Now that your tattoo is completely bandaged, here are some instructions for the next few days.

Step 1
Leave the bandage on overnight for best healing results.  If the tattoo is in a flexible area such as the inner arm or behind the knee, it is a good idea to keep the tattoo bandaged for a full 24 hours.

Step 2
Once you remove the bandage, gently wash the tattoo with warm water and a mild soap.

Step 3
Let the tattoo air dry for an hour or so before you apply any salve or ointment.

I recommend Badger Organic Tattoo Balm as a reliable healing salve for tattoos.

Step 4
Apply a fine layer of ointment on the tattoo once or twice a day, washing and rinsing the area between each application.

Step 5
Once the tattoo is no longer tender to the touch, you can switch to a mild moisturizing lotion, and continue to apply until the skin has completely healed.

Caution
If any product that you use on your skin causes redness or irritation, stop using the product and wash the tattoo thoroughly.

If you have had any allergic reactions to antibiotics, please be sure to avoid all antibiotic ointments on your new tattoo.

Do not soak your tattoo in the bath or swimming pool until it is completely healed.

As a remedy to minor irritation around a tattoo, I recommend using teatree oil topically.

As your tattoo is healing, it is important not to be touching the surface of your tattoo, with the exception of the washing procedure, in order for it to heal properly.

I suggest wearing sunblock on the tattoo if it is an exposed area, once the tattoo is completely healed.

If ABNORMAL itching, redness, swelling or fever should appear, please contact a physician immediately.  These could be signs of a potentially serious medical condition that should be addressed.