Tattoo Aftercare Saniderm/Tegaderm

Saniderm/Tegaderm Instructions

Before applying Saniderm, be sure that the skin around the tattoo has also been shaved. Removing a bandage from hair may be unpleasant. After finishing a tattoo session, make sure the tattoo is clean (no residue leftover from the tattooing session) and dry the area. Do not clean a fresh tattoo with products containing isopropyl alcohol or glycerin. Isopropyl alcohol will certainly kill any bacteria in the area, but it will also kill all of your body’s own healing elements in the process. This will cause the wound to dry out under the bandage when it’s applied. If using astringent on a new tattoo, we suggest using an alcohol-free, unscented variant of Witch Hazel. Additionally, glycerin can react with the adhesive of Saniderm, causing many issues from rashes to the adhesive binding too strongly. Make sure any residual soap is washed away before drying and applying Saniderm.

Application

  1. Cut and trim Saniderm/Tegaderm to fit around the tattoo – include an extra inch around all sides. TIP: Cutting the edges of the bandage to be round can help it adhere better and feel more comfortable. 

  2. Peel the white paper wrapping from the sticky side first and place gently over the tattoo.

  3. Once the adhesive side of the bandage is in place, remove the see-through second layer from the top side and smooth bandage over the tattoo.

  4. Keep the first applied bandage on for anywhere from 3-24 hours, depending on how much the wound is weeping. It’s fine if there is some plasma/blood/lymph fluid buildup under the bandage during this period. If any leaking is occurring or the bandage is falling off the tattoo, you can either move forward with an open heal or reapply a new piece of *Saniderm.

    *Saniderm/Tegaderm can be purchased in the bandage section of a pharmacy or online. If you happen to get tattooed often, buying rolls instead of sheets is the best deal!

Saniderm Removal and Reapplication of 2nd Bandage if necessary

  1. To remove Saniderm, find an edge of the bandage and pull it back over itself in the direction of hair growth. The shower is the ideal place to remove Saniderm. Running warm water over the bandage will help loosen the adhesive and relax the skin, making the removal much more comfortable. Dry removal of Saniderm is not recommended. Discard the used bandage and wash the tattoo with a mild soap, preferably fragrance-free. 

  2. Allow the tattoo to air dry or pat dry with a clean towel.

  3. If desired, apply a thin layer of aftercare product to your tattoo. If you have naturally oily skin or live in a high humidity climate, feel free to skip this step. Otherwise, use a thin layer of petroleum-free moisturizer (such as Lubriderm) to help the tattoo retain moisture and itch less. If you plan on applying another bandage, apply the product to the tattoo only and avoid getting it on the surrounding skin. Saniderm does not adhere well to wet/moist skin.

  4. Apply a second bandage by following the application steps listed above.

Additional removal and reapplication information:

  • Keep your second bandage on for 3-6 days – the full six days being ideal. If the skin appears irritated, there is fluid buildup, or the bandage is coming off, it’s okay to remove the bandage sooner rather than later.

  • Do not reapply any more bandages after the scabbing/flaking phase of tattoo healing has begun. If you find yourself bandage-less during this phase, make sure you’re keeping the area thoroughly moisturized, 2-3 times a day.

  • If there is adhesive residue leftover on the skin, or the adhesive is not loosening enough with water, coconut oil and baby oil are helpful for removal.

Caring for Your New Tattoo After Removing Saniderm

Once the final bandage has been removed, continue caring for the tattoo by washing and moisturizing as needed, until the tattoo is fully healed. The tattoo may appear to be fully healed on the surface once your second Saniderm bandage comes off. However, deeper layers of skin will still be repairing for 2-4 months. We recommend a good moisturizing & sunscreen regimen for this entire period. A good example of a fragrance free moisturizer to use is Lubriderm w/ a light coating of sunscreen for added protection.

Wearing Saniderm While Showering, Swimming, and Exercising

Showering while wearing Saniderm is fine, but it’s best to keep the time spent in the shower to a minimum. Water may weaken the adhesive of the bandage, which allows for unwanted contaminants to enter the bandage, putting you at higher risk for infection. It’s also important to keep an eye on the temperature of the water. Too much heat can separate the bandage from the skin, inflame the skin, and irritate the tattoo.

For these reasons, bathing, swimming, or fully submerging a tattoo dressed in Saniderm is strongly discouraged. Light exercise while wearing Saniderm is fine, but avoid activity that causes excessive sweating. Just as water will weaken the adhesion of the bandage, so will sweat and any other significant amount of fluid. Try to keep the bandage as clean and dry as possible until it’s time to remove it. 

*If you do not take proper care of your tattoo there is a risk of infection. If you think your tattoo might be infected, please contact a healthcare professional as antibiotics may be necessary. Signs of an infection can include swelling, pain, oozing, irritation and/or redness.