Know how long does it take a tattoo to heal stage by stage
indicate that even back then, people were fond of permanently getting inked. In fact, a number of mummies have been discovered which have tattoos of several symbols and signs on them. Thus, it is appropriate to say that tattoos are not something new and this trend has always been present among the human population for centuries. But currently, this concept has definitely undergone immense modifications. In addition to that, nowadays, we have a number of talented, as well as experienced tattoo artists who caThe trend of getting tattoos done has been prevalent for centuries. Several historical records n properly guide us through the whole process of tattooing efficiently. But, the thing which concerns the majority of the people out there is the healing time of the tattoo. So, here, we will be discussing how long does it take a tattoo to heal stage by stage. Thereafter, we will also be taking a look at the proper way to care for a tattoo. Lastly, we will be going through the signs and symptoms which indicate that your tattoo has become infected. Thus, it is highly recommended that you go through this discussion properly in order to get a clear idea regarding these topics.
How long does it take a tattoo to heal in stages?
Once we get a tattoo, the outer layer of the tattooed skin will usually recover within a time period of 2 to 3 weeks. After this particular time, your tattoo will definitely look and feel healed. But still, you should carry on with the aftercare. This is simply because of the fact that it can take almost 6 months or sometimes even more for the skin below the tattoo to heal completely. Now, the healing of a tattoo, as well as the duration can be clearly explained if we divide the entire process into different stages.
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1st Stage
This stage starts from the day of getting the tattoo and it lasts for about six days. During this time period, the tattoo wound will be fresh. Initially, it will be covered for the first few hours using a bandage. Thereafter, as the bandage is removed, it will be treated as an open wound. During this stage, redness, slight inflammation or swelling, oozing, burning sensation, etc will be observed.
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2nd Stage
In the second week, you will be experiencing itching, as well as flaking. There is no need to be concerned as this is quite natural. Sometimes, it might seem that the ink is coming off. But, it will remain intact, and hence, you need to focus primarily on the aftercare.
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3rd Stage
This stage occurs during the third and fourth weeks and here, the tattoo will begin to dry out. It will also seem dull, as a layer of dry skin forms over it. The itchiness should also go away during this stage.
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4th Stage
This stage begins from the second month and it might last for up to six months. During this period, the redness and the itchiness will go away completely.
How to care for a tattoo?
In the previous section, we have discussed how long does it take a tattoo to heal stage by stage. As we can see, the actual healing time of a tattoo is indeed very long and it is very important to take proper care of the tattoo in order to ensure complete recovery. Here, we will be taking a look at some of the important tips that can be used to ensure safety, as well as fast healing.
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Clean the tattoo daily
Cleaning the tattoo daily using lukewarm, or sterile water is very important. Again, this must be carried out at least two to three times daily. But, before proceeding, you should ensure that your hands are clean. Also, use a fragrance-free and alcohol-free soap while cleaning. Then, you need to let the tattoo air dry. You can also dry it gently using a sterile paper towel.
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Use recommended ointments
It should be noted that the tattoo needs proper air circulation to heal completely. Hence, it is highly recommended that you avoid using products that have a thick consistency such as Vaseline. Initially, you will be asked to use creams, ointments or gels that have vitamins A and D as constituents. Then, gradually, you will be able to use other lighter, as well as fragrance-free aftercare moisturizers.
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Keep your tattoo covered with clothing
This is very important because exposing your tattoo to sunlight can make the color fade. Also, if the tattoo wound is fresh, then it will be sensitive to the sun. Hence, you should try to cover the tattoo when you are out in the sun. For this, you can use loose clothes such as long sleeves or pants. Also, avoid the application of sunscreen during the healing process.
Signs & symptoms of tattoo infection
Till now, we have discussed how long does it take a tattoo to heal stage by stage, as well as how to take care of the tattoo. Sometimes, the tattoo might get infected because of several reasons. During such times, a number of signs and symptoms are exhibited.
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Swollen or puffy skin
The tattoo might appear raised for a few days. On the other hand, the skin surrounding the tattoo shouldn’t be puffy. This puffiness might be due to some allergic reactions.
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Fluid oozing from the tattoo
If you notice pus or any type of fluid coming out from your tattoo even after 2 or 3 days, then it indicates that the tattoo might be infected.
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Fever or chills
If you get a fever, after completing a tattoo session, then it simply indicates that the tattoo has become infected.
Conclusion
Here, we have discussed how long does it take a tattoo to heal stage by stage. As we can see, the recovery process is actually a bit long and proper aftercare is very important. So, we have discussed several tips that can help in taking care of the tattoo properly. This will in turn encourage the healing process. But sometimes, no matter how carefully we look after the tattoo, it might get infected. This can happen because of several reasons. We have looked at the signs and symptoms that are observed whenever the tattoo gets infected. Thus, if you face any of the listed problems, then you should seek medical attention immediately.