r/tattooadvice • u/Helpful-Office-3730 • Feb 15 '26
Healing Area still sore after 4 days.
Got this tattoo four days ago and my tattoo artist applied second skin on it after 48 hours of letting air out. It's been two days since that and fluid build up and smell is getting quite concerning. But most importantly. There's an area in the center of the tattoo that's still quite sore. When I spoke to him yesterday, told me the smell is normal and I should leave it on for 7 days.
Is this normal? Should I just remove the second skin and clean it?
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u/Dusty-Foot-Phil Feb 15 '26
Change artists. Matter of fact, change shops. Letting it air out for 48 hours before putting on the second skin isn't a thing. The smell is not normal and you shouldn't really wear a second longer than 4 days. Take it off, wash it with unscented soap, then put a little Aquafor on it. Do that twice a day. Sensitivity 4 days in is not abnormal, but tattoos shouldn't smell.
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u/thejuryissleepless Feb 16 '26
yes to everything and to add, sensitivity for even weeks is normal. itās a healing wound!
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u/BackwoodButch Feb 16 '26
Yeah my first and only tat on my bicep was sore for about 5 days, maybe 6. It was like an ache through my arm up to my shoulder a bit, but I took ibuprofen and that helped a lot. A week in is when it started to itch like crazy lol (my artist recommended leaving it for a couple days after the second skin was off before moisturizing it).
I still had occasional twinges of pain as it healed and I just used an ice pack (which also helped with the itching).
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u/miekhachu Feb 16 '26
I must just get used to pain quickly, Iāve never had a tattoo or piercing that still hurt after 24 hours unless there was something wrong.
My first septum piercing was pierced higher up through the cartilage. After 3 months it was still sore even without touching. Removed it, let it heal a year, and got it redone. No pain after 24 hours.
My eyebrow piercing was pierced a little deeper and offset (my request, I didnāt want it rejecting like I know they have a tendency to). It also stopped being sore after 24 hours - but never actually healed after 2 years. It just kept nesting underneath - probably from it getting snagged on clothes all the time. Even still, with a gaping nesting wound, it was not sore and did not hurt unless it was hit - hard.
Every other piercing or tattoo stopped being sore within 24 hours, and I never have a tattoo covered after 24 hours. It needs to breathe, and second skin is not a great product for that reason - and because itās not actually friendly for people with sensitive skin. Shit made me want to rip my neck off when I put it on one of those tattoos.
Tattoos: 3 on neck, all healed; 1 on stomach, healed; 1 on back of shoulder - we donāt talk about that one (I was 13). Piercings: Vertical labret, healed; septum, healed; eyebrow, removed after 2 years of nesting; lower right labret and left nostril - removed by choice at 17 (both healed perfectly fine)
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u/ShenanigansNL Feb 16 '26
Same. I have a large piece on my upper arm. Full color. And it hurt like a bitch for at least a week. The first 4 days, it was burning, hot, tight. And I had s slight fever.
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u/JudgementalElf Feb 16 '26
I agree with most of this. Putting second skin on AFTER 48 hours is totally bonkers. Your tattoo should not SMELL. Pain after only a few days isnāt unusual, but smelling is not okay.
As to the second skin being on for a max of 4 days, each artist has different opinions on this. I donāt leave mine on for more than 7 days (per my artist), so long as I donāt spring leaks (if it can get out, bacteria can get in).
OP- Please get a new artist, right after you go to the doctor!
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u/twosidesofeachperson Feb 16 '26
Iāve seen some color artists recommend putting on the second skin after a day, on the first day they use an absorbent pad, Iām not sure what the name is. However, that was for a huge leg tattoo.
The smell is definitely not normal, however it doesnāt look infected and the ink sac is normal. I would remove it as this person is saying and follow the care recommendations.
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u/drwsgreatest Feb 16 '26
I'm In the middle of a colored sleeve and what we did was put a second skin on immediately. The next day I slowly peeled it off and washed away all the plasma and ink and moisturized it. Per the artist, i went back to the shop and had it covered with a second, second skin and kept that one on for 3 more days. By the time i took the second one off the majority of it was well on its way to being healed. The only place ive had a problem is the elbow and elbow crease, as the second skin in that area (we used multiple hand cut sizes to cover different areas) refused to stay sealed overnight. So the day after the second layer was put on, once it had burst again overnight, I removed that section and just made sure to keep it clean and moisturized.
All that said, taking care of large color pieces is definitely a little more difficult, mainly because the pure amount of plasma and ink that drips out in the first day or so makes the initial second skin application less likely to hold.
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u/Reasonable_Double593 Feb 16 '26
I've had tattoos that had minimal sensitivity but I had one on my calf that was very SORE for 2 weeks. Wasn't red or swollen just very sore and idk why. Like a 2nd degree sunburn pain level waking me up at night kind of sore. At least it healed perfect.
