A Different Drummer Tattoo Studio

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Tattoo and Piercing (Care and Safety)

Care and Instructions  Printable Version
Over the years, many artists nationwide have tried several methods for tattoo care.  All of these methods have been tested, and each artist has made his decision on which is best.  That does not mean that one method is right, and all others are wrong.  We at A Different Drummer have had the most success with the following methods:


Tattoo Care Instructions

 1.  Leave the bandage you're given on for a minimum of 2 hours.
2.  When you remove the bandage, wash your tattoo gently with your fingertips and soapy water.
      Do not use a washcloth, loofa, or "puffy", they are too abrasive.
3.  Gently pat dry, and apply a very thin layer of a triply antibiotic ointment to the tattoo.  Apply the ointment every 3 hours for 3 days (while your awake).  If you develop a scab, do not pick it off.
4.  On about the third day, you’ll notice the tattoo appears to be peeling.  At that point discontinue the ointment, and begin coating your tattoo with a white, unscented hand lotion 3-4 times daily.  Do not rub the flaky skin off.

Things to keep in mind:  Excess ink will seep from your tattoo.  This is normal, but you’ll need to wear an old shirt to bed to prevent the ink from damaging your sheets.  If your tattoo sticks to the clothing you’ve worn to bed, ensure that you wet the clothing down, and gently pull it free. Tattoos fade over time.  You can significantly slow that effect by applying sun block to your tattoo whenever it is exposed to sunlight, and especially when in a tanning bed.

Piercing Care Instructions

 External Piercing

First and foremost, DO NOT TOUCH YOUR PIERCING WITH DIRTY HANDS.  Almost all infected wounds are be caused by touching your piercing. 

1.   Twice a day you will need to clean your piercing with a Q-tip, and some ear-care solution (contact cleaner, saline etc.).
2.   Wet both ends of the Q-tip with cleaning solution. 
3.   With the other end, wet the ring and turn the ring to clean the inside of the piercing.
4.   With one end of the Q-tip clean the holes where the piercing enters and exits your body.
5.   Do not use antibacterial soap.  While it is a good cleaner, it can leave behind a residue that will accumulate in the piercing and cause prolonged irritation.
6.  Do not use hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol. They are too harsh and can slow the healing process.
7.  After a week, you can begin accelerating the healing process through the use of Epsom salt therapy.  Once a day mix some Epsom salt and warm water and soak or wet the piercing with that mixture.

Oral Piercing

The most important rule with oral piercings is that you must use an antiseptic mouthwash after anything enters your mouth.  That includes eating, drinking, kissing, etc…

To reduce swelling, we recommend that you try to suck on ice as often as possible for the first few days.