The presence of excess pigment mixed with body fluids is a temporary phase after receiving a new tattoo. This discharge, commonly called “weeping,” consists of plasma, a small amount of blood, and ink the skin could not retain. Safely managing this excess material is a crucial first step in the healing process. This guide provides a practical approach to cleaning your new tattoo to ensure a vibrant result and minimize complications.
Understanding Excess Ink and Weeping
Weeping is the body’s natural physiological response to the trauma of being tattooed, which creates thousands of microscopic puncture wounds. The immune system sends protein-rich plasma and white blood cells to the area to start the repair process and cleanse the micro-wounds. The excess ink is pigment the body is pushing out, mixed with this plasma, which is why the discharge is often slightly colored.
This normal phase typically lasts for the first 24 to 48 hours, though it can extend to three or four days for larger pieces. A clear or slightly tinted, thin discharge is normal. However, any thick, opaque pus that is yellow or green, accompanied by increasing pain or a foul odor, could signal an infection and requires medical attention.
Essential Supplies for Safe Cleaning
Having the correct materials prepared is important for maintaining hygiene. You will need a mild, unscented soap, preferably one that is antibacterial or antimicrobial. The soap must be free of fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemicals, which can irritate the newly tattooed skin. Lukewarm water is necessary because water that is too hot can increase inflammation or cause further ink leakage. Use sterile, disposable materials for drying, such as white paper towels, which are single-use and non-abrasive, unlike reusable cloth towels that harbor bacteria.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Procedure
Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water to prevent the transfer of bacteria to the open wound. Gently cup lukewarm water in your hands and splash it over the tattooed area to wet the skin without directly submerging it. Avoid using high water pressure directly on the tattoo.
Next, dispense a small amount of the mild, unscented soap into your clean hand and work it into a light lather. With your fingertips, apply the lather to the tattoo using a gentle, circular motion. The goal is to lightly massage the area to lift the plasma, blood, and excess pigment from the skin’s surface; never scrub or use abrasive materials.
After washing for about 30 seconds, rinse the tattoo thoroughly with lukewarm water until all traces of the soap and the slippery discharge are completely removed. Soap residue left on the skin can cause irritation and dryness, potentially interfering with the healing process. The entire washing process should be quick and efficient to minimize the time the fresh tattoo is saturated with water.
Post-Cleaning Care and Monitoring
Immediately following the rinse, the most important step is to dry the tattoo correctly. Use a clean, white paper towel to gently pat the area completely dry. Avoid rubbing the skin, as this can cause irritation or lift the forming scabs prematurely. Air-drying is also an option but can leave the skin exposed to airborne contaminants longer.
Once the tattoo is dry, apply a very small, thin layer of your recommended aftercare product. Only use enough product to give the tattoo a slight sheen; over-application can suffocate the skin and prolong the weeping phase. The frequency of cleaning should be about twice a day, or as recommended by your tattoo artist, until the weeping has ceased, typically within the first 48 hours. Continuous monitoring for signs of excessive redness or worsening pain is necessary to ensure the healing is progressing normally.