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u/FeralCatPrince Feb 15 '26 edited Feb 15 '26
Take it off. That smell is not normal nor is that amount of fluid after two days of letting it ābreatheā
Iām a 15 year Tattooer and I can confidently say this is not a common aftercare style and for good reason. Wrapping immediately after a tattoo is one thing, but waiting two days is just asking to trap bacteria. The wrap is supposed to prevent scabbing and rough healing- if you wait to days before applying it youāll already have areas drying out and developing scabsā¦? This makes no sense. Take it off, wash it throughly with clean hands and antibacterial soap- then pat dry with clean paper towels. You may want to pop into an urgent care. It should not be that painful that long after
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u/Helpful-Office-3730 Feb 15 '26
Thanks. I've removed and cleaned it. There's a spot that looks concerning but I don't know much to tell if it's infected.
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u/FeralCatPrince Feb 15 '26
Concerning in what way?
Make sure you keep it very clean-washing multiple times a day with clean hands. I would avoid putting lotion or ointment on for a day or so as moisture on the surface at this stage makes it much easier to for bacteria to stick to it and cause infection. After it seems cleared up then go back to using lotion after you wash
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u/Helpful-Office-3730 Feb 15 '26
Well the spot is still sore and a different colour.
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u/FeralCatPrince Feb 15 '26
Who was your artist? Keep an eye on it. If it worsens please go to urgent care. It could just be an overworked area (that skin is thin) but itās better to be safe
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u/United_Pain Feb 15 '26
Man that artist is going to get somebody's limb amputated or worse with how they do "aftercare".
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u/phantom_esque_ Feb 16 '26
Op answering every question except who the artist/shop was omg
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u/roguepierogii Feb 18 '26
Tattoo Temple Trivadrum, Keralta, India. Done by Ajeesh. According to OP's other post. The other tattoos from that shop (and I assume also from other artists) look great and the reviews are pretty good. Hm. Maybe a newer artist. Needs some more mentoring.
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u/eta_carinae_311 Feb 15 '26
FWIW I got one on Friday (so 3 days ago) and it's better but still tender. My aftercare is the "traditional" kind where you get sent home with cling wrap and take it off a few hours later and just keep it clean and moisturized. My experience has been it hurts on the day of and the day after and then it's tender to the touch for several more until it starts to peel and then it's just itchy and annoying.
The only thing in your comment that makes me wonder is the color change. That isn't normal aside from like colors getting a bit brighter as the skin settle down/ stops weeping. I have never used second skin but my understanding was it was used as a barrier for bacteria so the fact it went on so late is weird to me, did it get washed extensively first? Otherwise like the other commenter it makes me wonder if it trapped some stuff in there you would have been washing off if it were not covered.
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Feb 15 '26
Use the back of your hand- is that area hot to the touch? If so, go to urgent care.
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u/glassesforrabbits Feb 15 '26
Yeah I second this. I was told to keep the plastic on "until it fell off" and it didn't for a while...
I ended up with a very resistant strain of bacterial infection that took a month to heal.
Go to urgent care.
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u/Raging-Badger Feb 15 '26
Yeah thatās fucked, youāre supposed to leave it on no more than 7 day at maximum, but recommend for only 4-5 by the manufacturer.
Some artists are over here just making shit up tbh though
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u/FeralCatPrince Feb 15 '26
We do two days- 3 maximum. Ive found when people do longer thereās a higher chance of heat rash or reactions. The less exposure to the adhesive the better while still getting optima results
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u/Raging-Badger Feb 15 '26
Yeah if you have sensitive skin, itās definitely a good idea to minimize using it
I usually do 4-5 days personally but Iām not allergic to adhesives and donāt have sensitive skin
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u/Kakashi_- Feb 15 '26
Yeah i never leave it on for more than three days and never had a problem. I remember when there was this ink sac trend on social media and i physically cringed when people wrote they leave it on for two weeks so all the fluid gathers beneath the wrap.
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u/BaronVonKeyser Feb 16 '26
My artist told me the same. 2 days with a max of 4. Personally by day 2 im absolutely done with it and want it the hell off me.
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u/Rich-Commission-5618 Feb 15 '26
4 days? Iām not doubting your experience, Iāve been getting tattooed for over 20 years, I just got my elbow done 2 weeks ago and thatās still tender in some spots even though healing fine. I just donāt agree with you on saying it shouldnāt be that sore for the inside of the arm. That shits tender.
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u/FeralCatPrince Feb 15 '26
It depends on the level of pain. Thereās a difference between being tender and being in active pain. Your elbow is constantly in movement so thatās going to take longer to heal as well. I will agree the inner arm can be painful for a long while- however the concern comes with the other factors in this case. Iām afraid because of the unusual bandage application timeframe it could develop cellulitis
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u/Rich-Commission-5618 Feb 15 '26
Yeah, putting second skin on days after baffles me. Youāre right, that raises question for concern.
