Yes! You finally did it: you got a tattoo. Maybe it is a tattoo with an important meaning, or it was a spontaneous and fun idea. In both cases, it is very important to take good care of your new tattoo so that it lasts the longest. We will tell you how best to do this!
Is the tattoo not yet on your skin? This is what you need to know before you get a tattoo >>
This is how you care for a new tattoo
The RIVM has put together aftercare instructions, especially for freshly applied tattoos. For example, it states that you should wash the tattoo twice a day after getting it with a mild, unscented soap. Then do not rub the tattoo wildly with a towel, but carefully pat the tattoo dry with a clean(!) towel. You should have received an ointment (recommended) from your tattoo artist. You apply this regularly to the tattoo, as the ‘wound’ must not dry out.
You should especially not do this with a new tattoo
- You should not shower for too long, because the skin can become soft. Do not use perfumed soap for the first few weeks. Taking a bath or visiting the sauna is certainly not wise.
- You are not allowed to swim with a new tattoo. Water contains different types of bacteria and when you swim in it with your new tattoo, they can easily enter your body, where they can cause infections in your bloodstream.
- Make sure you protect the tattoo well from sunlight. If your skin (and therefore your tattoo) burns, it can fade or damage and of course you don’t want that. Even if your tattoo has already healed, the skin remains sensitive. Therefore, always apply SPF.
- No matter how much your tattoo itches, please stay away from it. If you do scratch, you may end up with scabs containing ink pigments. This is how you get spots in your tattoo. In addition, you can smear bacteria on your tattoo with your (unwashed) hands, which can cause infections.
Have you followed the above instructions, but do you still notice redness, swelling, bleeding, inflammation or pain? Always ring the bell with your doctor.
Already follow your Women’s Health Facebook, Instagram and TikTok?
