How Long After A Tattoo Can You Swim 2022?

Tattoos are a great way to show your personality, but they can also be a great way to show your commitment to a cause or your love for a hobby. If you're thinking about getting a tattoo, you might wonder how long after a tattoo can you swim? The answer depends on a few factors. Keep reading Tavik's post for more information.

How Long After A Tattoo Can You Swim?

Although there are many opinions on this topic, the American Dermatologists Association suggests waiting for 4-6 weeks before swimming in salt water, chlorinated, or hot tubs. The tattoo will heal, and swimming is safe during this time. Redness, blisters or itching during tattoo healing can be dangerous. You should consult a doctor immediately and stop swimming until your tattoo has fully healed.

What Happens If You Swim With A New Tattoo

what happens if you swim with a new tattoo Swimming with a new tattoo can have serious consequences

Infection Risk

It is not recommended to immerse newly tattooed skin in water, except for gentle washing. This is due to the possibility of infection. Submerging your tattoo in water could expose it to bacteria. Infections can be mild or severe. Although rare, death and sepsis are possible. After getting a new tattoo, one man contracted Vibrio Vulnificus (also known as the flesh-eating bacteria) from swimming in the Gulf of Mexico. Although getting sick from swimming pools is lower than in open water like the ocean or lakes, chlorine does not kill all bacteria.

Tattoo Damage

Your new tattoo may fade or become discolored by being left in water. Fresh tattoos can be particularly sensitive to saltwater and chlorine. This is because they can cause the ink to leach from the tattoos making them less vibrant. Swimming can dry out your skin, prolonging healing time, and leading to more itching and flaking. This can lead to blurred lines, patchiness, and fading.

Skin Irritation

A new tattoo can cause some irritation to the skin. It doesn't sound as severe as severe infection or damaging your expensive new one. However, skin irritation can lead to these risks and make you really uncomfortable. The skin of a newly tattooed person is already sensitive and raw. It can become sensitive and irritated if exposed to chemicals like chlorine. This occurs when chemicals such as chlorine penetrate the skin and cause inflammation. An itchy red rash may occur, blistering, open sores and crusting. This can have an impact on how your tattoo looks.

What Happens If You Accidentally Get A New Tattoo?

You don't need to worry if you just wet your tattoo. You should wash your tattoo if exposed to saltwater or chlorinated waters. After washing, dry it with warm water and antibacterial soap. It is essential to remove any moisture from tattoos quickly. Exposure to moisture for too long can lead to infection.

How To Determine If Your Tattoo Is Fully Healed?

how long for tattoo to heal before swimming It can be challenging to determine if your tattoo has fully healed. It can look and feel wholly healed in a matter of days. Most tattoo artists believe that a tattoo is healed in 2-4 weeks. However, this can vary depending on the size and location of the piece. It can take up to 6 months for a tattoo to fully heal. Your lifestyle and your aftercare habits can have an impact on healing time. Once your tattoo is no longer itchy, red, flaky, scabbing or flaking, you can consider it fully healed. You can also ask a professional to check if you aren't sure.

If You Have To Swim

Here are some steps you can take to protect your tattoos if you find yourself in an emergency situation and must expose it to water.

Use A Waterproof Covering

If you need to submerge your tattoo, a waterproof covering such as Saniderm can be used to protect it. You can get them in various sizes and rolls. Cover your tattoo completely. Apply the bandage immediately before you get in the water. Once it's dry, remove it. Covering a healing tattoo can hinder the healing process.

After You Are Done, Clean The Tattoo.

To prevent water from running off the skin, dry it. Next, carefully remove the bandage and wash the tattoo with mild soap and warm water. Use a paper towel to dry your tat gently.

How About Taking A Bath?

A shower is permissible and necessary but not as safe as swimming in a hot tub or ocean with a new tattoo. Ask your tattoo master how long it takes to shower after a session. It varies depending on how large the tattoo is and what type of bandage was used. Use a washcloth to avoid rubbing the tattooed skin. This could cause skin irritation, infection, and damage. Avoid using fragrances and soap that are antibacterial. This is important as it will prevent the skin from becoming dry and won't cause irritation. To avoid infection, try to keep the tattoo wet as little as possible. To prevent skin damage, you should not use a strong stream of water to wet the tattoo. Avoid shaving the skin with a new tattoo. This will cause damage to the unhealed skin and increase the chance of infection. Read also: Can You Swim On Your Period?

Tips On How To Accelerate The Healing Process

tattoo swimming These tips can help speed up your tattoo's healing process. 1. Prepare Yourself For A Tattoo It is essential to drink enough water and not smoke or consume alcohol before getting a tattoo. These rules must be followed during tattoo healing. 2. Use A Tattoo To Clean The Skin Regularly Cleaning your tattoos several times per day using warm water and mild antibacterial soap is essential. 3. Use Healing Tattoo Ointments Tattoo oils not only moisturize but also speed up the healing process. 4. Wear Loose Clothing This is done to ensure that clothes don't stick to the tattoo or cause damage. It will heal faster if it is "airbrushed". 5. Avoid Excessive Physical Activity While You Are Getting Tattoos Done This is done to avoid sweat from getting on the tattooed area. The risk of infection rises. 6. Avoid Direct Sunlight With indirect sunlight, tattoos can become discolored. We recommend applying sunscreen every day for at least 4- 6 weeks to keep your new tattoo looking attractive. Readout our another post: How Many Calories Does Swimming Burn?

Conclusion

If you're wondering how long you have to wait to take a dip after getting inked, the answer is that it depends on a few factors. The type of tattoo, the location on your body, and your personal healing process can all affect how long you need to wait before hitting the pool. Generally speaking, it's best to wait at least two weeks before swimming, but it's always best to check with your tattoo artist to be sure. We hope that you can find it helpful in this article.

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