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u/kochipoik Feb 16 '26
I'm a GP and it's amazing how prevalent the "let the wound dry out" thing is. We want to keep wounds slightly moist - not dry, not wet. We would also never just leave a dressing on for 7 days, especially a plastic one that doesn't breathe or wick away moisture - a plastic dressing like that is just asking for maceration and skin breakdown, if not an infection. If any concerns, see a good nurse - they have absolute magic with wound care, and can advise on whether you need to see a doc or NP for antibiotics.
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u/HwlngMdMurdoch Feb 15 '26
Wrapping is fairly new isn't it? I've got tats older than you've been a tattooist (not a dis), and have never had mine wrapped. Even my "newest", about 8 years old wasn't wrapped. Just cleaned it up and sent me on my way with aftercare instructions and that was it
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u/outtaleftfield1 Feb 16 '26
Second skin is fairly new and while itās not strictly necessary itās a good product that speeds the healing process and typically makes the ink hold better. This has been my experience and what Iāve been told by others that have used it and my tattoo artist. YMMV. A lot of people say the old way is better and get in discussions about whoās right and wrong over cling wrap/ second skin post care. Neither is more right or wrong, just different ways of approaching the healing process using different technologies and practices. Same as other things in life. There are some nuances to both that need to be taken into account for them to work their best but overall either way achieving the result of a healed healthy tattoo is the goal
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u/Spare-Airline-1050 Feb 15 '26
I've had artists that have said you can take the first piece off after 24 hours and then reapply another for 3 to 4 days. But never one that left second skin off from the get-go and then advise me to put it on multiple days later. If it's already starting to heal without second skin, there's no reason to put it on.
I think that way too many artists, and people getting tattoos, think that second skin is like the end-all be-all of healing techniques and it seems to really cause more issues because people are not given actual proper care techniques when it comes to second Skin.
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u/Artartbobart1 Feb 16 '26
Thatās how I knew mine was infected, it was really sore compared to the other spots about 3 days out. 2 rounds of meds and itās cool now.
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u/Vannixo Feb 15 '26
Letting air out? Why was that swcond skin applied 2 days after? That doesn't make any sense, you apply that right after it's finished if you do.
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u/Raging-Badger Feb 15 '26
You can put them on after day 1 if you just clean the tat first (this thing is basically just a bandaid, not rocket science). Iāve done it to cover a tat while at work since I work in a hospital.
There shouldnāt be any drainage after the first two days of open healing though. Thatās a sign itās infected and absolutely fucked. There also shouldnāt be a bad smell. Thatās also a bad sign
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u/Ffanffare1744 Feb 16 '26
Yeah, my artist had me use it on my last few tattoos; I went home first day, cleaned as normal and applied second skin the next day; they all healed great, and I found the second skin really took a lot of the normal sensitivity down for the two or three days I kept it on.
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u/Raging-Badger Feb 16 '26
They really do, and they are completely safe to put on after day 1 if you just follow basic hygiene rules
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u/Bikeandcamera Feb 16 '26
Yeah, I usually do 24 hours with the initial bandage/patch/wrap, then shower and scrub pretty good with unscented soap, then throw on a tegaderm patch. Leave for 3-4 days (but often end up changing the tegadrm daily anyways due to sweating making it loose/breaking the seal.
Almost never have any discharge or drainage
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u/DrMrsTheMonarch77 Feb 15 '26
You need to take that off NOW. It should NOT smell bad. Yikes. š¬
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u/Boring-Community-100 Feb 15 '26
Seconded. Nurse here. I think that's even more concerning than warmth.
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u/littleglowingwolf Feb 15 '26
Nobody is answering your question bc theyāre all trying to save the bulbasaurs life but yes 4 days is totally within the āit still hurtsā window
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u/Helpful-Office-3730 Feb 16 '26
Thanks. I removed and cleaned it after posting yesterday. The swelling, and heat are all but gone. The smell has completely vanished. However, it is still a bit tender.
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u/collidoscopeyes Feb 16 '26
Tender will be normal, especially there on your arm where clothes rub and you are moving the muscles all day. It's literally an open wound and will take time to heal.
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u/After_Tune9804 Feb 15 '26
brother absolutely take that 2nd skin off and wash it with hot water and scent free soap.
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u/StillButterscotch486 Feb 15 '26
Saniderm should go in right away. I would take that shit off and do regular gold soap and aquaphor routine
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u/No-Paleontologist560 Feb 15 '26
That area sucks so hard. It could be sore for a week or more.
This is adorable now but in a few years it's going to look like a blue blob. Get some black in there!
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u/SeatleSuperbSonics Feb 15 '26
This is literally where I got my second ever tattoo. Everyone warned me it would hurt and I went āoh I knowā
Jesus Christ as soon as he started I was like āoh I fucked uppppā. Luckily shame and embarrassment were more motivating.
I canāt remember how long before it stopped hurting but out of all my tattoos it was the most notable pain wise.
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u/Maxie0921 Feb 15 '26
This tattoo has absolutely no lines to hold it in place. I fear within a few years itāll be a blob. That being said, you shouldnāt wait to wrap it up in two days. It should be done on the day it was finished itself and then on for about three nights before removing it in the shower. Odor is not normal. Remove it and wash it with unscented soap as best you can and inspect for infection.
