Tattoo aftercare is an important part of the tattoo healing process. Saniderm is a medical-grade bandage that tattoo artists can use to cover your tattoo to accelerate the healing process and protect the skin against unwanted friction, germs, dirt, and other irritants.
This article will discuss how long you can leave Saniderm on a tattoo, how to remove saniderm adhesive and how best to take care of your tattoo after removing saniderm adhesive. Stick around to find out more
How long should you leave Saniderm on the tattoo?
Saniderm website instructions recommend leaving the Saniderm bandage 8 to 24 hours after application. The length of time to leave Saniderm on your skin depends on how fast your healing process will be. You can probably safely remove the adhesive if your tattoo stops oozing blood or plasma.
But If you notice excessive fluid oozing underneath the Saniderm adhesive, you can safely remove it and replace it with a new one no matter how long the saniderm has stayed.
When the Saniderm bandage adhesive starts to come off early, remove it and replace it with another. If you leave a weakening adhesive on your tattoo, you increase the chances of getting infections from dirt, germs, water, and other contaminants.
An important thing to note is that you should never leave the first Saniderm bandage for more than 24 hours. If after 24 hours you still have fluid buildup (ink, blood, or plasma), you should remove it, clean the area, and replace it with another bandage.
Between replacing the bandages, applying a thin layer of moisturizer or any other aftercare product on the tattoo is recommended. However, this is unnecessary if you live in a high-humidity area or have oily skin. For dry skin, the moisturizer could help to ease the discomfort or itchiness. Before applying an aftercare product to an open wound, consult a tattoo professional.
After replacing the first Saniderm bandage, you can wear the second piece for up to 6 days. Suppose the wound is still leaking into the second adhesive. In that case, you can remove it, clean the area with antibacterial soap and water, leave it to dry, apply a thin layer of aftercare product if needed, and then replace it with a third one. You should wear the third adhesive for five days.
Saniderm should not be worn for more than seven days in total, according to the instructions on the Saniderm website.
How to Remove Saniderm adhesive
If you want to remove the saniderm, find the edge of the bandage, then pull it back over itself in the direction of the hair growth. To avoid pain and discomfort, do not pull the adhesive up.
For easier removal, try to remove the bandage in the shower. You can run warm water over the adhesive to loosen it and make the skin comfortable before peeling it off. Dry peeling a saniderm bandage can be painful.
How to care for tattoo after saniderm removal
After removing the bandage, gently wash the tattoed area with antibacterial soap and water and let it dry completely. If this is the last bandage removal after seven days, you can apply a thin layer of aftercare product or moisturizer to prevent discomfort and itching. Continue caring for your tattoo by cleaning and moisturizing it until it is fully healed. Complete healing may take around 2 to 4 weeks.
Avoid touching, picking, or scratching your tattoo during the healing process. Doing this might cause scarring and introduce new infections from bacteria and germs into your skin.
Avoid swimming until your tattoo is fully healed. Submerging your tattoo in water for a long period can cause moisture buildup and cause infections, which prolongs the healing process.
Before your tattoo heals, avoid exposing it to the sun because, during this time, your skin is highly sensitive. Exposing your tattoo to direct UV rays can harm your skin and prolong its healing. Once your tattoo is completely healed, you can apply sunscreen (SPF 50+) over the area to protect the tattoo from fading.
Avoid covering the tattoed area; if you must, wear loose-fitting clothes that will not cause friction and irritate the skin.
Avoid taking antibiotics four weeks before and four weeks after you get your tattoo. Antibiotics can interfere with the healing process of the tattoo and prolong it. If you must take any antibiotic, then consult with a physician beforehand.
The bottom Line
The first few days after you get your tattoo are usually very crucial. Saniderm is a good option for protecting the skin against unwanted contaminants and infections. However, if you use Saniderm, do not forget to follow all the instructions and note how long you can leave Saniderm on your tattoo.
