The use of plastic wrap to cover a fresh tattoo seems to be the preferred choice of most tattoo enthusiast today. This way they can easily show the whole image, even if it was a large tattoo. Unlike the classic cotton bandage where you have to peel it off to take a peek. Unfortunately, this isn’t the right way to provide tattoo aftercare on a fresh tattoo.
The Problem?
The problem with plastic wrap is it seals the tattoo. It doesn’t allow the tattoo breathe, preventing air from coming in or out, which is important for tattoo healing. Also, plastic wrap traps all the body fluids, blood and excess ink. This pooling is a perfect medium for bacterial growth. If ever your tattoo gets infected at this time, it will spread like wild fire, affecting the whole image.
The pooling of blood, serum and ink can accumulate and most of the fluid will end up at the bottom of the plastic wrap. This can leak out because medical tapes are specifically made to adhere loosely on skin for easy removal. This leaking could be the potential source of infection since the fluid is exposed and could catch all sorts of bacteria carrying dust or dirt or can get contaminated if brushed against another person.
Why are cotton bandages better?
The most important characteristic of a cotton bandage is they go through a sterilization process using extreme heat before being sold. This in itself is highly advantageous because it kills all pathogens, compared to your plastic wrap, which are impossible to sterilize using heat.
A cotton bandage absorbs any fluid oozing out of a wound, preventing pooling of body fluids. This dries the wound a bit allow it to breathe, which is good for wound healing. Also, this won’t soak up excess antibacterial cream or ointment that was placed by the tattoo artist.
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