Cling film wrapped

If your tattoo is wrapped in cling film you will need to keep this on for 4 hours. Before removing the cling film wash your hands with soapy water and dry with a paper towel. Remove the cling film and gently clean the tattooed area with mild soapy water and remove any body fluid and discharge from the area. Pat the tattoo dry with a paper towel and then leave to air dry for a further 5 minutes. Once fully dry re-wrap the tattoo with cling film using the inside side of the roll and repeat this step 3/4 times a day for the first 2 days following your tattoo. After 2 days you will no longer need to wrap it in cling film but you will need to clean the tattooed area and apply cream. Repeat the cleaning and creaming procedure 3-4 times a day until the tattoo is healed.

Second skin

If your tattoo is wrapped in second skin you will need to keep this on for 2/3 days before removing. Before removing the second skin wash your hands with soapy water and dry with a paper towel. Once removed clean the tattooed area with mild soapy water and remove any body fluid and discharge from the area. Pat the tattoo dry with a paper towel and then leave to air dry for a further 5 minutes. Once dry apply cream. Repeat the cleaning and creaming procedure 3-4 times a day until the tattoo is healed.

Aftercare Cream

I recommend using Palmers Cocoa Butter, E45, or any tattoo aftercare creams.

Apply a thin coat over the whole tattoo and make sure you don't smother the tattoo.

Hand washing

Hand washing is the single most important method of reducing infection. Hands must be washed prior to touching the affected area, therefore reducing the risk of infection. Wash your hands in warm water and liquid soap, always dry your hands thoroughly with a clean towel or paper towel. This should remove most germs and prevent them being transferred to the affected area.

Things to remember

•   The aftercare following a tattoo is important to promote good healing and prevent the risk of infection.

•   The risk of infection can be greatly reduced by good general hygiene including hand washing

•   For the first week or so it is normal for the area to be red and tender

•   Do not scratch or pick at your tattoo

•   Wear loose clothing over your tattoo while it heals to avoid rubbing

•   Do not soak your tattoo: avoid swimming, hots tubs, saunas etc.

•   Avoid direct exposure to the sun

•   After the tattoo has fully healed I would advise wearing sunscreen when spending long periods in the sun. Do not put sunscreen on a tattoo that has not fully healed.

•   No sunbeds or spray tans whilst you tattoo is healing

• Avoid any perfumed products on the affected area until your tattoo is fully healed

Signs of infection

If appropriate aftercare is not followed infection may occur. The signs of infection are:

•   Swelling and redness that increases around the wound.

•   A severe burning and throbbing sensation round the site.

•   Increased tenderness and increasingly painful to touch.

•   An unusual discharge (yellow or green) with an offensive smell.

Speak to your tattoo artist or seek medical attention immediately if you suffer from any of the above or have any concerns regarding infection in your tattoo or if there are any signs of an allergic reaction to any of the products used.