with luke warm water in mild soap and rince well. Blot dry. Apply a THIN layer of A&D ointment or Tattoo Goo. If possible do not cover. If you get your tattoo within 8 hours of your bedtime, cover your tattoo with a bandage and dont forget the thin layer of ointment so that you tattoo will not be stuck to your night shirt or pajamas in the morning and to prevent staining your cloths if it bleeds or oozes over night. For the first 48 hours wash 3 times daily and use the A&D keep uncovered if possible but protect it from sunlight dirt and water.

By the third day STOP using the ointment and let it start to heal on its own. When it begins to dry and flake use a vitamin e enriched lotion SPARINGLY. DO NO scratch, pick at scabs or submerge in water. Keep it away from direct sunlight, chlorine, hot tubs, pools, tanning.

After two weeks your tattoo should be fully healed.