The first wash This reaction is not usually a cause for concern, as it is just the excess fluid and ink from the tattoo process. After washing, a person should pat the skin with a clean paper towel and allow it to air-dry for up to an hour.
Gently pat it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel, then allow it to air-dry for 15 minutes before applying ointment. Apply Aquaphor ointment or a specialty tattoo-healing product to the tattoo as needed, massaging a very small amount into the skin to keep the tattoo slightly moist, but NOT smothered.
As the excessive moisture is the reason why the tattoo is not healing properly, stop moisturizing immediately. Remove the excess cream and dry the tattoo naturally - After showering, use a soft towel to gently pat dry the tattoo and remove the excess cream. Afterwards, leave it for 15 to 30 minutes to dry naturally.
Significant moisture will loosen the scabs and cause them to pull free. This will take some of the ink with, causing a ``blotchy'' appearance. You are also at a higher risk of infection since the scab is a protective covering of the wound. Once removed prematurely, it's a fresh wound all over again. 2.
Bath water can contain a variety of bacteria, including potentially harmful strains, that can cause infections if they enter the bloodstream through the open wound of the tattoo. This can cause the tattoo to become red, swollen, and painful, and may require medical treatment to resolve.
If you've somehow got your tattoo wet by submerging it in water, there are steps to take that can potentially help. Dr. Shirazi recommends cleansing it with a gentle cleanser, patting it dry, and applying a healing ointment from Aquaphor or CeraVe.
2-6 Days After Your New Tattoo
It may also look red, swollen and still ooze blood, plasma, lymphatic fluid and ink. Not to worry! This is normal.
It's generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours before jumping into the shower. This initial waiting period gives your skin time to begin healing.
The Final Takeaway
If you notice your tattoo is oozing or leaking a clear fluid, rest assured that this is nothing to be concerned about. This is just plasma discharge that is a normal part of the body's healing process and will likely harden into a scab as the wound closes.
"During the healing process, you should moisturize your tattoo three to six times a day," Ladna says, explaining that keeping your tattoo hydrated during the initial days is especially critical. "If your tattoo becomes too dry, the healing may actually take longer, and you may risk losing color saturation."
Your skin looks or feels irritated.
Over-moisturizing with oil-based lotions can lead to clogged pores. If you notice clogged pores around your tattoo, there's a chance you've applied too much lotion.
What's The Problem with Over-Moisturising Tattoos? 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.
Wet healing is how most PMU artists have their client's heal today. This method refers to gentle cleansing with light application of a healing ointment to the tattooed skin, meaning the skin will be kept “wet” during the initial stage of healing to prevent bacterial buildup,, think hydrated.
Another disadvantage of dry healing your tattoo is the possible onset of cracks in the art due to extremely dry skin. When cracks appear and when the itching sensation is heightened as a result of a general lack of moisture to the wound, your art is likely to be damaged and altered as a result.
Don't worry, this is completely natural. It happens because the old skin, damaged during the tattooing process, forms a thin layer over your tattoo and masks its true appearance. In time this old skin will naturally exfoliate itself, revealing your tattoo underneath in all its vibrant glory.
Stay out of pools, hot tubs, rivers, lakes and other bodies of water while the tattoo is healing. Choose clothing carefully. Don't wear anything that might stick to the tattoo.
Some inks are formulated to dry quickly, while others may take longer. It's important to note that some fountain pen inks can take up to several seconds to dry, while others can dry almost immediately. Nib Wetness The wetness of your fountain pen nib can also affect the drying time of the ink.
Add a drop or two of Keep It Wet into your ink cap to prevent the ink from drying from evaporation. If your ink begins to dry out in the cap, refresh your ink with a drop or two. Looking for smoother transitions and washes? Add more drops to your cap as you dip to dilute the opacity of your pigment.
'Oozing/Weeping' - which is typical for the first day or so. Sometimes this can last for up to 3-4 days after being tattooed, depending on the size, colour and location.
Natural migration of pigment in the skin is manifested by: lines become visually wider; a small (about a millimeter) shadow may appear near the tattoo lines; there will be less empty space between the lines.
If you've recently gotten a tattoo, but it appears blurry and smudged during and after the healing process, you may be experiencing tattoo blowout. "A blowout is when a tattoo expands below the skin layer when it hits fat [and] veins or when scarring occurs," says Crys.