Getting a tattoo is an enticing idea, but with that comes a lot of hassle. And that’s aftercare of the tattoo. The tattoo leaves an open wound afterward that is vulnerable to the environment. So medical grade bandages like Saniderm and Tegaderm can help a lot.
| Publisher | Alex Martin |
|---|---|
| Focus | Tegaderm vs Saniderm |
| Category | Tattoo aftercare routine |
| Article Type | Informative Guides, Tips & Advice |
| Update Frequency | Monthly to reflect new insights and trends |
While bandages are new in the tattoo aftercare market, they are making a stir among tattoo enthusiasts. But remember, both Tegaderm and Saniderm are different, and that’s what we are here for, to tell you the ins and outs of both.
If you don’t want to read the article, glance at the short video below to know the difference!
Tegaderm vs. Saniderm-Which one is Better?
Here are some of the differences in features of both bandages!
Intended Use
Yes, both bandages are used to heal the tattoos, but there is a difference in their intended use. The Saniderm and Tegaderm both are medicated bandages. Moreover, they both are breathable yet waterproof.
But Saniderm is solely used for tattoos. For Tegaderm, you can use it on different wounds besides tattoos. In fact, Tegaderm can keep any wound protected from the environment.
Now if you look at saniderm they are specific sizes and designed to cover the tattoo wound. On the other hand, if you go for Tegaderm it works with no different blisters, wounds, and cuts.
Know that both have adhesive, but Tegaderm is thinner than Saniderm. And as a result, it hurts less to remove Tegaderm than Saniderm.
Adhesion
The medical-grade bandages have adhesive to cling to the skin. But they both are different. How? Tegaderm has better adhesion than Saniderm. So if you plan to apply to Tegaderm know that it will stick for a long time.
Now for Saniderms, the max time is 8-24 hours and that is plausible. The tattoo artist usually says to remove the bandage after 24 hours. Now what if your bandage adhesion is too strong to remove after 24 hours? It will hurt like hell to remove.
So, Saniderm is good in this perspective as it is easily peelable. As for Tegaderm since it is applied on cuts, blisters, and other open wounds its strong adhesion makes sense. It will stick for a long time.
Thickness of the Bandage
As I said earlier, Saniderm is for tattoos only. So, Saniderm is thinner than Tegaderm. Now, to understand this, let me explain the tattoo wound a bit. When you first get a tattoo, ink, and blood pool in the tattoo.
Now the goal here is that tattoo design must remain intact despite blood pooling. So, Saniderm works well. The Saniderm bandage is thin enough to keep the ink sack in place.
On the other hand, the Tegaderm is not that efficient. It’s thinner and certainly allows some blood to pool around. So if you apply it to a tattoo, it might not cope with the ink sack.
Sturdy
Tegaderma and Saniderm both have different adhesion time limits. While Saniderm can last up to 24 hours, the Tegaderm lasts way longer. So, if you look at its durability, Tegaderm has an edge. And you can blame its strong adhesion for it.
Price
Saniderm is something you can’t find in ordinary medical stores. In fact, it’s designed for the tattoos in mind because its price is higher.
Since the Tegaderm is widely available, that makes it less expensive. But if you look at the functionality, the Saniderm has an edge.
Is Tegaderm And Saniderm Different?
Yes, Tegaderm and Saniderm are different. You might assume that they both are good, but Saniderm is the winner for tattoo aftercare. Yes, they also have similarities as well. Below, we are making a table so you better understand both.
Here are some features of Tegaderm and Saniderm:
| No | Tegaderm | Saniderm |
| 1 | Transparent medical grade thinner sheet. | Clear, adhesive bandage that is thicker than Tegaderm |
| 2 | Can protect any wound or cut. | Can protect tattoos only from the environment |
| 3 | Hypoallergenic formula | Hypoallergenic formula to prevent allergies |
| 4. | Breathable and waterproof material | Breathable and waterproof material |
| 5 | In the market for the past 25 years and used by medical professionals for wound care | Recently entered the market and is preferred by the tattoo enthusiast for aftercare |
Should I Wrap my Tattoo as Initial Care?
Since getting a tattoo leaves an open wound wrapping it is the best practice. But whether to wrap it or not solely depends on your tattoo artist. Since I might prefer to apply a thin ointment layer while some might cover it with a medical grade bandage.
However, wrapping it is the best practice since it protects it from the environment. Note that if you wrap the tattoo for a long time you run the risk of infection. So make sure you follow the guidelines of your artist.
Are there any Other Adhesive Bandages for Tattoos?
Yes, there are a lot of options for tattoo aftercare. Some of them are
Hustle Butter Deluxe:
One of my favorites is this one. It’s an ointment that moisturizes and protects the tattoo while allowing it to breathe.
Non-Stick Gauze Pads:
These are also useful for tattoos. They are likewise breathable, and you can secure them in place with medical tape. So, no more pain of removing bandages with this one.
Hypoallergenic Paper Tape:
Hypoallergenic paper tape is gentle on the skin. You can use it to secure non-stick gauze or a sterile dressing over your tattoo. If you have sensitive skin, it’s suitable for you.
AquaGuard or Seal-Tight Cast and Bandage Protector:
These are also waterproof covers. While primarily used for covering casts, you can also use them to keep your tattoo dry while showering.
Cotton T-Shirt or Fabric Bandage:
Some tattoo artists recommend wearing a loose-fitting cotton T-shirt over your tattoo to protect it. So air better passes through the wound.
Hydrogel Dressings:
Hydrogel dressings can maintain a moist wound environment, promoting healing. They can be applied over your tattoo and secured with medical tape.
Petroleum Jelly (Aquaphor):
Some people use a thin layer of petroleum jelly, like Aquaphor, to protect their tattoos. Using it sparingly is essential to avoid clogging pores or trapping bacteria.
Conclusion
Getting a tattoo is exciting, but it can turn into a nightmare without good aftercare. And with aftercare come numerous options. From applying aquaphor to wearing loose t-shirts and applying medical grade bandages. Tegaderm and sainderma are two popular bandages for tattoos. But they both are different. Saniderm is particularly for tattoos, and Tegaderm is for any wound. But know that both are good, and you can ask your tattoo artist for better guidance.