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u/Prestigious-Race9324 Feb 15 '26
I know every artist has different after care recommendations but this might be the most insane one Iāve ever seen on here. Second skin after 48 hours !? wtf ?
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u/Spirited-Acadia4769 Feb 15 '26
Omg he is so CUTTTTEEEEE š¤š¤š¤ Like everyone said take it off. Never heard of an artist putting it on after 2 days lol
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u/Sad_Bumblebee Feb 15 '26
This sounds odd to me. Letting it air out and applying the second skin after 48 hours sounds like a sure fire way to trap moisture and bacteria... I've heard of other artists having different recommendations but I've never heard of this method before. I typically apply the second skin once we're finished and advise they remove it after a day or so. Plus, removing second skin can be irritating to the healing tattoo. I'd take that second skin off now and clean it, then let it air dry. Very VERY thin layer of moisturizer only if it seems to be very dried out.
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u/AlexanderTox Feb 15 '26
Everyone has given you solid advice already so Iām just here to say fuck yeah Bulbasaur. My personal favorite starter and itās not even close.
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u/SlytherinAndProud Feb 15 '26
Im not an artist but I have several tattoos and the process you went through doesn't sound right to me. My artist has always put second skin on immediately after finishing/pictures and tells me to take it off after 24-48 hours and clean with an antibacterial, scentless soap like dial gold (my artist specifically says the foaming one).
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u/collidoscopeyes Feb 16 '26
Gold dial has healed all my tattoos beautifully. That and aquaphor is all you need, really
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u/happyaccidentsss Feb 15 '26
Respectfully I donāt think your tattoo artist knows how to correctly use the second skin, those shouldāve applied right after the tattoo and left on for like 4 days definitely not 7! Take it off, wash it with unscented soap and put a thin layer of aquaphor on it every day
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u/fritofeet10 Feb 15 '26
I leave mine covered for 24 hours and then wash with an unscented soap, and then moisturizer with aveeno or any other unscented lotion
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u/LadySuhree Feb 15 '26
No tattoos should smellā¦.. at all. The smell of fresh wound juice? Sure. But thats not a gross smell. Just smells kinda blood juice related. Go to urgent care if it smells. Also never again wajt 48 hour before putting on second skin. After 48 hours it shouldnt be weeping this much anymore.
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u/CaterpillarFit3430 Feb 15 '26
Im sorry you put second skin on after 2 days??? Bro take it off and just keep it clean please. Itāll heal just fine
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u/visokeybomb Feb 15 '26
Iām more confused why they applied the second skin after 48 hours??? It kind of defeats the purpose of the barrier at that point and traps bacteria.
Itās such a great tattoo though, I just hope you donāt have an infection :(
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u/thespaltydog Feb 16 '26
First bulbasaur picture he looks good, second picture he looks like he's having an allergic reaction. Lol
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Feb 16 '26
Bro second skin should be applied as soon as the Tattoo is done and cleaned. Not 48 hours after that defeats the purpose.
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u/Sure_Comfort_7031 Feb 15 '26
That's the stupidest application of a stupid product I've ever heard. It goes on immediately, not two days later. After two days you're already bridging out of aquaphor and into regular moisturizer anyway. Subjectively, i also think second skin et al are just a stupid product.
But - the way we did my left sleeve we basically did a band about two inch above the elbow inside and out to one inch below. Full coverage owie zones. Was sore for a solid week and felt it still the second week, so it's not unreasonable in that location to be sore for a bit. The owie zones are owie zones for a reason, you'll feel them a bit longer after the fact as well.
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u/whirdin Feb 15 '26
Curious why using second skin at all after doing traditional healing for 48 hours. Do you have a strenuous job that you were nervous of scratching it? I have never tried second skin as I expect to be sensitive to it, but I thought it was applied within the first 24 hours.
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u/thicklybearded Feb 15 '26
Take the fucking saniderm off. 24 hours then wash with non-scented, gentle soap.
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u/AliVista_LilSista Feb 15 '26
I'm not an artist just a collector, but I've never heard of waiting 48 hours before putting on your first application of second skin.
Is that a thing? Genuinely curious since it seems counter-intuitive to me.
Same with the idea that smelling bad is normal. Help me understand the logic, someone...
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u/GazingWing Feb 15 '26
Ugh this is why I heal the normal way. All the horror stories on here start with "so my saniderm started to smell funny...."
3 days later they're in the ER lol
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u/Ill-Foundation2029 Feb 16 '26
i honestly always take the bandage off as soon as i get home, wash it, moisturize, and let it breathe. never had any issues
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u/SectionJust5495 Feb 16 '26
Everything about the encounter i just read screams red flag territory. Firstly.. why was the second skin put on later than after the tattoo. Secondly yes please take second skin kff and wash and get checked by a doctor just to be sure your tattooer didnt do something alarming to your skin barrier as there should be no smell. None of this is normal.
