Gently clean the tattoo using a circular motion until all ointment and plasma are removed. Rinse the tattoo gently until the skin is clean. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel then allow to fully air dry for a minimum of 10 minutes. DO NOT SCRUB.
Throughout the tattooing process, the lymphatic system will rush plasma filled with antibodies to the injured area of the skin, in an attempt to clear out excess ink and jumpstart healing. The tattoo will continue to weep fluid for up to 48 hours after your tattoo session.
It's just dried blood it's nothing to worry about. It'll come off as the tattoo heals. No need to try and get it off and possibly damage your tattoo. It won't affect the healing process in any way.
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.)
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.
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.
SANIDERM AFTERCARE
Leave the Saniderm on for 3-5 days - do not leave it on for over 5. While the Saniderm is on: You do not need to do anything to the tattoo. You may notice excess ink pooling inside of the bandage - this is normal.
This helps to prevent the adhesive from sticking directly to the fresh tattoo until the tattoo begins to peel. Once this stage occurs, the peeling skin will cling to the film itself. There is no need to worry about Saniderm negatively affecting your ink at all.
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 it does leak out (and the seal between the second skin and your skin is broken), remove the bandage and continue with aftercare as instructed below.
Monitor leaking ink and fluids: It's normal for some ink and fluids to leak from the tattooed area for a few days (2 -3 days). If this continues longer than 4 days, something is interfering with the healing process.
Use the Aquaphor for the first 2-3 days then switch to a regular FRAGRANCE-FREE lotion such as Lubriderm, or any other fragrance-free brand. 5. Fresh tattoos sometimes “weep” during the first couple of days, meaning that plasma and ink form a thin moist coating on the skin. This can be DABBED with a clean paper towel.
Is It Better To Use Wet Healing Techniques for a Tattoo? Research suggests that wet healing is superior to dry healing for almost every kind of wound, including a tattoo. Dry skin has a hard time regenerating itself because it gets scabby and crusty and pulls away from itself (ouch).
Leave it alone. If the bandage starts to leak body fluid from the seal, you can only replace the bandage within the first 24 hours. If you are past 24 hours and the SecondSkin comes off, exposing the tattoo, do NOT replace the bandage.
After the bandage is removed, wash your tattoo with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Remove all existing vaseline, plasma/excess ink with your fingertips gently.
Days 2 to 3:
During these days, your tattoo may look dull and cloudy as your skin heals and new skin starts to form. Excess ink and plasma may still ooze from your skin.
* You cannot leave saniderm on your tattoo, if it is leaking. If bacteria can get out of your bandage, it can get in - leaving you susceptible to infection.
After 3-5 days, remove Saniderm while in the shower. You must peel the Saniderm in order for it to come off, you may want to peel slowly. * You can shower with Saniderm on * Step 2: Wash tattoo with lukewarm water and non-scented antibacterial soap, using only your hands, do not use any scrubbers or washcloths.
During this time there will be a buildup of fluid (plasma, ink, blood) underneath the bandage. This is normal and should remain contained within the Saniderm. Though your tattoo may look blurry, remember that it's just the fluid. Your tattoo is fine.
ACCELERATE THE TATTOO HEALING PROCESS – Saniderm tattoo care bandages help prevent scabbing, which means accelerated tattoo healing and less irritation. Less scabbing also means the risk of damaging your tattoo is greatly reduced.
Healing With Saniderm
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!
Apply a thin film of "Aquaphor" as needed to keep moisturized for the next 3-4 days (1 day if Saniderm was used). Blot any excess amount! DO NOT overuse!