The Ink Doc

Artist, studio, ink and sun

Choose a professional tattooist with a good reputation and a clean, modern studio. Do not be afraid to ask about safety practices, especially if you are immunosuppressed.

• Pick inks that list ingredients and are independently tested for toxins and bacteria, such as Intenze or World Famous
• Unless you have pale skin that cannot tan, start a mineral sunscreen (zinc or titanium plus iron oxide, like Elta or SkinCeuticals) on the target skin

Decolonize and calm

Two weeks before, lower the bacterial load and blunt allergic reactions.

• Daily 1:4 diluted Hibiclens rinse from the neck down in the shower
• Inking the head or neck: benzoyl peroxide 5-10% wash instead
• Zyrtec (cetirizine) plus Allegra (fexofenadine) or Claritin (loratadine), each twice daily. Yes, this is safe

Targeted prophylaxis

If you are at higher than average risk of infection or have had significant skin infections, talk to your doctor about starting an antibiotic.

• Doxycycline 100 mg twice daily (or another suitable antibiotic) with very careful sun protection
• Mupirocin (prescription) twice daily to the nose and skin folds
• Inflammatory skin disease (psoriasis, eczema, lichen planus, lupus, sarcoidosis): consider a Kenalog 40-80 mg injection a day or two before, no more than 4 times a year and with oral antibiotics

Shave and prepare

On the morning of your session, use an electric razor on the area. Never a blade, and discourage your artist from using one too.

• One hour before: acetaminophen and ibuprofen, following the bottle instructions
• Bring a mild antimicrobial tattoo wash and an occlusive dressing (Second Skin and Saniderm are excellent)
• If your artist does not know the dressing, practice applying a small piece beforehand

Wash, dry, seal

When the inking is complete (or at the end of a multi-day session), ask your artist to wash the skin with the antimicrobial soap, let it dry and carefully apply the occlusive dressing.

• Use separate pieces over mobile areas like joints

Swap the dressing

Slowly and carefully remove the dressing in a hot shower. Let the skin air-dry, then apply a fresh dressing.

Wash and moisturize

After five full days, remove the dressing in the shower, wash with your mild antimicrobial soap and start an emollient twice daily.

• Apply extra to any area that feels rough or tender
• Continue antimicrobial washing daily

Protect the pigment

Once no area is rough or tender, stop the emollient and resume normal skincare. Congrats, your ink is fully healed.

• SPF 40+ sunscreen made from zinc or titanium plus iron oxide on sun-exposed ink
• Moisturize daily with Cetaphil, CeraVe or Vanicream