Aftercare Tips for Piercings and Tattoos

Here are some interesting stats you probably didn’t know…

• Roughly 83% of Americans have their ears pierced.
• Approximately 30% of adults in America have one or more tattoos.

Whether you’re getting your first piercing or finishing off your tattooed arm sleeve, how you take care of yourself will impact how it will look and if your skin is healthy. Here are some aftercare tips for ear piercings and tattoos. 

Aftercare Tips for Ear Piercings

While ear piercings are quite common, some complications can happen if you don’t take care of the piercing properly. Here are some tips to avoid infections. 

• Always wash your hands before touching your ears – Touching your new piercing with unwashed hands can cause germs to transfer and lead to infection. 
• Leave your earrings in your ears for six weeks or more – Taking out your earrings too soon can cause your piercing holes to close. For good measure, wear your earrings for at least six weeks. 
• Regularly wash your ears – It may sound silly, but it’s important to wash your ears with soap and water after getting a new piercing. This will help you steer clear of infection. 
• Twist the earrings a few times daily – Twisting your earrings helps the holes stay open and lessens the chance of build-up. 
• Put rubbing alcohol on the ears – It’s recommended to clean your piercings twice a day to keep the germs away and prevent scabbing. Simply put rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball and gently rub your earlobes. 

Aftercare Tips for Tattoos

How can you keep your tattoo looking its best? Using the proper products and washing techniques will keep your tattoo look and feel healthy. 

• Unwrap the bandage about two hours after your appointment – Leaving it covered for too long gives bacteria a chance to grow and spread, which leads to infection. Give it a good wash after uncovering it. 
• Avoid touching newly tattooed skin. Always wash your hands beforehand if necessary to touch. 
• Cleanse your tattoo – Wash your tattoo twice a day to keep it looking fresh and vibrant. Use lukewarm water and gentle and fragrance-free soap. 
• Use a water-based lotion or cream – Use a water-based lotion or cream because petroleum jelly can cause the ink to fade and cause infection.
• Be careful when sleeping – Wear loose-fitting clothing and try not to cover the skin as much as possible. A new tattoo may ooze or have some ink transfer, so use old bedsheets in case of staining.  
• Protect your tattoos from the sun – Direct sunlight can fade tattoo ink. As always, wear sunscreen to protect your skin. 
• Stay out of tanning beds and away from sun lamps – Similar to direct sunlight, tanning beds and sunlamps can fade ink as well. These forms of tanning are also a leading cause of skin cancer. 
• See a board-certified dermatologist if you have a skin reaction or changes in your skin – It’s possible to have a skin reaction to the ink. If your skin has a reaction or if you notice changes in your skin over time, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. This could be a sign of a skin condition or disease. 

Closing Thoughts

Always keep an eye on your new piercings and tattoos. If you notice irritation, redness, swelling, or pain, schedule an appointment at Complete Family Dermatology in Lincoln. Our promise is to diagnose and treat any skin problem that you’re experiencing. Please give us a call at 402-423-1111 to schedule an appointment. 

References

• Caring for Pierced Ears, American Academy of Dermatology Association.
• Caring For Tattooed Skin, American Academy of Dermatology Association.
• How to Care for a New Tattoo, Short Hills Dermatology Consultants.