Yes. Once the seal on the saniderm has been compromised, it needs to be removed ASAP. Remove it now and start a normal wash and moisturizer regimen.
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.
Do NOT wrap a healing tattoo. Keep it gooped up with some sort of aftercare ointment (I use aquaphor) and go about your day.
How to identify symptoms of an allergic reaction to Saniderm? Cut a sample piece of Saniderm. Put it on the client's body. If there is no rash, redness, or allergic reaction, you're good to go. If there is redness or swelling, you may have an allergic reaction.
Everyone heals differently, and the length of time will vary depending on how much fluid your tattoo is weeping. When the adhesion of the Saniderm bandage begins to weaken, that's your cue to remove or replace the bandage.
It is okay if your Saniderm Bandage begins to peel off early. If this happens, remove the tattoo wrap and apply a new tattoo bandage as needed.
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.
Once the final bandage has been removed, continue caring for the tattoo by washing and moisturizing as needed, until the tattoo is fully healed. The tattoo may appear to be fully healed on the surface once your second Saniderm bandage comes off. However, deeper layers of skin will still be repairing for 2-4 months.
This piece of Saniderm is best to be left on your new tattoo for 8 to 48 hours minimally. Since everyone heals differently the length of time will depend on how much fluid your tattoo weeps, which will affect the adhesion of Saniderm.
* 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. You cannot Tape saniderm back on, this is not a sanitary way to re-attach your saniderm.
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.
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!
It is perfectly normal to use up to four pieces of Saniderm during the healing process. When changing pieces, make sure to leave a gap of no more than 30 minutes between removal and reapplication. Wash and pat dry with a clean paper towel or allow to air dry before applying your next bandage.
If it peels so much that any part of the tattoo is no longer completely covered, take it all off and resume normal tattoo aftercare explained in the section above. If you notice any redness/discoloration, rash, itchiness or any other unpleasant reaction, remove the Saniderm and wash the area immediately.
If scabs develop, they can remove the color beneath them if prematurely removed. It's important that they're allowed to dry out completely, and not get waterlogged at any time. The scab will eventually fall off on its own, and the tattoo should be fine if no deep cracks have formed.
Peeling skin caused by dry skin or mild sunburn is likely to improve with nonprescription lotions and doesn't require medical care. Call your health care provider if you have any doubt about the cause of peeling skin or if the condition is severe.
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 do not have Saniderm on:
Step 1: Wash tattoo with lukewarm water and non-scented antibacterial soap, using only your hands, do not use any scrubbers or washcloths. Wash until the tattoo is completely clear of blood and plasma. Step 2: Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Let air dry for 5-10 minutes.
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!
Taking the bandage off after a day prevents fluid buildup.
It's completely normal for a new tattoo to weep and it won't affect how the design looks, so you don't need to worry. You can remove a Saniderm bandage as soon as 8 hours after it's first applied if the adhesive starts to weaken.
Keep in mind that the tattoo may appear to be fully healed on the surface once you remove the last Saniderm bandage after 5 days. However, deeper layers of the skin will still be fully healing for up to 6 months.
How to deal if the second skin is coming off early!? No need to worry if your second skin is peeling off early - jump in the shower and warm water (never hot water straight after being tattooed) will relax and soften the adhesive, allowing you to remove it with ease.