Aftercare

Most commonly used in hospitals (TEGADERM) is used for many purposes such as burns, IV’s, it is also used as a second skin application over sores and can even sometimes be used in place of stitches.

The healing agents produced by the body are superior to any lotion or ointment, but most of these enzymes are lost to evaporation. Saniderm preserves and locks in these natural healing enzymes. Not only does Saniderm accelerate healing, but colors heal brighter and blacks heal blacker. When used properly, Saniderm eliminates scabbing and reduces scarring, both of which can lead to distortion and loss of color.

You can shower as usual with Saniderm on. However, do not soak it (no swimming, bathing, hot tubs) as that will ruin the integrity of the seal. Heavy exercise should also be avoided as you may sweat off the bandage.

Saniderm is best left on your new tattoo for 24 to 48 hours minimally. Since everyone heals differently the length of time will depend on how much fluid your tattoo weeps, which will affect the adhesion of Saniderm. During this period it is recommended you ice your fresh tattoo on and off to reduce swelling.

If at any point the perimeter of the bandage around the tattoo is not completely sealed, or the tattoo becomes exposed, you will need to take the bandage off. A second application can be applied up to 24 hours later.

All tattoos will produce some plasma, but if you notice plasma bubbling up underneath the bandage (forming an “ink sack.” See photo below), or it is leaking out, it immediately needs replaced or removed. Too much fluid can cause maceration (necrosis). This amount of plasma is only leaked during the first 24 hours of healing, if at all. Once this first layer is removed, a new one can be kept on for an additional 2-3 days.

This is what a plasma sack looks like! This tattoo needs cleaned and re-bandaged.

If you need or choose to re-apply your Saniderm bandage please see the following video for a short instructional guide on how to apply a new bandage at home.

If I (Sydney) applied your Saniderm, please contact me personally if you need you bandage replaced. I would be happy to do so for free.

It is possible to be allergic to the Saniderm’s adhesive. This reaction usually looks like blistering, redness, and irritation outside the perimeter of the bandage. If this occurs, remove your bandage and apply Aquaphor to the irritation. Applying small test strips largely prevents this, but some reactions can manifest many hours after your session, so keep an eye out. If you are allergic to bandaids or medical adhesives, it is best you heal naturally.

Example of Saniderm allergic reaction

To remove your bandage, wash your hands, and slowly peel it off under running lukewarm water, pulling down in the direction of hair growth. Instead of pulling down from the top edge, I find it less abrasive to pull straight down grabbing from the bottom edge (like a command strip) or slowly rolling it off. A little nonscented gentle soap in the shower can help loosen the adhesive. Once removed, clean the tattoo of any residual adhesive or plasma with your hands and antibacterial soap. Air dry or use a paper towel to dry the tattoo. Cloth towels should not be used. From this point, “general aftercare” instructions can be followed for the remaining 3 weeks of healing.

The plastic wrap or Aquaphor ointment your tattoo artist may have placed on your finished tattoo can stay on you for up to four hours before needing rewashed and cared for. In this time, it is recommended you ice your tattoo on and off to reduce swelling.

To wash your tattoo, you will need a nonscented, and preferably dye-free gentle soap (examples in photos below). Wash your hands before starting aftercare. Leaking plasma can make a fresh tattoo feel slimy— wash your tattoo gently with your hands until the tattoo is no longer slimy. Air dry or use a paper towel to dry your tattoo. Cloth towels should be avoided. Your tattoo will need to be washed 2-3x a day for the first week depending on the your lifestyle (some occupations are dirtier than others, and pet hair is also a risk). Once the tattoo is a week old you can wash it 1-2x a day.

After every time it's washed, you will need to apply Aquaphor ointment. Aquaphor is anti inflammatory, hypoallergenic, and designed to let your healing tattoo breathe by allowing airflow unlike 100% Vaseline products, while at the same time containing just enough oils to create a thin barrier from outside grime and clothing. Only a small amount is needed. Rub in the ointment like lotion, so it is greasy, but not smothered. Too much ointment can impede airflow to the tattoo increasing heal time, the risk of infection, potentially clogging your pores, and leading to ink loss due to maceration. On the other hand, ink loss can also happen by letting the tattoo completely dry out and scab. I highly recommend avoiding products with extraneous ingredients such as scents, dyes, and essential oils, as this means more opportunity to trigger an allergy. After the tattoo is one week old, you can switch to a non scented lotion like Lubriderm. It is important to wait a full week to use lotions as they are not meant for open wounds. Aquphor still works for the later stages of healing also. Keep moisturizing your tattoo for at least 3 weeks.

For the first three nights after your tattoo, you will need to wash your tattoo and wrap it in plastic wrap (this step is not necessary when healing with Saniderm). You do not need to apply any ointment to the tattoo before wrapping it for bed. Applying ointment on a fresh, weeping tattoo before wrapping can make it too wet causing necrosis. Use medical tape if possible and necessary to keep the plastic wrap in place. Doing this is important because it will protect your bedding from getting ruined from leaking plasma and protects your tattoo from bacteria.

Tattoos take about 4 weeks to heal completely. During this time it is vital that you avoid swimming, hot tubs, and baths, stay out of direct sunlight, tanning beds, and away from any tight clothing that might cause friction on the tattoo.

All tattoos come with some risk of infection. Some redness, swelling, heat, and soreness in the first 48 hours of healing is normal and expected. Some bruising can last longer on sensitive skin and is generally benign. Ibuprofen and ice packs can help discomfort. If swelling, soreness, and heat last longer than 48 hours, or your tattoo has red bumps or legions, it is likely that your tattoo is infected. You should always let your artist know, and consult your doctor at the first signs of infection, as medications may be necessary. Infection is a low risk if the tattoo is cared for correctly.

You will know your tattoo is healed completely when the velvety texture is gone after 3-5 weeks. Once completely healed, wear SPF on your tattoo daily for longevity.