When to say when...

Well it’s been 4 days since my first tattoo experience and I have to say it went very smooth. I really didn't mind what people say is pain and my sit was for about 6 hours the first time on the bench. I was surprised that there was no blood at all. In addition to that after the tattoo was done there was no soreness or any itch. My close friend said all of his tattoos itched like a bitch so I was expecting it to be pretty bad. I guess I just wanted this thing so bad my body totally overcame and pain or annoyance. I was kind of upset to find out that my body does not take inch well. This is not all over just in random stupid spots…meaning parts had to be done over and over and I think it also resulted in the fact that my tattoo is long from done. Now the question…most of the questions on here about aftercare always end in the same way….”Do what your artist told you to do”. That’s exactly what I have done. So rather then get into a debate about what ointment or cream to use lets just say I am using what has been prescribed. I have heard that the tattoo should scab up. I would say mine is more or less pealing like after a good sunburn as apposed to a scab from a scrapped knee. I have been applying the cream and then covering up the tattoo with a clean shirt every time I add more ointment. When should I stop using the ointment? Should I just let it air out by not wearing a shirt and not applying the ointment? The reason I ask is because I am no tattoo expert but it seems that the ointment could be preventing it from scabbing by keeping it moist. This maybe old news to you vets but I am really not sure when its time to say when with the additional lotions/ moisturizers and let the thing live if you know what I am saying.

You can stop using the ointment after the 5th day. Then switch to an advanced healing/ non-scented lotion, 4-5x a day for about 3 weeks. (or as often as you think about it... but absolutely no hot tubs, sauna's, direct sun light, swimming pools/natural water for 3 weeks or your tattoo will fade BAD.) There should never really be any scabbing if you are properly taking care of your tattoo. Scabbing occurs when you flat out do not take care of your tattoo as you should or sometimes an area can be over worked and scabbing with be inevitable. The itching intensity sometimes depends on the area of the body where the tattoo was done. The itching is naturally caused by the healing process. (generic example, you scrape; it scabs; it itches like a son-of-a-bitch)...completely normal for that to occur. Hope I covered everything. Glad you had a good tattoo experience.

okay, the typos were pretty terrible there...*EDIT* Example; as in scape your knee.... Will be inevitable.... ...now I feel better about my brain matter...

Yeah I hate how this forum doesn't have an edit button. I often type crap and then read it when its posted and think was I drunk 5 seconds ago?? Then I look like a fthird grader on an open forum and think how is anyone going to take me seriously on this thing. Thanks for the detailed infor about what to do

oh and could you please throw out some names of advanced healing/ non-scented lotions. I am not that smooth of a guy if you can guess what I am saying. I do the soap thing but not the lotion thing and I really have to run out to CVS and get something,

oh and could you please throw out some names of advanced healing/ non-scented lotions. I am not that smooth of a guy if you can guess what I am saying. I do the soap thing but not the lotion thing and I really have to run out to CVS and get something,

for example Jergens, Vasoline, Neutragena (sp?)....just look on the bottle. It will usually read "advanced healing" and "fragerance free" and so on. I know for a fact CVS carries those products....J

since you have gotten your help...may we see the tattoo?!?!?!

Ahh... I knew that was coming. I feel like I should prob wait till its complete. I have to raise the awwwhhh factor. I am taking daily pictures of it to doc. how its healing for my own personal records so I have about 50 pics already

awww, when you DO post, you should put the pic of each step. (aka, first session, second session, etc). :)

How about showers, any problems with showers after it's done? Craig www.creativecutgems.com

showers are ok, but dont soak a new tattoo. Washing with warm water is good, cleans out all the crap. Keeping a new tattoo clean is good. Letting it get nasty is bad.

Yes, Gabe is right; washing in warm water is good. Make sure you use a very mild/gentle soap (ie Ivory) and use your fingers, not a wash rag to clean the area. But, don't take forever in the shower either as it has the same effect as a sauna. (opens pores) After you get out of the shower rinse your tattoo again but this time with cold water to help the pores to close. Pat dry, do NOT rub dry; let it air dry for about ten minutes to make sure all the water is gone. Then after that apply your ointment or lotion; whichever stage of the healing process you are in.