Recovery Derm Shield is a clear adhesive bandage that is breathable and stays on the tattoo for the first 5 days. It promotes a healthy, comfortable healing process and acts as a barrier against dirt, bacteria, and abrasions.
During these first 5 days, you do not need to do anything—just keep an eye on the bandage to make sure it stays sealed and doesn’t leak!
For the first 24-48 hours, your tattoo will continue to bleed/weep and the bandage will pool with blood, plasma, and excess ink. This is perfectly normal and the amount of fluid will vary from person to person. While still maintaining breathability, the bandage allows the plasma to remain on the tattoo in its liquid form. This will help the skin retain moisture and aid in the healing process.
If your bandage leaks or the seal is broken, please remove it as soon as you can get to a clean place to do so.
The bandage is waterproof and okay for the shower, however, DO NOT soak it in water (i.e. bath, pool, etc.)
The best way to remove the bandage is in the shower. Find an edge of the bandage, and then gently pull it back SLOWLY.
Once the bandage is off, wash the tattoo with fragrance-free antibacterial liquid soap and warm water until all of the “slimy” feeling from the plasma is gone.
Dry the tattoo by blotting it with a clean paper towel. DO NOT rub or scratch the tattoo, loss of ink or infection can occur.
Once the tattoo is fully dry, moisturize with a very thin coat of Aquaphor.
Wash the tattoo twice daily and keep it moisturized throughout the day with very thin coats of Aquaphor whenever it feels dry.
After 2 weeks of this routine, you can switch from Aquaphor to a fragrance-free lotion until the tattoo is fully healed/the skin returns to its pre-tattoo condition. DO NOT let the tattoo dry out. If it dries out, the tattoo will scab and pull the ink out.
Your tattoo will be fully healed in 4-6 weeks, in general.
Allergic reactions to the adhesive bandage are rare. However, if you experience redness/rash, skin irritation, or other symptoms of an allergic reaction, remove the bandage immediately and wash the area with mild soap and water. If you have sensitive skin and/or adhesives irritate your skin, let me know!
It is normal for the tattoo to hurt, be inflamed, red, and even itch, but this all goes away after a few days if cared for properly. You may apply an ice pack over a towel for 20 minutes to reduce swelling.
Possible signs of an infection can include prolonged redness, prolonged swelling, oozing pus, and fever. If infection occurs, clean the tattoo with anti-bacterial soap, apply Aquaphor, and consult a physician.
No Bandage/Dri-Loc Pad
After 1 hour, remove the temporary black bandage/dri-loc pad. DO NOT re-bandage.
Wash the tattoo gently with fragrance-free antibacterial liquid soap and warm water to remove all ointment and excess ink. Do so 2-3 times a day for 2 weeks.
Dry the tattoo by blotting it with a clean paper towel. DO NOT rub or scratch the tattoo, loss of ink or infection can occur.
Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor whenever the tattoo feels dry for about 2 weeks, then switch from Aquaphor to a fragrance-free lotion until the skin is fully healed.
DO NOT let the tattoo dry out. If it dries out, the tattoo will scab and pull the ink out.
