tattoo virgin

Hi Guys! I've just had my first tattoo on my lower back and i have a few questions. firstly i'm confused about what cream to use. i had been using a piles cream that was suggested but it felt like it was burning so i switched to savlon as someone mentioned that was good. it didn't keep the skin moist and someone said to use vaseline, since I've been told that i shouldn't be using it! also i had it done 5 days ago and its become very flakey, but not scabbed as such. does this mean its healing? or am i doing something wrong? and how long after it looks/feels healed will i have to use the cream for? sorry to ask so much but im new! i had it tattooed away from home so cannot refer back to the artist. thank you.

Maybe I could suggest what my artist told me which seemed like pretty good advice which was to use original A+D Ointment for 3 days to a week, and then Lubriderm lotion after that. I think the main thing is you want to use something with no dyes or perfumes. I'm not a tat artist, so hopefully these guys will weigh in on it, but actually, it doesn't really sound like anything abnormal is going on... When I had color done, It was just sort of like a mild sunburn, you know,little bit of peely skin a little bit for a couple of weeks and that's pretty much it... was pretty non eventful. But no matter what advice I could say worked for me, the tat guys on the site will be along pretty soon and will be able to give you some real advice... Good luck! And Congratulations!

Wash with mild soap...Ivory bar or neutragena...no washcloth just fingers soap and warm water...rinse in COLD water....helps seal the pores...pat dry...then air dry for a few minutes...apply a tiny amount of either A&D ointment or Triple antibiotic ointment...do not use Neosporin!....Repeat the process 4 times daily...on the 5th day STOP using ointment and switch to a good quality non scented lotion....keep moist for 3 weeks...no swimming, hot tubs or saunas for 3 weeks...no direct sunlight or tanning for 3 weeks....TAz

Can someone please recommend some triple antibacterial ointments for my new tat? Cheers

Any triple antibiotic will do...generic is fine

Hey here's a nice tropical topical idea: in my yard are abundant aloe vera plants. For maybe 15 of my 20-odd tatts, i have cleaned, and spread on the clear pulp from inside the leaves... pure vitamin e! It refreshes, moisturizes without getting sticky and preventing healing. The skin drinks it up real quick. It also does wonders for the itching!

ive been getting inked for 8 years now and thru trial n error, ive found that cleaning it with a very mild soap and patting it instead of scrubbing it is best. then apply witch hazel, its in a bottle just like rubbing alcohol- just do not use alcohol. the witch hazel cleans it beautifully and heals it in less than half the time. i dont even put ointments on it anymore and it heals without scabbing or anything. good luck