Tattoo

:For the unrelated Military music tattoo, a parade, see Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Aftercare

Aftercare has been a subject of debate in the tattoo community for many years. Tattoo artists have had to recommend a variety of products available from local drug stores. These products were intended to prevent cuts, burns, scrapes, and abrasions from becoming infected and not for the healing of new tattoos. The majority of these products contain petroleum or lanolin which, when applied to a new tattoo, can clog skin pores and actually retard the body's healing process. There is also the possibility of allergic reactions to these products, and, application to a new tattoo can cause skin reactions leading to loss of ink and permanent damage to a tattoo.

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New tattoos are wounds which must be looked after properly. Immediately after completing the tattoo, most tattooists will cover the area to keep out dirt and keep the tattoo from oozing into clothes; sometimes the area is wrapped in clingfilm, paper towel, poultry packs (that come in chicken packs) or gauze. Some tattooists will recommend leaving the covering on for several hours or overnight, and then gently washing the area. Japanese soak the tattoo in hot water to clean it.

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In the last few years, many cosmetic and pharmaceutical aftercare products have been developed specifically for the tattoo world. These products are safe, efficient, and dermatologically tested. Most tattoo artists recommend them and sell them in their parlors.

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