Forum Discussion: Protecting a New Tattoo From Pet Hair
Sunday July 13, 2008
"I got a new tattoo yesterday (my second) 6 years after my first. Alright, so, I know from reading here that plastic wrap is not good for a new tattoo, but my artist, and all artists in my city (very small country by the way) advise to do that, so I need to ask here. Is it alright to leave my tattoo uncovered? I don't want it to get infected, but on the other hand, I know that plastic wrap is really bad. The thing is that I have a cat and a dog, who are always inside the house (my dog sleeps outside though), but I have cat and dog fur all over me all the time on my clothes, and I'm used to that, so if I leave it uncovered (it's on my right shoulder blade), wouldn't it get contaminated easily? And also what about clothes rubbing it? And my bra strap?
I did cover my tattoo with plastic yesterday after removing the bandage and this morning after showering, so do you think I should remove it and leave it alone?" - Estef
Comments
Plastic wrap as an occlusive bandage is not a bad thing unless you leave it on too long, which would increase the chance of the wound going septic. At the last IBAA bloodborne training class that I hosted/attended the senior health sanitarian from Suffolk County actually deferred to my judgment when he was asked the same question.
My opinion (supported by others) is that keeping air away from a healing wound can reduce scarring, and there is even a clear bandage called “Nexcare” that works the same way as placing clear plastic wrap without holes over the wound.
The application of ointment (usually petroleum jelly) to a fresh tattoo also occludes air; the plastic wrap layer also protects the ointment from being rubbed off.
The big mistake would be to cover a fresh tattoo and then not inspect it at least daily, that’s a roll of the dice I would not take.
Keep your tattoo clean, covered, and moist with a suitable ointment; reapply ointment as needed and change the dressing daily and you should have no worries.