Tattoo Aftercare
Saniderm (adhesive bandage) Aftercare Instructions
Length of Use
Initial Tatu-Derm application should be in place for 48-72 hours. Small amounts of fluid (plasma/white blood cell buildup) will accumulate under the Tatu-Derm and is expected during the normal healing process. Change Tatu-Derm when drainage, leakage, or excessive pooling under the product occurs. Tatu-Derm is effective as long as it adheres to the skin with no gaps. If it becomes loose, it is no longer an effective barrier and should be removed immediately. If you must remove the bandage early, you can come back to the shop to have a new piece re-applied within one hour of removal. If leakage occurs and/or the tattoo underneath becomes dry or scabbed, the adhesive will stick to it and will be painful to remove. Tatu-Derm is waterproof so showering with the bandage on is okay.
Removal of Tatu-Derm
Support the skin while removing the Tatu-Derm. Gently grasp a corner and slowly peel the Tatu-Derm from the skin in the direction of hair growth. Avoid skin trauma by peeling the bandage back, rather than pulling it up from the skin. We suggest removing it in the shower to help loosen the adhesive.
After Removal
Clean the tattoo with mild, unscented soap (such as Dr. Bronner's Baby Unscented Castile Soap or Dial Gold) and warm water. Rinse it well; taking off as much of the slimy coating that may have formed over the tattooed area while underneath the Tatu-Derm (the slimy coating is plasma/white blood cells. Scabs form when the plasma dries on the surface of the skin). Gently pat it dry with a paper towel then allow it to air-dry for 10-15 minutes before applying lotion.
Apply After Inked or a fragrance-free lotion (Lubriderm, Eucerin, etc.), massaging a minimal amount into the skin to keep the tattoo slightly moist but NOT smothered. Use just enough product to moisturize the tattoo and blot off any excess with a paper towel. If the tattoo appears shiny, you have used too much. Continue cleaning and applying lotion to your new tattoo 2-3 times a day for the first 7-10 days following removal of the Tatu-Derm.
The healing tattoo should never stay submerged in water. Limit yourself to short showers until the tattoo has finished peeling. It’s also important that a fresh tattoo be protected from the sun and dirty environments, as it’s still an open wound at this time. All normal activities involving water or sun exposure can usually be resumed after 14-21 days.
When the peeling stage begins, the tattooed skin will flake like a sunburn and become dry and itchy. Avoid picking and/or scratching at the cracked and flaking skin. Keep using lotion until the skin returns to its normal texture.
Troubleshooting
If any irritation, redness, or blistering occurs under or around the Tatu-Derm, remove the bandage immediately and discontinue use. Clean the area using mild, unscented soap and pat dry with a paper towel. Allow the area to completely air-dry for 10-15 minutes before applying ointment or lotion.
If bumps, bubbles, or pimples form on the surface of the tattoo, stop applying ointment/lotion, letting it dry and peel on its own. This bubbling is caused by moisture getting trapped in your skin, usually from using too much ointment (mostly from petroleum-based products like A&D and Aquaphor), and could lead to scabbing. If scabs develop, they can remove the color beneath them if prematurely removed. They must be allowed to dry out completely and not get waterlogged at any time. The scabs will eventually fall off on their own and the tattoo should be fine if no deep cracks have formed.
Remember that until your new tattoo peels, it’s an open wound, and needs to be treated as one. Give your tattoo the time and attention it needs to properly heal. Engaging in activities such as swimming, tanning, removing the bandage early, picking at the tattoo, and general disregard for it, are done at your own peril. If you suspect an infection has developed, please seek medical attention immediately, as untreated tattoo infections can have very serious consequences.
