Aurora Ink Shetland

Tattoo Aftercare

If using clear wrap leave on for 5 days. In this time your blood and plasma will bubble under the plastic and mix with the ink causing it to look dirty. But please leave this alone.

Unless it leaks and the plastic peels off, Please do not remove it, the temptation is there but leaving it for this amount of time is worth the investment.

You may notice small bumps which will be a shavers rash, nothing to worry about. The plastic may also pull on the skin causing a red rash on the edge, this is normal and will go away with time.  

If you think you might be having an allergic reaction. Take the plastic off immediately, wash the area and take some antihistamines. Seek medical advice if necessary.  

Once you have removed the plastic after 5 days continue care by applying a very thin layer of tattoo aftercare (we sell a good range in the studio we use ourselves) morning and night. You only need a very thin layer, you just want enough to keep it slightly moist. Please do not allow seams of clothes or rough clothing to rub against your new tattoo as this may cause infection due to irritation.

If you cannot use the second skin wrap. Remove the bandage after 2 hours, clean the tattoo using a mild soap and using your finger tips only. Apply a thin coat of tattoo aftercare. Please be aware your ink will leak and flake as it heals, this is normal. Unless you allow the tattoo to form a heavy scab. If this happens please do not soak, pick, scratch or help it to de scab. This will remove areas of ink. Do not over moisturise only apply when the tattoo is feeling dry or stiff. Your body will absorb what it needs and where it needs it.

Your body will produce a protective layer to protect you while new skin grows. This is normal, the difference will be the thickness in the scab. If you keep it too moist or not moist enough and do not clean off the plasma and blood when you first clean it. It will form a thick hard scab which may crack when you move. When you form this kind of scab the ink sits within it and heals slowly into the skin. When the tattoo is kept moist it doesn’t have a chance to form a scab but does form a thick membrane to protect the tattoo while it heals. This layer peels of very similar to sunburn (do not peel your tattoo, you will pull your ink out) and it is perfectly normal to see small flakes of coloured skin falling off during this stage of healing. 

You must keep your tattoo clean. However, long showers or baths must be avoided for 2 weeks. Prolonged soaking will loosen scabs if any have formed, or will soak through soft tissue turning it into a soggy mess and cause your ink to flow down the drain. This includes but not limited to swimming in the sea, pool, hot tubs and saunas.

Short showers where possible are best.

Please refrain from scratching or picking at the tattoo. Scrubbing with a washcloth can be very harsh on a tattoo and will cause your colours to fade. Disrupting the tattoo while it’s healing can also cause scar tissue. It is normal for the tattoo to become very itchy during the healing time. But do not scratch, just pat lightly to take the itch out.

THE SUN IS BAD FOR YOUR TATTOO

No if’s or but’s the sun is not good for a tattoo. It will cause it to fade and dry out before it’s even healed, the sun is attracted to the ink on the skin so you are more likely to get sunburn on the skin layer above the ink causing it to blister, rise up or feel scarred. If you get a tan please be aware the layer of skin above your tattoo tans, therefore there will be colour change in the tattoo while you have the tan. Over time, excessive exposure to sunlight will cause your tattoo to fade no matter what you do.

Hands and feet reproduce skin cells much faster than other parts of the body. A tattoo in these areas will sometimes take an extra 2-3 weeks to heal properly. During this time refrain from washing dishes with bare hands, wearing gloves that rub, socks, shoes and sandals that rub at the tattoo. Any friction of this type will wear away the tattoo within a very short period of time. Any tattoo with clothing which rubs will damage it.

We will not do certain tattoos that we know for a fact will not heal well, we will not take any responsibility for the healing of hands and feet due to the wear and tear on them. Please talk to us and we will explain.  

Although it is highly unlikely you should get an infection if you follow the aftercare procedures. You should see a doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms.

Extreme redness or irritation. Of course there is going to be some redness and irritation from getting your tattoo done, but it should decrease within hours or days. If the redness or irritation starts to increase suddenly you may have an infection.

Pain - The same thing holds true for pain. Your pain should decreases in increments after having your tattoo but if it starts to get worse you should check with your doctor.

Fever - This is one of the surest signs of an infection. Even if your temperature is just slightly elevated you should check with your doctor.

Swelling - It is normal to have a little swelling immediately after your tattoo, but again if it gets a lot worse instead of getting better you should seek medical attention.

An unusual odour can also be a sign of infection

Any time of discharge or puss coming from your tattoo, please seek medical advice.

Red streaks or sores that develop on or around your tattoo could indicate a simple infection or something more serious. You should proceed to the emergency room as soon as possible.

Generally if when you touch your tattoo and an area feels like a spot would, then treat it right away. More often than not it is not an infection, but the quicker you nip anything in the bud, the better.