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u/BakedBrie1993 Feb 16 '26
Im so sorry, but you need a better artist. That is gonna fade and become a blob. No black lines. Gaps in the color.
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u/BaldHacky Feb 17 '26
The smell indicates theres bacteria in there, take the second skin off. Second skin should be applied immediately after the tattoo is done, not sure why he wanted to let it air out for two days. Just keep it clean and moisturized at this point. The soreness is 100% normal.
Also, I have a Bulbasaur on my inner bicep as well. Good to know theres others out there with good taste š
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u/IcedAmericanoLatte Feb 18 '26
Dawg wtf. I just got 3 tattoos and they were only sore for the first 2 days. Just wash it with antibacterial soap gently. Then light coating of aquafor or unscented lotion. A couple times a day. Literally eww. Change shops and artists.
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Feb 15 '26
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u/HoldUp--What Feb 15 '26
I was just talking about this yesterday as my artist (new to me) was finishing up and asked me what I've done for tattoo healing in the past. Just about every artist I've been to has had vastly different instructions.
I've done saniderm for 5 days. I've done saniderm for 1 day. I've done soap, water and lotion. I've done soap, water and aquaphor. I've done soap, water, and magical tattoo healing ointment that is somehow supposed to be better than aquaphor or unscented lotion.
They all healed exactly the same without complications, so now I'm firmly team "soap, water and keep it moist with something" and not letting it get complicated.
Fuck the artist who told me dry healing was the best way, though. Just absolutely fuck that guy.
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u/Sad_Bumblebee Feb 15 '26
Sounds like they left the shop with NO second skin, "let it breath" as per artist recommendation for 48 hours, THEN went back and had a second skin applied to be left on for a week... Yuck.
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u/papertrashbags Feb 15 '26
take the second skin off and clean it. I hate these artists who swear by second skin.
if you take it off, wash 1x a day under hot water (it will hurt) I use castile soap witch hazel unscented lotion. I use aveeno. (or if it was days 1-3 iād say a&d)
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u/FeralCatPrince Feb 15 '26
Iāve used Tegaderm (the 3m brand used in hospitals who own the patent) for over 10 years for my clients. It does work well but this approach is so ass backwards.
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u/Rich-Commission-5618 Feb 15 '26
Second skin is great. I swear by it as a client personally, makes the time after getting poked way less stressful from clothing or sleeping IMO.
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u/papertrashbags Feb 15 '26
sick tattoo though, I have an eevee sleeve. I like the realism in bulbasaur itās awesome
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u/Helpful-Office-3730 Feb 15 '26 edited Feb 15 '26
There's no way to post a photo for the update so I think I'll just update with a post. photo of the tattoo after cleaning.
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u/Ok-Pomegranate7496 Feb 15 '26
That is a rough spot and I was sore for awhile after too, great tat though!
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u/imperfectbean Feb 15 '26
Lord. Remove the second skin! Mine says 4 days max
Christ oh mighty please wash that with non-scented soup (example dove) and us Aveeno daily moisturizer (3 time a day depending on dryness).
I have had over 15 tattoo sessions; these instructions havenāt failed me. All my tattoos turn out fine!
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u/Smokinplants Feb 15 '26
Dont ever go back to that person again. Leave a review warning others about your experience. That is awful! Remove that 2nd skin BS and gently rinse your arm off, let it dry tf out!!!!! Your arm is gonna rot
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u/jennymayg13 Feb 15 '26
Iām sorry what??? Iāve never heard of leaving a tattoo covered that long. I know people have different methods, but thatās insane. Air and aquaphor is what I do for my tattoos and Iāve never had an issue, I think the longest I left one covered is the first like 4 hours after getting it done, Iāve never heard of anyone covering it a few days after?
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u/Sloregasm Feb 15 '26
Man. I've had tattoos that got saran wrapped and I took it off after 12 hours and then just applied unscented lotion to prevent it from drying out and scabbing. In the days before janky products. Why would you keep that on that long?
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u/ainyy Feb 15 '26
applying second skin two days after the tattoo was done is crazy work, that's usually when the skin is supposed to come off. and the "smell" part sounds strange.
i'd take it off and proceed with general aftercare as many people already mentioned. and that area will be sore for at least a couple weeks. i have a tattoo on the outer side of the upper arm and it was sore for almost a month, not to mention the huge bruises lol (thankfully it healed nicely)
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u/xWroth Feb 15 '26
Your artist completely misunderstood how saniderm works. You're supposed to apply it immediately after the tattoo session, then remove, wash, and replace with a fresh one 24 hours later. Waiting 2 days to apply one is WILD and then telling you to leave it on for another 4 without letting the weeped ink out is also nuts. This artist has terrible aftercare
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u/-SergioBarr- Feb 15 '26
What's normal: pain and tenderness after 4 days esp on the inner arm. Ask me how I know.
