Tattooed by Joshua
Tattoo Aftercare
Follow the written aftercare instructions supplied for your dressing. If you develop signs of infection or a significant reaction, seek medical advice promptly and notify Joshua.
Dressing and first clean
Keep the dressing on for the time stated in your written instructions. A standard dressing is usually removed after a few hours; adhesive second-skin products have different wear times. Wash your hands before removal, gently wash with warm water and mild soap, then pat dry with a clean towel. If unsure, contact Joshua before changing the dressing.
Cleaning
Wash your tattoo gently once or twice a day. Keep it clean, but do not soak it. Showers are fine, but avoid baths, pools, spas, saunas and swimming until it is fully healed.
Moisturising
When the skin feels dry, lightly apply an ointment or fragrance-free moisturiser recommended by Joshua, a pharmacist or another health professional. Use a very thin layer. Stop using it and seek advice if irritation or a rash worsens.
What to avoid
Avoid friction, contamination and irritation while the tattoo heals. Do not scratch, pick or peel scabs. Avoid direct sun, fake tan, tight or dirty clothing, heavy sweating and dirty environments. Picking can damage the tattoo and affect the final result.
Normal healing
Some initial bleeding, irritation and tenderness can be normal. Mild dryness, flaking and itch may occur as the skin heals. Redness, swelling, pain, heat, itch or a rash that is severe, spreading or worsening is not normal and needs medical advice. Healing time varies; seek advice if the site is not healing.
When to get help
Seek medical advice promptly—and notify Joshua—if the area becomes very red, swollen, hot or tender; pain worsens; there is pus, ongoing bleeding or other discharge; you develop fever; a rash or severe itch spreads; or the site is not healing. Call 000 for trouble breathing or swelling of the tongue or throat.
Long-term care
Once the skin is fully healed, protect exposed tattooed skin whenever the UV Index is 3 or above. Use broad-spectrum SPF50 or SPF50+ sunscreen with clothing and shade, and follow the label for application and reapplication.
Medical advice
This is general aftercare information and does not replace medical advice. In Victoria, call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24 for health advice; call 000 in an emergency. See the Better Health Channel tattoo guidance.