toad and jaguar tattoo
tonight
if using Derm Shield, skip to "Derm Shield instructions" then the “two to four weeks” section
gently remove bandage & wash your new tattoo with warm water & unscented soap within one to three hrs. our favorite is Cetaphil Foaming Cleanser.
do this by hand--avoid loofahs or anything exfoliating
pat dry with a clean towel--be mindful that ink & or blood might leak onto the fabric
rub in a thin layer of aquaphor or A&D
try to wear something that covers your sheets and is black or old that you dont mind potential ink leaking onto. this is especially important the larger your new tattoo
for the next seven days
clean your tattoo as described on page one--at least once every day plus anytime you exercise/sweat--to avoid drying out your skin, washing should be limited to a max of three times per day
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rub in a thin layer of aquaphor or A&D three to four times per day (including after washes)--it can be tempting to glob it on, but your tattoo needs the thinner layer to properly breathe
Derm Shield instructions
The first Derm Shield application can stay in place for twenty-four hours, depending on level of exudation. It is normal for some blood and fluids to collect under the bandage. However, if you notice pooling of blood, ink, sweat, or if water appears trapped under the bandage, remove it as soon as possible.
To remove, gently peel the bandage by pulling it slowly from the edge back over itself while holding your nearby skin firmly to apply counterpressure. Do not pull the bandage upwards.
Clean the area with gentle soap. Our favorite is Cetaphil Foaming Cleanser because it is gentle, cleans the area well, and is already foamed up--allowing for a gentler application. PAT dry with a clean towel.
A second Derm Shield application can be used for up to seven days--following the same rules as above regarding when to remove sooner.
You may apply a third bandage for up to another seven days. However, at this point, it is recommended to give your tattoo some air and apply a THIN layer unscented lotion twice a day for the next week or so.
Sometimes adhesives can bother people’s skin. If you notice a rash developing, remove the Derm Sheild, and switch to the regular instructions (to the right).
for the next two to four weeks
​its VERY important to avoid soaking your tattoo--this means no putting your tattoo in baths, hot tubs, or swimming. soaking draws out the ink from the tattoo & significantly increases risk for infection.
rub unscented lotion into your tattoo two to three times per day. the goal here is to maintain softness i.e. hydration without overdoing it
avoid sun exposure to the tattooed area as best as you can--if you plan to have prolonged sun exposure, whether or not your tattoo will be covered by clothing, apply sunscreen of SPF fifty or higher. it is best to use one with zinc oxide to also add a physical barrier on your skin, along with the chemical SPF barrier
keep clean from sweat and pet dander--two common causes of tattoo infection
do NOT use any triple-antibiotic ointments, e.g. neosporin, on your tattoo--these speed up the healing process too much, thus pulling the ink out of your tattoo
call your medical provider or seek urgent medical attention if you notice signs of infection, which can include: excessive irritation at your tattoo site, pus, malodor, rash, fever
some thoughts...
the best thing you can do for your tattoo is take care of you
be thoughtful about maintaining adequate hydration, sleep hygiene, & nutrition
vitamin C & protein are key aides in wound healing
remember to keep your tattoo clean & *lightly* moisturized
if you post photos featuring your new ink to the socials, feel free to tag us! @toadandjaguartattoo
even if it is way down the road, artists enjoy getting to see the how the tattoo healed up!