by Gonzo Maude | |
Tattoos are practically as old as time. For thousands of years this art form served as adornments, status symbols, declarations of love, religious rites, coming of age rituals, even punishment for cultures all over the world. Early examples of tattoos were found on female Egyptian mummies dated to circa 2000 B.C. It is believed that the intricate patterns, typically found on the belly, legs and breasts were meant to serve as protective amulets for women in childbirth. Tattoos were traditionally used in Celtic, North African, Chinese, Japanese, Maori, and Polynesian cultures. After James Cook’s expedition to Tahiti in 1769, tattoos became fashionable among Europeans, particularly sailors. The word “tattoo” stems from a Polynesian origin, “tatau.”
Tattoos are experiencing resurgence in popularity today. It is estimated that 14 percent of all North American adults are tattooed. As of late, tattoo artists, tools and techniques have become increasingly more sophisticated. At one time, tattoos carried a lot of negative stigma; today they are increasingly being recognized as legitimate art.
If you enjoy being tattooed, or are considering being tattooed for the first time, what do you need to know about properly caring for your body art? Stephanie Cootware, a fantastic artist currently working at Reno Tattoo Company, offers some important guidelines:
Get tattooed by professionals: Be sure to find an artist that works out of a professional shop, instead of out of their home. It is important to be sure that the shop has impeccable hygiene standards. Be sure to see your artist using new needles straight out of the packaging, gloves and sterilized equipment. Do your research; check out your artist’s portfolio, and make sure you like their past body of work.
Immediately after being tattooed: Most artists will wrap your tattoo in Saran wrap. This acts like a layer of skin, and keeps the tattoo moist during its initial healing process. Stephanie recommends leaving it on over night before removing it and washing with anti-bacterial soap.
Keep it clean: Wash your tattoo thoroughly at least four times a day, with an anti bacterial or hypo-allergenic soap. Use hot water and pat it dry with a clean towel. Showers are preferable to baths as it is not a good idea to let the tattoo soak in water. Do not go swimming while your tattoo is healing either, it is one of the fastest ways to get an infection. Do not scratch or pick at your tattoo, no matter what!
Keep it moisturized: Use a good healing ointment for the first four days or so. Jason and Dr. Bronners both make organic healing salves that are great for tattoos. Vitamin E oil is another great choice. Apply ointment immediately after washing and drying. After about four days, when the tattoo starts to dry more, use a light, fragrance free lotion. Cocoa butter also works well.
Keep it out of the sun: “Sun exposure is the biggest destroyer of brand new tattoos” says Stephanie. Even after your tattoo is completely healed, it is important to protect it with sun screen, and be moderate about sun exposure.
Keep an eye on it: Some warning signs of infection are redness around the tattooed area, extreme pain, bumps or rashes. If you suspect your tattoo is infected, continue washing it regularly and get in to see a doctor as soon as you can. Some people experience allergic reactions from red ink. If you suspect that you are having an allergic reaction, get to a doctor immediately. Many artists are now using hypo-allergenic inks which have less risk of negative reactions. If you are concerned about this, talk to your artist about the type of ink that they use.
Stay tuned for a follow up article on long-term care of your tattoos and what to do if you decide you don’t like a tattoo anymore.
References:
- http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/tattoo.html
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tattoo
