In the first twenty-four hours there may be a build up of blood, ink, and/or plasma underneath the Saniderm. This is completely normal. You do not want to leave the build up for more than one day. Remove Saniderm when there is build up, clean and dry the tattooed area and re-apply.
See, plasma leaves the body to then form a barrier. This barrier will harden. and turn into what we call scab, which ultimately could ruin your tattoo. So this liquid under the bandage, this infection that you're talking about, is actually your body expediting the healing process.
Per Saniderm's instructions, you are supposed to remove it 24 hours after the tattoo, clean it with mild soap and reapply a new sheet that can be worn for up to 5-6 days. The reason for this is that plasma breaks down right around 24 hours and loses its benefits.
Light exercise while wearing Saniderm is fine, but avoid activity that causes excessive sweating. Just as water will weaken the adhesion of the bandage, so will sweat and any other significant amount of fluid. Try to keep the bandage as clean and dry as possible until it's time to remove it.
NOTES ON SANIDERM
If at any point your Saniderm peels up to expose part of the tattoo, or fills up with liquid from an outside source (such as water from the sink or shower), remove the Saniderm completely and swap over to the dry heal method for the remainder of the healing period.
If you find the tattoo weeps into the second piece, remove it at the next 24 hour period. Then wash the tattoo, apply aftercare if needed, and apply a third piece. This third piece can be worn for up to 5 days. Saniderm should not be worn for more than 7 days total.”
Do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive. Your hand is your best tool in this case. (If your tattoo feels slimy and slippery, you have probably been oozing plasma. Try to gently remove as much of this as possible - when the plasma dries on the skin surface, it creates scabs.)
Alternatively, if the fluid that collected beneath your Saniderm has dried out or has become itchy or uncomfortable, it is perfectly okay to remove the bandage and begin washing/caring for your tattoo -- even if this happens before the 3-5 day mark!
Saniderm is both latex free and hypoallergenic, so allergic reactions are very rare. However, some people may have sensitive skin or allergies to adhesives. If you do experience a rash, abnormal skin irritation, or other symptoms of an allergic reaction, discontinue use and wash with mild soap.
Saniderm is a self adhesive, breathable, waterproof clear dressing and is the leading form of aftercare when it comes to tattoo healing. It is quickly becoming the industry standard and has been known to help speed up healing by up to 60%.
Plasma is the fluid that may leak from the skin after getting a tattoo and is a normal part of the healing process. This plasma is rich in white blood cells that fight off infection and trigger the body's immune response and healing.
Wash your hands and remove the original saniderm slowly, THOROUGHLY CLEAN THE TATTOO WITH ANTIBACTERIAL, FRAGRANCE FREE SOAP. (This step is crucial as any bacteria left on the tattoo will be trapped underneath the new application of saniderm, possibly causing infection.)
If fluid is leaking out of the Saniderm bandage, this indicates a break in the seal of the adhesive. At this point, the tattoo is no longer being protected and is vulnerable to potential contaminants. Remove the bandage, clean the tattoo, and apply a new piece of Saniderm.
Use your clean hands, not a washcloth or towel. Chances are, it's a gross, gooey mess of blood, ink, lymph, and plasma. It's important to clean all of this off, as the plasma will harden and cause excessive scabbing on your tattoo, which might complicate the healing process.
In the first twenty-four hours there may be a build up of blood, ink, and/or plasma underneath the Saniderm. This is completely normal. You do not want to leave the build up for more than one day.
General Saniderm aftercare:
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.
Its normal for your saniderm to fill with plasma, ink and blood. It typically creates a dark brown liquid that sits on your tattoo under the plastic. Leave it Alone. After a couple of days, the liquid will start to harden up under the saniderm.
Saniderm bandages are durable enough to maintain a regular, light exercise routine without compromising your new tattoo. However, increased perspiration, prolonged movement, or excessive friction in or around the tattooed area could weaken the bandage's adhesion, potentially compromising its seal.
When the adhesion of the Saniderm bandage begins to weaken, that's your cue to remove or replace the bandage. If you notice excessive weeping or fluid under your currently applied piece of Saniderm, it's okay to carefully replace it with a new one.
There will be a print of your tattoo on the plastic, and lots of small creases in the skin, this is normal, it will go away within the next few days. You may find you have sticky residue around the tattoo- if it's annoying you it can be removed with rubbing alcohol (not on the actual tattoo!).
What should I do if the Second Skin peels off before time? If the Second Skin starts peeling or peels off straightaway after the application, don't panic. Just remove it, clean the tattoo and reapply. You can also peel it off, clean the area and continua with the normal after care.
When you apply Saniderm to a fresh tattoo, you are instructed to leave the bandage on for 24 hours. As mentioned above, your tattoo will weep bodily fluid during this 24-hour period (and sometimes longer) causing your tattoo's second skin to smell.
Yes, it is totally normal for fluid and excess ink to leak from your freshly tattooed skin. This fluid is called plasma and it is part of the body's natural healing process. It forms a protective layer over the tattoo and helps keep dirt and bacteria away while also aiding in its recovery.
If you encounter resistance or discomfort, stop and moisten the area with warm soapy water to help loosen the adhesive. I do this in the beginning and throughout as necessary! 5. Once removed, gently cleanse the tattooed area with mild soap and water to remove any remaining residue.