lynne

Thanks everyone for the advice; it's good to know any blending of ink is not related to a lack of lotion but rather just what the tattoo looks like at this stage in healing (which I take it is what was meant by 'chill and wait') Also, killercook I have so many control issues :p you have no idea...

Hi everyone, I'm new (clearly) to LST and also got my first tattoo last week. I've recently become very keen on tattoos and have three more that I intend on getting done within the next couple weeks. The first one was just an impulsive decision because I couldn't wait any longer until my appointments with carefully selected artists for the more elaborate tattoos I want done... can't explain it, I was just consumed by the need. The reason I found this forum was I am worried my aftercare for my tattoo is not working properly / I think my tattoo ink is spreading and am wondering if that has to do with aftercare. The artist said to leave the bandage on for 4 hours then wash it with normal soap and then do nothing (no creams, ointments, etc) other than wear loose cloths avoid soaking in water or the sun for a couple weeks. I am worried the letter n is blending together along the bottom and I am pretty sure it didn't look like this a week ago when I got it done. Is it possible poor aftercare caused it / could I fix it? Also the tattoo is dry and flaky so I feel like I should use some lotion... Any thoughts? I attached a photo.. Lynne

Hey so I just had my first ribcage tattoo last week so I'll describe the pain experience: When it first started it did not hurt at all; it just felt like someone scratching me a bit. Then the needle went over a nerve ending and I felt a sharp twinge. In between hitting these nerve endings it was painless but every time the needle came across one it pinched. To explain what it felt like I would mention that at first I thought that it was every time the needle went over a rib bone I felt a pinch but when I said that to the artist she explained it was the nerve endings; that part of your body has lots of internal organs than need protection so our bodies have lots of nerve endings there to freak out and say "hey be careful, there's important stuff behind these ribs!" So as she worked on the part of the tattoo closer to my front and further from my back it became more painful as there are more nerve endings there. The reason I bring up the fact that I thought it was my ribs themselves that were causing the intermittent shots of pain is that I have had rib injuries before and it was the same sensation. So if you have ever had bruised or fractured ribs (from sports or something) it is the same nerves that will be complaining during the tattoo. Another thing to watch out for: in order to hold me down for the tattoo, the artist was holding my arm/body down near my armpit. I'm pretty ticklish so the sensation of a needle activating my nerve endings combined with the reflex to pull down my arm because my armpit was being tickled -- if you are ticklish keep this in mind and keep your body relaxed because tensing up from the tickling will make the pain from the tattoo more intense in my opinion.