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Tattoo Care

Uttara Manohar
If you've got a tattoo that needs to be taken care of, then you'll know how important it is to abide by the dos and don'ts of tattoo care. Here are some tips about taking care of an inking.
Getting inked might have been on you 'to-do' list for a long time, but if you've finally decided to do it once and for all, then there are a few things you should know. Adequate safety precautions and maintenance are a must before and after you get inked. Here is a list of things to do and things to avoid before and after getting a tattoo.

Things to Remember Before You Get Inked

▶ First of all, be absolutely sure that you are ready to get inked. Some countries have a set age limit for a person to be eligible to get a tattoo, so make sure you are eligible and are legally allowed to indulge in this body art.
▶ Secondly, make sure that you visit a credible tattoo artist who owns a legal, safe, and clean workplace. Remember that infected needles can be more harmful than you think. You don't want to end up with an infection.
▶ Ensure that the tattoo artist is using sterilized and clean needles for every client. In addition to this, you should never get inked if you are sick or not feeling well. Ensure that you've had sufficient food and have taken some rest before you get a tattoo.
▶ Getting inked on an empty stomach or under the influence of painkillers, alcohol, or drugs can have adverse side effects like nausea, increased bleeding, and dizziness.

Things to Remember After You Get Inked

▶ Now that you finally took the plunge and got inked, it is time to take sufficient care of that tattoo so that no further harm is caused. It is, after all, an open wound. This means your flesh is exposed to open air, which contains lots of infectious bacteria.
▶ The tattoo artists put a bandage on the inked area to protect it from any infections, and advise you to leave the bandage on for a minimum of 2-4 hours, which should be followed sincerely. Try to avoid tattoo artists who provide the plastic bandage, since this is a very unhealthy practice.
▶ After a set time limit, you need to wash the inked area with lukewarm water. Consult your tattoo artist about the type of anti-bacterial soap that can be used to clean the inked area. Do not use any ointments and creams without prescription.
Trust the experts and use recommended products only. After the nascent stage, you can use any regular ointment for your skin. However, you need to avoid ointments and creams that have added dyes and fragrances.
▶ Many people are not sure whether they can shower, bathe, or go swimming after getting inked. It is best to avoid swimming and hot tub activities for at least 2-3 weeks after getting a tattoo. Swimming pool might be the source of many bacterial infections, which can infect the inked area. A shower is fine though.
▶ The important part is preventing the soaking of the tattoo in water. As for the scabs that will develop once the wound starts healing, remember that no matter what you do, don't try to scratch them or apply any ointment on them. They will come off on their own, so do not ruin the tattoo by scratching it.
In addition to all this, make sure that you do not expose your body art to any harmful chemicals or even harsh sunlight. Take care of your tattoo in order to keep it healthy, clean, and beautiful. Remember that getting inked and flaunting it can be fun, but only and only if you are ready to take care and follow all the necessary precautions.