After Care

(DermShield, Plastic Wrap, and General Healing Instructions — Augusta, GA)

Proper aftercare is essential to protect your new tattoo and ensure it heals clean, bright, and long-lasting. These instructions apply to all tattoos we create at Storm Ink Design in Augusta, Aiken, and the CSRA, including illustrative realism, Neo Traditional, vibrant color, black and grey, and cover-up tattoos.

DermShield Aftercare (Saniderm-Style Bandage)

After your tattoo is wrapped with a DermShield adhesive bandage, leave it on for 1–3 days.
Note: If you experience redness, irritation, or itching around the bandage shortly after application, remove it early and contact me with any questions.

You may shower normally with DermShield applied — it’s waterproof — but avoid hot tubs, swimming, saunas, sunbathing, and strenuous exercise until the tattoo is fully healed.

Fluid buildup under the bandage is completely normal.
If the fluid becomes excessive or begins leaking:

  • Remove the DermShield and apply a new one, or

  • Clean the area with hypoallergenic soap, pat dry with a clean paper towel, and apply a fresh piece.

Removing DermShield

Always remove DermShield under running water or in the shower to loosen the adhesive.
Peel the bandage low and slow, pulling it back toward the skin — not upward.

After removal:

  1. Wash thoroughly with a hypoallergenic antibacterial soap.

  2. Remove all dried plasma or buildup.

  3. Rinse and pat dry with a clean paper towel.

You may apply a second or third DermShield bandage, each lasting up to 4 days, if desired.

Once you choose to stop using DermShield, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion several times per day to ease dryness and itching.

Plastic Wrap Aftercare

If DermShield wasn’t used due to allergies or tattoo size, your tattoo may be wrapped in plastic wrap.
You can leave this wrap on for up to 12 hours.

If excessive fluid builds up, remove it earlier.

After removing the wrap:

  1. Wash with a hypoallergenic soap under running water or in the shower.

  2. Remove all dried plasma.

  3. Rinse and pat dry with a clean paper towel.

  4. Do not re-wrap the tattoo.

Wait 1–3 days before applying lotion. Once the skin begins to feel tight or itchy, moisturize several times daily.

Avoid hot tubs, pools, lakes, sun exposure, and heavy sweating until fully healed.

General Tattoo Aftercare

For best results, use quality, fragrance-free products such as:

  • Recovery Aftercare Lotion or Balm

  • Lubriderm

  • Curel

  • Jergens

  • Other unscented, gentle moisturizers

For washing, we recommend:

  • Recovery Aftercare Soap

  • Any hypoallergenic antibacterial liquid soap

  • Dial Gold (classic)

Continue avoiding swimming, tanning, hot tubs, and intense workouts until the tattoo is completely healed.

If you ever have questions, concerns, or want me to check your healing progress, feel free to come in or email photos at any time.

Important

Seek medical attention if you experience signs of infection such as:

  • Excessive swelling

  • Unusual discoloration

  • Open sores

  • Pus or foul odor

  • Fever or spreading redness