I keep getting such mixed up and opposing information and advice. So I wanted to see if I could get an experts opinion.

I got my first tattoo. Its not very big. About the size of half a dollar bill (not a half dollar coin, the bill cut in half) its above my breast, but up close to the shoulder on the left side.

The problem I am having is that I can't figure if I am supposed to dry it out and DON'T lotion it, or lotion it like crazy and DON'T dry it out. Also people tell me cover it, and someone else says DON'T cover it.

Lucky my sister already got her first tattoo last year, and I know about the whole 'has someone set your tattoo yet' didn't fall for that one LOL.

Lately I have been washing it in the morning with soap free, fragrance free, hypoallergenic body wash. And then lotion it with lubriderm daily moisture fragrance free and hypoallergenic.

It seems to be doing pretty good. Only scabbing a little bit. And it doesn't burn or itch hardly at all. And its only a tiny bit red now


Any advice?

U have to keep them moist I have four large ones put e45 cream on as often as you can so it doesn't dry out don't pick or scratch at it when it scabs just let them fall off naturally otherwise you will ruin it. Best of luck x

Thanks hon. That's what my sister and brother told me. They both have tattoos that came out perfect after healing. So I was following their advice.

I use an antiseptic cream 3-4 times a day.
The one I use is called Bepanthen but I don't know if that's only in Aus.

What ever you do don't pick at it and avoid wearing any clothing that will rub on it.
If you have to wear something that will rub for work etc then put some cream on it and cover it with a non stick bandage.

Thanks shaz, yeah I have been figuring that out at night while sleeping. Ill wake up and little pieces are rubbing off. My sister says that's still OK as long as I'm not PICKING them off and they are coming off on their own. Today I have school and I MUST wear a bra, and guess where the tattoo is :P RIGHT UNDER THE STRAP lol. So now, I lotioned it up, and put a nice soft white clean sock under the strap and over the tattoo :)

Sounds good.

I made the mistake of taking off the padding too early and now I have a patch of missing/faded ink.
Mine is on my stomach, sort of near my hip so my jeans rubbed on it when I walked.

Would love to see a pic of yours.

Definitely use moisturizing cream but I do have to ask about washing it.

I was told not to wash mine for at least 4 weeks. The soap dries the skin which can cause the flaking. You're supposed to keep it soap free. I don't know if I'm right about the 4 weeks though, I'd have to check that out.

Pictures Jennie. :)

Yeah that's what the artist told me. But he gave me for free a lotion and wash that's moisturizing, hypoallergenic, soap free and fragrance free and dye free hehe.

Oh all right. Pictures then. Don't mind my fat sholder ;)
Its on my sholder, directly under my left brastrap (ugh lol)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/JenniPepsi/IMG01043.jpg

That's really pretty Jennie :)

I'm not sure about the washing to be honest... I was told no swimming for a couple of weeks because of the chlorine but he didn't say anything about washing :confused:

Alty, its not ITS, its japanese kanji. Its Ayla

Sounds sick but my husband is a tatooes use daiper rash cream and pat do not scrub

sounds sick but my husban is a tatooes use daiper rash cream and pat do not scrub

It doesn't sound gross. I was told that too. And I may start doing that.

The whole thing is almost completely healed, except maybe an inch worth of the wing on the butterfly is still red cracked and sore. I'm going to take it in to the artist see what he thinks.