trache

I got a tattoo recently; it's something I've been wanting to give myself as a gift for a long while. I will post a picture of it soon, barring any mishaps with the healing. I need to know a thing or two about aftercare.

I was given an instruction sheet and understand everything that was written therein.

I received some gauze on the tattoo itself with tape and instructions to leave it on for a few hours, then carefully wet it and take it off. It was basically to prevent blood getting everywhere.

Afterwards, the artist said just to wash it very lightly with soap and to put Polysporin ointment (clear stuff, not the cream) on my tattoo and leave the bandage off and just generally be careful. Is this proper? Would anyone else like to refute this?

Now after a week and a half, I think I see some of the ink has gone missing from my tattoo and I'm really worried that I will have to have it touched up. This is bad because I live 3 hours from the tattoo shop where I had it done, and I fear that if I go to a local shop, they won't be able to match the colours just right.

Should I start to worry?

The tattoo is scabbing up, and I think that's normal. It certainly hasn't gotten red, itchy or had anything else yucky happen to it.

The problem I have with aftercare, is that I'm a working white-collar professional. I have to wear business casual (that means dress pants and shirt) while at work. Is there anything I can do to make sure my tattoo stays safe, but that my clothes do not get ruined?

Also, is there anything I should be doing that, perhaps, I'm not? Any tips?

I'll show off my tattoo when I get my camera charged up. I won't describe it until I can post it. Surprises are the best. :-)

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"You looked at me as if I was eating runny eggs in slow motion." - Gord Downie of The Tragically Hip