It's becoming more of a regular practice these days to use plastic wrap to cover a newly inked tattoo - they even do it on the TV shows. People want to be able to show off their new ink, and the solution seemed to be to provide the client with a clear barrier that they wouldn't be tempted to remove. But this is actually a dangerous practice and Peggy Sucher, a member of the A.P.T. (Alliance of Professional Tattooists), has written this article to warn you about the hazards that go along with plastic wrap on new tattoos.
Safety Advisory: The Use of Plastic Wrap on Tattoos
From Karen L. Hudson, About.com GuideJune 4, 2006
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Comments
I understand the points in this article. But at the same time, I as a tattooist, have used plastic wrap for all of my tattoos and the tatts that I have down and never had a problem, also I take the time to educate my clients about the importance of changing the plastic wrap so the build-up of body fluids isn’t an issue. All in all clear plastic wrap (I feel) is the best wrap to use, and if someone doesnt understand the importance of keeping a open wound taken care of, then I suppose they deserve an infected tattoo.
Hurray!!!! It’s about time that someone takes a stand against this dangerous practice!!!!!!! Especially since the “if it’s on TV, it must be ok” mentality that seems to make every other person on the street an “expert”. Thanks for reposting it for us Karen!!!!!!
There is NO EXCUSE for still using this, in this day and age. You will never be able to give me a good enough reason for it. Even if it’s changed “regularly”, it doesn’t take but a few minutes for bacteria to multiply thousands of times, and cause numerous problems.
I have 5 tattoo’s. After the initial “bandage” I changed over to plastic wrap so my clothing wouldnt chafe and never had a problem. I made sure to put on a ample supply of bacitracin or tattoo goo prior to the wrap and changed it every few hours so I dont see the problem.
The chimicals contained in plastic wraps, are relaesed into the body fat. It adds up to the bunch of chimicals that we allready contain. We are poluted!
Hi,
I agree with Peggy 110%. In fact, we have really changed how we address after care. In fact, “Saran Wrap” was banned from the recent tattoo convention in Arizona too!
1. Remove bandage after a couple of hours. We use “Viva” paper towels baby.
2. Gently wash area a couple of times a day for two weeks with warm water and “Dial”, “Provone” or “Satin” soap.
3. Wait 24 hours then start applying fragrant free “Lubridern” or “Curel”, as often as needed for two weeks.
4. No soaking or swimming until healed. No sun!
5. Do not pick or scratch the tattooed area.
6. Do not rely on advise from friends. Call your artist.
It is not only the question of one’s client’s potential problem when sandwich-wrapped in plastic wrap…it is also the contamination issue for the unsuspecting public.
As a tattooer is it our moral and ethical obligation to EDUCATE ourselves on the ramifications of our actions. Most of us wouldn’t begin to falter from adhering to Standard Procedures during the tattoo procedure. It follows that we have the same moral and ethical obligations to make sure our client goes out with the best possible guard against not only infection on their part BUT ALSO with the best possible guard to prevent his/her body fluids from contaminating other innocent people.
Over the 25 years I have been in tattooing much has changed. One can continue to do things the old way or one can educate themselves to the everchanging world of microbiology, virology, bateriology, and immunology and their impact upon our lives and chosen careers.
I can remember the day when a tattooer didn’t even wear gloves!! We gasp at that ignorance today, right? Why? Because we are EDUCATED to the problems that encompasses. We don’t use from a universal container…why? Because through EDUCATION we know better.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see a client with an oozing, hot plastic wrapped bandage as a danger to themselves and to the unsuspecting public.
I have watched these poor souls wipe their leaking fluids and rub their hands then reach for a doorknob or display rack. Nice, eh?
I challenge those who take the cheap and foolish path of plastic wrap to take a bloodborne pathogens course GIVEN BY A TATTOOER who knows our particulars.
Education is the path to proper procedure. It is a wise person who follows it.
im not a tattooist, but iv got a full body tattoo, [edited by moderator: please do not give aftercare advice if you are not a professional.]
To Lou good luck on trying to fetch more clients with that adittude
I had no idea how dangerous using plastic wrap was.I trust my tattoo artist 100% and have had no problems previously with him using wrap….i think i might think differntly next time in light of this.Thanks for informing me,I guess just because i am quite heavily tattoo’d i still have alot to learn!
I agree, wrap is disgusting and starts to pretty much rot area that was tattooed, I had no idea how serious it is though and this is good to find out. I am a tattoo artist from South Africa and would like to know what is the best kind of bandage to use to cover the tat after being done. tattoos@jadedink.co.za is my email if anyone has any info for me. Thanx