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Tattoo Aftercare

This document provides guidelines for tattoo aftercare to prevent infection and promote proper healing. It advises seeking tattoos only from licensed facilities inspected by the health department. Follow-up instructions should be given and followed exactly, including washing hands before touching the tattoo, gently washing and applying ointment three times daily for 1-2 weeks, keeping it open to air but covered with clothing. Signs of infection like excessive soreness or drainage mean consulting a healthcare provider. The tattoo should not be re-bandaged, submerged in water, picked at, or exposed to excessive sun until fully healed.

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508 views1 page

Tattoo Aftercare

This document provides guidelines for tattoo aftercare to prevent infection and promote proper healing. It advises seeking tattoos only from licensed facilities inspected by the health department. Follow-up instructions should be given and followed exactly, including washing hands before touching the tattoo, gently washing and applying ointment three times daily for 1-2 weeks, keeping it open to air but covered with clothing. Signs of infection like excessive soreness or drainage mean consulting a healthcare provider. The tattoo should not be re-bandaged, submerged in water, picked at, or exposed to excessive sun until fully healed.

Uploaded by

Bruno Alex
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Public Health

Fact Sheet Tattoo Aftercare Public Health


Fact Sheet

Anyone who is considering a tattoo should seriously consider the health risks and the long-term effects asso-
ciated with tattoos. Most importantly, you should get a tattoo from a reputable facility that is licensed and
inspected by the Oklahoma State Health Department. Employees at licensed establishments are trained to
insure that procedures are done in a way that minimizes the transmission of communicable diseases and the
risk of infection. Follow these guidelines to prevent infection while your tattoo heals:

DO:
• Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattoo.
• Gently wash your tattoo with your bare hands, then pat dry and apply a thin layer of the ointment
or lotion recommended by your tattoo artist three times a day for one-two weeks.
• Keep the tattoo fresh and open to the air after the bandage has been removed, but keep it pro-
tected with clothing until it heals.
• Consult with your healthcare provider if an allergic reaction and/or infection occur. Signs of a pos-
sible infection include the following: excessive soreness, tenderness, redness, drainage, swelling
or pain at tattoo site.

DO NOT:
• DO NOT re-bandage your tattoo after removing the bandage according to your tattoo artist’s in-
structions.
• DO NOT submerge the tattoo in water (i.e., hot tubs, lakes, bathtubs, pools) until it is healed.
• DO NOT pick scabs, or rub or scratch your tattoo while it heals, although it may be very itchy.
• AVOID excessive sun exposure or tanning beds until tattoo is completely healed. After your tattoo
is healed, sun exposure can fade the tattoo, so use sunblock when it may be exposed to the sun.
• DO NOT wear tight clothing over the tattoo until it is healed.
• DO NOT use lotions or moisturizers with oils or fragrances.

Make sure you are given detailed follow up instructions and follow them exactly as written. Aftercare is very
important to prevent infection and promote healing.

Resources:
www.milwaukee.gov/bodyart
www.hamiltoncountyhealth.org
www.safe-tattoos.com
OSDH 04/07

For further information call or visit us on the World Wide Web


Acute Disease Service
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Phone (405) 271-4060
http://ads.health.ok.gov

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