Getting a new tattoo is exciting. But with tattoos, here comes a long list of aftercare. And if you are new to the tattoo world, it will be a lot for you. I understand this pain, which worsens when your Saniderm is not good for you.
For a newbie, the tickling and sore sensation with Saniderm might be scary at first. But it is okay as it is the normal recovery process. But sometimes, this medicated band-aid can ruin your tattoo. And that’s why we are here to tell you the ins and outs of Saniderm and tattoos.
| Publisher | Alex Martin |
|---|---|
| Focus | Can Saniderm Ruined my Tattoo |
| Category | Healing & Complications |
| Article Type | Informative Guides, Tips & Advice |
| Update Frequency | Monthly to reflect new insights and trends |
A Little About Saniderm
Saniderm is a specifically designed tattoo bandage that lets the skin heal instantly. Your tattoo artist most likely applies it after finishing the artwork. Since tattoos leave a pen wound afterward, covering it is essential. And that’s where Saniderm comes in. It protects your skin against environmental factors.
Some of the characteristics of Saniderm that make it unique are:
- It’s breathable yet waterproof. So you can protect wounds from water.
- It’s flexible to sit on a tattoo completely.
- Made of polyurethane acrylic adhesive
- It locks your body’s natural healing fluids. And thereof so your tattoo stays hydrated and heals instantly.
Since the Saniderm is a breathable bandage it means the air can flow under it. So when air passes through Saniderm it dries out the scar. Next, your body forms new skin on the wound, and after you remove the bandage, it’s good.
Saniderm has a lot of perks but what if it gets the other way around? Instead of healing, it starts to ruin your tattoo. Here are some of the possible reasons behind Saniderm taking a turn!
Possible Reasons for Saniderm Becoming a Nightmare!
So when I got my first tattoo Saniderm was my best friend in the initial phase. It made sailing through the difficult recovery period of tattooing a serene venture for me. And I thought it would be the same for my following tattoos, too. But I started to worry when a friend of mine showed me his Saniderm bandage’s damage to the tattoo. The tattoo was scabbing and flaking, and its appearance was gross. Upon this sight, I was worried about using Saniderm in the future.
And since getting a tattoo needs both time, capital, and patience, seeing it turning to trash is something that we never want to see. Some of the common problems with Saniderm are:
- Difficulty in peeling off the badge
- Allergic reactions
- Saniderm changing the design and color of the tattoo
If you are going through it, I pray things get better for you.
While there may be a lot of reasons behind Saniderm ruining tattoos, here is what I find:
Removing Saniderm Too Early or Too Late
While Saniderm is a new kid in the tattoo market, there are a lot of misconceptions about it. Some tattoo artists agree to remove it after the first 24 hours, while some suggest keeping it on for 5 days.
However, a good practice is to keep it for 8 to 24 hours.
But as we all humans are different healing time is different. Moreover, your tattoo site and design can also be a contributing factor to determining the exact time.
And with that, you can understand that whether you should keep it on for a day or next week depends on your specific condition. If you get a tattoo on a sensitive area like behind the ear etc. you should keep it for a long time and vice versa.
But what if you remove it after 30 minutes of applying? It will lead to scabbing and flaking. So the best practice is to leave it for at least 8 hours, however a 24-hour window is best.
And what if you leave it for the next 5 days? Your tattoo will not have the medium to breathe. And your tattoo will develop bacteria due to trapped humidity. After this, you can be struck in the head with a tattoo infection which is your worst nightmare. Your tattoo artist can also help you figure out the exact time. Know that sainderm is one aftercare option, not a must-have for the tattoo. It simply restricts the trickling of ink to blood and plasma and lets the tattoo dry pretty fast.
Stuck bandage on the tattoo
Well, we all put the tape on our mouths in childhood, and removing it is a bit painful, right? Now imagine the Saniderm stuck on your tattoo. Since a tattoo is an open wound, too tight attachment of Saniderm can lead to the worst experience.
Apart from this, the Saniderm residue can also be a problem. The residue can be stubborn to remove as well, but here is how you can remove Saniderm residue.
- Go to the bathroom and soak the Saniderm. Now keep it wet until it starts to peel off easily or by itself.
- Now, get a wet towel. Gently remove the residue.
- Here you might assume that using any lubricant like Vaseline or moisturizer oil can help you. But that’s not the case. Tattoo wounds are different, so you should treat them differently. Applying the oils or lotions will only block up the pores.
Know that Saniderm can be reused for seven days. During healing, tattoos get gooey in the first few days. And if you feel uncomfortable, you should remove the Saniderm, wash it, and apply it again. If not, apply another Saniderm afterward.
Allergies
Allergies are a common issue with any skincare product. Sometimes essential oils can lead to allergies let alone Saniderm. If you have super sensitive skin that turns blue upon a light pinch, then Saniderm can have a problem with you. If after applying you see severe irritation, swelling or redness remove the bandage instantly.
However, be sure to get professional help. A tattoo artist or dermatologist can help you in this regard. Moreover, a doctor can also better guide you regarding the best skin care services.
Other Adjacent Wounds
Sometimes, an adjacent wound to the tattoo can also be the culprit. If you see wounds etc. on the desired tattoo site and cover them with Saniderm along with the tattoo it will cause problems. With viruses and bacteria on the wound, you take a risk of developing infections. Therefore, you should let the wound heal first and then apply a tattoo.
UV lights
The Saniderm is a transparent bandage with no solid colors etc. So if you have to work in the open sun after getting a tattoo the Saniderm will not be enough. UV lights from the sun can remove your tattoo, so you have to cover it properly.
Keloid Scarring
Keloid scarring is when you get a raised bump on the skin. It usually comes up after a skin injury. If you have keloids, scaring it can multiply and pop in different places. With this condition, you should not apply the Saniderm.
What to Do if Saniderm Ruined Tattoo?
So, what will be our course of action if Saniderm fails us? Here is what you need to do!
Remove Saniderm Carefully: If you have Saniderm or covering your tattoo, gently remove it. You can refer to the Saniderm manual on how to remove it.
Clean the Affected Area: Next is cleaning the tattoo. You can use mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water to gently clean the tattooed area. Pat it dry with a clean, soft paper towel or a lint-free cloth.
Assess the Damage: Check for the degree of damage due to Saniderm. You should look for
- Signs of irritation
- Redness
- Swelling
- Any unusual reactions?
Consult a Professional: After assessing, reach out to your tattoo artist or other reputable tattoo shop. Don’t worry, the tattoo artist knows how to do the aftercare of the tattoo, and he will explain it to you as well.
Conclusion
Getting a new tattoo is the best experience, and Saniderm can ruin it. Although that’s not always the case, sometimes things take a turn. So you have to be ready for it. All in all, you should listen to your tattoo artist and stick to it.
