After Care & Safety

      Tattoo After Care Instructions:

1. After 2-3 hours, you may remove the bandage and clean the area with cool water and a mild soap.  Pat dry gently with towel.
2. After the first day, you may apply a thin layer of lotion (Eucerin, Curel, or other unscented, alcohol free brand).  If it feels greasy it is on too thick.
3. Do NOT pick the area as it heals!
4. Do NOT tan the area.  Always apply sunscreen to tattoos.  We will refuse free touch-ups on tanned tattoos.
5. If you experience redness, swelling, or pain for more than 2 weeks, please call us immediately or contact your family physician.
6. Please call with any questions.

Piercing After Care Instructions:

A NORMAL PIERCING….

1.   May be tender, itchy, bruised, and sore for several days, and up to a few weeks.

2.  Will be swollen and red in color.  This does not always mean an infection.  It is normal for this to last a few weeks.

3.  Will have a small amount of bleeding, as well as secreting a white-yellowish substance that is often mistaken as pus.  It is blood plasma and lymphatic fluid.  It is normal for any wound to secrete this.  It will dry into a “crusty” substance that should be cleaned off when you wash the piercing.

4.  Will tighten around the jewelry, making moving it difficult.  This is temporary, and does not affect the healing process.

5.  May fold or lie over to one side.  This is due to swelling during the healing period.  Once it is healed the piercing will return to normal.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR PIERCING…

1. For oral piercings: rinse with 50% diluted Listerine (any flavor) every time you eat, drink, smoke, etc.
2. Choose 1 gentle liquid anti-bacterial soap containing triclosan, such as Provon medicated lotion soap,  or Dial liquid anti-bacterial.  If you are sensitive to triclosan you may want to try these alternatives:  NutriBiotic anti-bacterial or Clearly Natural anti-bacterial.
3. You may find this easier to do in the shower.  Wash your hands first.  Apply a small amount of soap, work into lather, cleaning surrounding skin as well as jewelry.  Make sure you rinse thoroughly.
4. Do this twice a day.  Once in the morning and once in the evening.
5. Do not swim while the piercing is healing, do not use hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or topical anti-biotic on the piercing.
6. WHEN NOT CLEANING THE PIERCING, LEAVE IT ALONE!
7. For oral piercings, no oral sex or open mouth kissing for the first month.  Also, do not drink beer during the healing period
8. Make a saline solution using water and non-iodized sea salt: 1/4 teaspoon sea salt in 1 cup water (8oz.).  Soak (or use a gargle) the piercing at least once a day for 10-15 minutes. 
9. Call with any questions or concerns. 

Safety

1. What are the risks involved in getting a tattoo or body piercing?

Risks include allergic reactions, skin disorders (such as scarring), skin infections, and blood-borne diseases.  These risks should be discussed with you by your artist or piercist prior to the procedure.  A professional shop will take appropriate measures to minimize your risk.  

2. Are tattoo and body piercing shops regulated by any laws?

Each state is different.  In Illinois, prior to July 1, 2007 there have been no laws requiring licensing or guiding techniques.  After July 1, 2007, tattoo and body piercing establishments will be required to be licensed and follow sterile technique.  They will be inspected by the local health department to ensure compliance.  Ask your artist/piercist if their shop follows state laws and what those laws are.

3. What safety procedures should I expect the shop/artist/piercist to perform?

You should expect the shop/artist/piercist to use sterile techniques.  This includes using instruments that have been sterilized in an autoclave.  Needles should only be used once and properly discarded in a Sharps container.  Inks should be poured into small “caps” for use on you only and any leftover should be discarded.  Your artist/piercist should wear gloves throughout the procedure and should immediately change them after touching anything outside the work area or if a glove is pierced.  The skin should be properly cleansed and shaved prior to the procedure.  The work area should also be properly prepared prior to the procedure to prevent contamination of instruments (i.e. disposable sleeves covering cords, wash bottles, or sink handles).  The work area should be properly cleaned immediately following the procedure with a medical grade disinfectant. 

4. How do I know if my shop is following sterile technique?

First, look around.  Is the shop (including the artists) clean?  There should be no smoking inside the shop.  There should be designated work areas for the procedure to be performed.  Look for Sharps containers.  Use your gut instincts!  Second, ask questions.  Ask to see examples of the artist’s/piercist’s work.  Ask for credentials (how long have they been doing this type of work).  Ask to see the autoclave and other sterilization equipment.  A professional artist or piercist will be glad to show you how they protect your safety and will answer your questions.  They should not be evasive.