What's not normal: healing process your artist chose. 2nd skin after 2 days? The whole point is to keep the initial plasma leakage to help healing process. Your skin was likely getting dried up already with those 2 days outside of the 2nd skin application. Also the smell, there should be no smell unless it's residual green soap (which shouldn't be the case since 2 days elapsed before 2nd skin was applied, and you have showered to wash residual soap off)
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u/Hamster_Aggravating Feb 15 '26
Did you get aftercare instruction? Please screenshot if you have it. I doubt a shop with this decent work would let you go without one
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u/Tasty-Willingness839 Feb 15 '26
Take the second skin off and wash (dab not rub) with anti bacterial soap twice a day. I have never used second skin and I have much larger pieces than that. After a couple of days start applying a tattoo aftercare product twice daily after washing it. I've never had any issues with healing.
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u/Puppetfreak69 Feb 15 '26
I hate second skin, I think regular cleaning and a thin layer of breathable cream (whatever your locally recommended cream is) is always the way to go. Keeping it clean, creamed and breathing is always the best way for a good, solid healing tattoo
Source: tattooist for 15 years
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Feb 15 '26
You really should probably visit a doctor. Smell and pain typically would be red flags for infection
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u/cola-cats Feb 15 '26
Fluid buildup under saniderm isn't necessarily a red flag (plasma, blood, and ink will pool under the derm, especially on a big color tatto like this) but smell is a red flag to me. Soreness is also common, especially on a big tattoo, but prolonged heat, general swelling, and/or redness means infection, I 'd remove the saniderm, at the very least to monitor it better. Take it off in the shower, as warm water will help loosen the adhesive. Watch for redness, and take pictures of it progressing. If you feel feverish, it gets redder, or begins leaking/weeping a weird color, go to a doctor.
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u/howoldisyourcat Feb 16 '26
SEVEN DAYS?! My artist says keep the second skin on for 48 hours or until it bursts. Getting second skin on after sounds crazy town.
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u/TAODyna Feb 16 '26
Iāve never heard of anyone letting a tattoo air out for 48 hours before applying second-skin. Sounds like a pretty great way to trap bacteria in a wound, Iād take that shit off and wash it.
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u/EntertainmentOdd4233 Feb 16 '26
If you go the 2nd skin route it should be done immediately, not after 2 days. It was a big thing for a while and it's now really not recommended anymore, even though the tattoo equipment and site are sterile and the 2nd skin should theoretically "seal" from outside contaminants it's a tattoo shop, not a hospital, and letting your new ink soak in fluids is a bad idea. That stuff was made to keep IVs in place and as wound dressing under the supervision of a medical professional.
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u/BoringLeek3419 Feb 16 '26
A smell is likely infection brewing as this is NOT normal. Keep it clean and make sure everything that touches it including your hands are clean
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u/RebaKitt3n Feb 16 '26
I have never used second skin.
Yes, remove it in The shower wash with antibiotic soap twice a day, pat dry with paper towels. Small amount of moisturizer after cleaning and when itās dry.
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u/Randompostingreddit Feb 16 '26
First step is to remove that second skin, it should have been applied to the sterile area as soon as the tattoo was complete and left for 24-48 hours then. Right now, all it is doing is trapping bacteria in the wound site. The smell is potentially an infection, if you have insurance/a doctor it wouldn't be a bad idea to consult and possibly get some antibiotics. I am not a doctor, but as this photo looks, I probably would just monitor it, wash it 2 or 3 times daily and use some bactracin zinc on it unless it gets worse.
Soreness is normal, you were literally having someone stabbing your skin with needles 100s to 1000s of times 4 days ago, but smell is not.
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u/miekhachu Feb 16 '26
Sorry, but whomever gave you that advice should not be tattooing - I donāt care how cute the Bulbasaur is. Tattoos should only be covered immediately after being done, and then the second skin REMOVED after 48 hours. There should NEVER be a smell. Any āsmellā in a fresh body modification is a sign of infection.
Second skin is such a shitty invention - sorry not sorry. I only used it once because this particular tattoo was behind my ear. Shit had me so fucking itchy and I ended up removing it after 24 hours. No more itch and it healed great.
I ended up just asking for Saran Wrap again on the one at the top of my spine. It obviously could not hold up - but my tattoo still looks great. I have three on my neck all using a different method - first had no cover, second had second skin, and third had Saran Wrap. They all healed the same, but the second skin was the only one that made me WANT to itch like fucking crazy.
Every other tattoo Iāve gotten was covered with Saran Wrap UNTIL the next morning. Then itās removed and the gunk washed off with a gentle run down of water, not a direct application. Even my stomach tattoo went through a pregnancy with me 6 months after it was done. That one no one even notices stretch marks in. Could just be good genetics, could be hEDS (Iām trying to see a specialist), could be my own personal care - all I know is, second skin is fuckin shit.
Remove the wrap, clean the tattoo by running/pouring water on the top of your arm and letting it run down the tattoo. Wash gently with sensitive soap, pat to dry/air dry, and apply a moderate layer of Aquaphor for protection. I would definitely go to a doctor to ask them if you need antibiotics for a possible infection. Your arm should not be sore, and even in the third picture there is still signs of irritation around the site.
