When you get a tattoo,
your artist probably tells you (no matter what the season) that the clothes you wear
during the healing process should be clean and loose. I heard one artist tell his customer
not to wear anything but 100% cotton materials over the tattooed area until it healed. I
suppose this is due to its absorbency, its "breathability", and because it is
non-abrasive. And it's your artist's responsibility to tell you not to handle your tattoo
without first washing your hands with antibacterial soap. A complete instructional
aftercare DVD can be found here:
www.slavedragon.com/aftercare_dvd.shtml
Winter vs. Summer healing
Winter:
Traditionally, appointments and follow ups are easier to schedule in
the winter time due to a seasonal economical decline. For those of you that don't like to
wait and prefer quicker healing times, this is the time for you to schedule an
appointment. Any time we have clothing covering the tattoo, we have a built in advantage.
Clothing acts as a filter for dust and sunlight. During cooler months, the amount of
bacteria that can build up on the tattoo is reduced. When we have a clean, loose cover
over our tattoos, we tend not to touch, scratch, or pick at them. Clean and loose also
applies to your bedding. Wash it!
Summer:
When we don't have a protective cover over our tattoos, they are
exposed to sunlight, dirt and filth associated with summertime activities. Cracking, dry,
scabby and dull tattoos are the result of negligence in healing. When others can see your
tattoo, their instant reaction may be to grab and touch it. Don't let anyone handle or hit
your tattoo unless you want to risk further abrasion or becoming a host for their
bacteria. We tend to sweat more in the summer months which also become a good source of
food for bacteria. Sweaty bacteria laden bed sheets are not gonna help your tattoo heal.
You'll have to wash them more often if you want to stay ahead of the curve.
Tattoos can be healed in any season as long as you understand what not
to do! The obvious advantage in getting your tattoo in the Winter vs. the Summer months,
is that you have a better chance at healing it up without as many risks. Either way,
understand that you have just invested hard earned money into your appearance and in
living art . . . now all you have left to do is pay attention, heal it properly, and you
are set!
Heal up or
Touch up... your call. |
