These are the procedures that should not be neglected after a tattoo?

Healing takes three to four weeks after tattooing and requires special attention.

Getting a tattoo is always risky and complications can arise, especially if aftercare is not rigorous.

Certain symptoms should prompt you to see a GP or dermatologist.

Between the desire to start over or remove tattoos, the numbers speak for themselves. According to the French Society of Dermatology (SFD), according to a 2017 IFOP survey, 10% of tattooed people want to change their appearance, and 61% are willing to go under the needle again. However, it is best to make sure that you maintain the tattoo well.

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What to do after a tattoo to avoid complications?

The tattoo artist is required to inform his client of the risks and precautions that must be observed (Article R 1311-12 of the Public Health Code). You should leave the tattoo parlor with an information sheet containing treatment recommendations.

Maintaining good hygiene remains important. Never touch a tattoo without clean hands. After removing the protective film, it is advisable to leave the tattoo in the open air. To clean, use a mild, pH-neutral soap and dry by blotting rather than rubbing. It will also be necessary to apply a healing ointment or nourishing and soothing cream for several days. If crusts form, do not remove them.

Your tattoo deserves your full attention. We carefully avoid dust and dress in loose cotton clothing to protect against friction. Sun exposure should be avoided as the risk of inflammation and then hyperpigmentation is very real. Throughout the recovery process, we reduce the use of alcohol and tobacco, as all of these substances slow down the process.

Signs that should alert you

Minor peeling is possible for several hours after the tattoo. Red, painful, and swollen skin is nothing to worry about unless it goes away with time. The appearance of fever is one of the symptoms that should not be taken lightly. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

There is a risk of bacterial infection if the tattoo artist does not disinfect the skin before inserting the needle or if you are not careful during healing. For those who suffer from skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo or lichen planus, getting a tattoo can lead to fear of recurrence.

And in case of treatment, illness or skin damage, it is better to notify your general practitioner before going to the hands of a tattoo artist.

Is the risk of allergies real?

Piercing the epidermal barrier to introduce ink with a needle is a non-trivial action. Vincent Balter, CNRS researcher at ENS de Lyon, recalls in Capital that the pigments of the inks used are the same as those found in textile, printer and automotive paints.

Tattoo allergies affect 6 to 8% of tattooed people. They manifest themselves as itching, swelling or even eczema. Sometimes it is necessary to remove a tattoo by laser or surgery.

Scientists are also concerned about carcinogenic risks. A 2019 study on the health effects of tattoo needles demonstrates the presence of nanoparticles of iron, nickel and chromium deposited in the skin and migrated to the lymph nodes. Researchers believe that these particles mainly come from needles used for tattooing.