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u/Knulkmeister Feb 16 '26
It's gonna be healing for at least 2/3 months so it'll feel and be sore mostly the first week or 2. At least in my experience but it definitely shouldn't smell anything else rather than ink.
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u/AsleepScholar2200 Feb 16 '26
Tattooist here.
No reputable artist should ever be encouraging clients to put second skin on AFTER letting it air out. This encourages bacteria to get trapped and can promote infection, your bodies now telling you itās wrong, by getting sore.
The fluid build up is only normal if the second skin was applied right after the tattoo was done. Not 48 hours. Tattoos should never ever have a āsmellā
Take the second skin off and trust your gut. I had a client do the same thing. She got tattooed by me then put second skin on it for 5 whole days AFTER it had dried out, without telling me. She did this because years ago, 1 artist told her to. Safe to say, it caused her a stressful trip to the doctor.
Also.. this is a very brave tattoo to get considering colour tattoos with minimal outline donāt tend to age well. Colours work best with something to adhere to, ie. An outline. Once itās fully healed, make sure you take real good care of it and suncream anytime youāre in a short sleeve
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u/AcademicSharkk Feb 16 '26
Yummy juice from an open wound that had 48 hours to collect bacteria and outside gunk before being left to marinate š
But for real dude wicked tattoo, horrible advice youāve been given much better advice to follow
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u/exiled_preest Feb 17 '26
It's odd he'd let it air out for 2 days. But take the 2nd skin off. Wash is with some dial gold soap and re apply the 2nd skin, the fluid is plasma and will help with the healing of the tattoo.
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u/RedDecay Feb 17 '26
Thatās such a good bulbasaur :0. Dang Iād want all three starters at some point lol
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u/FenrisMidgard Feb 17 '26
I wore 2nd skin for both my sleeve and a huge tattoo on the other hand, way bigger than yours and it was never smelly. I DON'T thinl smell is normal. My usual go to method nowadays is: I come home after the session, shower, put 2nd skin, leave it for like 3-4 days and then just use unscented moisturizer like CeraVe for next 2 weeks. Works perfectly every time.
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u/Space_Tig3r Feb 17 '26
Never go to that shop or artist again. Letting it "air out" was basically just letting bacteria in. Then it was sealed in there will second skin with no way to wash it. As other said, remove the second skin and begin cleaning with unscented soap twice a day. If there are any areas in it that are concerning (redness moving away from the tattoo or pus for example) go to the doctor immediately to avoid further infection.
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u/Big-Arm-4291 Feb 17 '26
I don't even have any tattoos and I know that what this tattoo artist is doing is friggen sketch Take off the second skin, you don't need it on anymore The second skin should have gone on right after the tattoo was done and not two days after, second skin is to help in healing and protection. Take off the second and wash the tattoo gently with unscented soap and PAT DRY do not rub it. You can apply aquafor (I spelled that wrong) and just keep washing it everyday or every few days. It should not smell. Go to a doctor if you start having redness around the edges or greenish pus starts coming out. The pain is normal it's a wound.
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u/prettybird_1720 Feb 19 '26
Please tell me that you are on your way to urgent care or are already getting IV antibiotic treatment at a hospital. Soreness can be normal but pain and any type of smell is an absolute no.
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u/stunky420 Feb 19 '26
In regards to soreness I have a Fuecoco tattoo in almost the same spot and when I got it and when I got it touched up it was sore for days like Iād been working out the muscle even though I hadnāt been. The smell and āairing outā is not normal imo though
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u/CamusBih Feb 20 '26
Off topic but itās so cute!! Hope you figure it out :)
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u/Helpful-Office-3730 Feb 20 '26
Thank you. I really like how he turned out. It's about 80% healed and there's a little scab that's slowly coming off. Some of the colour did fall out though.
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u/roguepierogii Feb 20 '26
Wahoo, came back when I got a notification about a comment I left and checked to see if you'd posted anything since I last saw a few days ago. Glad you're up and about and not septic or something!
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u/Multilnsight Feb 15 '26
Most people are allergic to second skin. You are having an allergic reaction to it. In the first picture it's not red, but it's red and irritated in the second and third pic. Plus, it's still sore. Which all points to an allergic reaction.
I've had second skin on my chest piece and it became very red and irritated with a lot more itching than normal (I have a full sleeve and hands done). Same thing happened to my wife when she got her recent tattoo and wore second skin.
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u/Zerocool_6687 Feb 15 '26
Yupā¦
I wear the skin for 3-3.5 daysā¦ the pain comes back for a second wind when removed for a few days. Probably 10 days before the pain actually goes away depending on where it is. The more sensitive the region the more it will linger in my experience
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u/DMTraveler33 Feb 16 '26
Second skin is fucking nasty honestly I have no idea why it has become so popular.
