Aftercare Instructions for SANIDERM Bandages

Leave bandage on for approximately 48 hours:

  • Saniderm is a hypoallergenic, flexible, breathable, waterproof bandage that is designed to stay on safely for a long period of time. Although your tattoo may heal just find taking it off sooner, to get the most out of your bandage leave it on for several days.

  • Take it off as soon as possible if you are having symptoms of an allergic reaction, if it is leaking, or if it is beginning to fall off. As soon as you take the bandage off, wash the tattoo thoroughly.

What to expect when wearing Saniderm:

  • While the Saniderm is on you can may exercise lightly, take a quick shower, and continue with most of your normal activities as if you do not have a healing tattoo. However, you should still avoid sun exposure and do not try to swim or take a bath with it on.

  • It is normal to see fluid inside the bandage: Your body secretes blood plasma when healing a wound. In the open air, blood plasma dries into a scab, but with the Saniderm on, it will remain a liquid. The plasma will be tinted a dark color by the ink of your tattoo. It is perfectly normal to see a pocket of this fluid under the bandage. So long as the fluid does not leak outside of the bandage, ignore it. If your bandage leaks, remove it and wash the area.

Removing Saniderm:

  • To remove Saniderm, simply pick a starting place and peel. If you find this process uncomfortable, try removing it in the shower under warm running water. You can also leave the bandage on for an additional day and try again later.

  • If you have left the bandage on for long enough that your blood plasma looks like it has dried, take extra care to massage with soap and warm water as you peel to dissolve any dried plasma.

TLDR: Leave on for about 48 hours, peel off and wash immediately, resume normal tattoo care from that point onward. A pocket of dark fluid under the bandage is normal.

After Your Bandage Is Removed (Saniderm and Normal Bandages)

Wash as soon as the bandage is removed;

  • This is the most important step! As soon as your tattoo hits the open air, it is important to thoroughly wash off any blood plasma from the surface of the tattoo. Using an unscented antibacterial hand soap (like Dial) or a castile soap (like Dr. Bronner’s) apply firm pressure in circular motions with the pads of your fingers until the tattoo is clean.

  • DO NOT use anything abrasive (loofas, fingernails, exfoliating scrubs, washcloths)

  • Optionally: After the tattoo is clean, allow cold water to run over it for 30-60 seconds.

  • Pat gently to dry (Do not rub with a towel).

DO NOT expose to the sun:

  • If you have to be in the sun while the tattoo is still healing, wear loose clothing that covers the area and/or apply sunblock. Healing tattoos will burn faster than normal skin.

DO NOT pick or scratch at any scabs or flakes:

  • Scabbing and flakes are a normal part of the healing process. Removing them manually will result in scars and “holidays” (areas without pigment) in your tattoo. Leave your tattoo alone!! If it is unbearably itchy apply a thin layer of lotion.

DO NOT submerge in water for 2 weeks:

  • Baths and swimming can introduce bacteria into your healing tattoo. Showers are fine!

Keep clean:

  • Keep your tattoo away from sources of bacteria. If you think you may have contaminated the area, gently wash immediately with soap and warm water. You may gently wash your tattoo whenever you shower.

Lotion your tattoo:

  • Lotion your tattoo 2-3 times daily with a very thin layer of an unscented water-based lotion (Aveeno, Jergens, Curel, Lubriderm, etc.). It is okay to skip this step, but lotion will help soothe and soften the skin as it heals and will reduce itchiness.

  • Note: some clients prefer and have success with petroleum-jelly based products (like Aquafor). These products are very thick and can inhibit oxygen from reaching your healing tattoo if overused, so be sparing. Warm the product between your fingers to thin it before applying.

  • Less is more, do not over lotion your tattoo.

Leave your tattoo exposed to air:

  • Avoid tight binding clothing, fuzzy sweaters, and textured fabrics that can irritate your healing tattoo. Loose, soft fabric will keep your tattoo safe and happy.

If your tattoo becomes infected, contact your doctor and your tattooer immediately. Signs of a serious infection include Green/yellow/oddly colored pus, red lines emanating from the tattooed area, and intense heat/pain/swelling that worsen over time instead of resolving. (heat, pain, and swelling are normal after getting tattooed, but after a day or two you should see steady improvement)