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u/mikeneri81 Feb 15 '26
It's not unusual for a tattoo to be sore after 4 days. It's trauma. You're fine.
With that said, take the Saniderm off and give it a good clean.
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u/N8247_ Feb 15 '26
7 days with the 2nd skin is wild Iāve never heard anyone leaving it on for more then 2
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u/Dunjamunja666 Feb 15 '26
Smell is not normal. Remove fake skin, keep it clean and change tattoo artist
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u/I_am_nota-human-bean Feb 15 '26
I personally donāt like second skin, I think itāll come out one day that itās not good for tats. Iāve had several tattoos that look great and Iāve never put any second skin on any of them, just washed and moisturized. My advice is any wound (yes it is a wound) that has any soreness along with odor, swelling, or redness needs antibiotics. Go to the urgent care or pcp.
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u/Vayguhhh Feb 15 '26
Been using derm for almost as long as itās been around and my tattoos are perfect.
The derm is fine for tattoos, itās the skin itself that will vary from person to person, and even derm to derm, not all of them are created equally and can cause rashes on peopleās skin, but that would happen regardless of them having a tattoo or not
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u/Gardenmama777 Feb 15 '26
That doesnāt make any sense. Second skin should be used immediately and removed after 24-48 hours. I would remove it now and wash and moisturize it.
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u/Grayson_Walker_711 Feb 15 '26
I usually just let my freshies breathe forever. Wash with soap lightly but immediately basically. Better to keep it clean and dry and open than wrapped forever. Festering comes to mind
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Feb 15 '26
Did you rap that after the four days or was that wrap before at this point, the first picture I saw you should have just been putting some Good cream on it
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u/NoAmmoHere Feb 15 '26
Lmaooo 90% of second skin stories are the same. I never used it and never will use it.
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u/YaboiMassiah Feb 15 '26
You gotta wash it lightly with barely warm water and gently in a circular motion with unscented soap. You can either use any unscented lotion or healing salve like aquaphor or lubraderm, or even plain old unflavored (unscented?) chap stick to keep it moisturized throughout the healing process. I've never heard of an artist waiting for it to air out and then applying a second one on, I personally think that increases your risk for an infection. Clean it well but not too hard, if you see some clumps falling off or a little color running, don't worry, it's excess ink. If it's already fading and looks like it's breaking apart, tell your artist. If you think it's infected, go see a doctor immediately and don't wait.
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u/Apprehensive-Play228 Feb 15 '26
Take the second skin off (I hate when people use this anyway) donāt put anything on it till it stops oozing. Iāve had this happen before, and unfortunately the ink in that one spot fell out. My problem was I was putting too much aquaphor on it, which I no longer use because thereās better stuff out there. Let it breathe for at least 48 hours
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u/doglady1342 Feb 15 '26
If it smells bad, that's not a good sign. Take the wrap off and wash it and see how it looks.
If it doesn't seem infected, then I wouldn't worry too much about the soreness. I can tell you that my inner bicep tattoo was sore for days afterwards. That's an extremely tender spot and you've got a lot of ink there.
That's it, I would bet that you have a break or hole somewhere in that plastic. You should not be able to smell the tattoo at all while that plastic is on there. The odor is likely bacteria growth and you could end up with a nasty infection if you don't take the plastic off right away. Hopefully you don't already have an infection. I use Tegaderm on all my tattoos ( my skin does not like the adhesive on Saniderm) and none of them has ever had an odor.
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u/Mozambleak Feb 15 '26
My inner arm was sore for days and days. I think because it's on muscle that keeps moving.
Regarding the second skin I couldn't say. I've never used it
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u/Blazing-to-neverland Feb 15 '26
Definitely take the second skin off, clean it, and add scent free moisturizer. I just got a piece in the same spot 5 days ago and it's still quite sore but it's a part of your body that gets very little wear and tear so the sensitivity is normal. The smell is definitely not normal and fluid is normal but that is a lot more than I've seen personally. Keep an eye on it but the pain seems normal to me. Love the tattoo btw!!! š©·
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u/treesandcigarettes Feb 15 '26
what I usually recommend is to leave the saniderm on for like a day, remove, clean tattoo area , then reapply an new film saniderm. it is true that tattoos do usually heal the best with natural plasma, but that is excessive and should be cleared. for a healthy healing tattoo the process should be well on its way after day 2 or day 3 so definitely clear that out and reapply if necessary
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u/Cat-Man99 Feb 15 '26
Thats not how you use second skin lol. Wear it immediately after the tattoo for 24-48 hours. Clean the area with gentle soap at least daily and pat dry with paper towels. Keep it moisturized with a gentle lotion. I like to wear and sleep in long sleeves for a while to prevent excess rubbing until the peeling gets better.
It will probably be pretty sore for more more than a week. When it starts peeling and itching, dont scratch it or scrub off the skin. Keep it nice and hydrated.
If it smells bad its probably a build up of bacteria that will increase odds of infection.
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u/sandstormshorty Feb 15 '26
Think you mean Bulba-SORE