Saniderm Removal

You can remove the bandage between 1 hour to 7 days-whatever you’re comfortable with. Do not wear past 7 days. I recommend wearing between two to five days. 

If you are allergic to adhesive or have sensitive skin, Saniderm or any other medical adhesive may cause a reaction. Signs of a reaction are swelling around the edge of the bandage, burning sensation or even pain. If a reaction is suspected, please remove the bandage and begin the normal aftercare procedure on page 2.

It is NORMAL for some bleeding and ink to “puddle” inside the bandage. If your bandage is leaking with plasma (blood), go ahead and remove.

1. To remove Saniderm, find an edge of the bandage and pull it back over itself in the direction of hair growth. The shower is the ideal place to remove Saniderm. Running water will help loosen the adhesive and relax the skin, making the removal much more comfortable. Dry removal of Saniderm may cause discomfort and added trauma to the skin. You can use coconut oil or soap to help the bandage loosen as well.

2. Discard the used bandage and wash the tattoo with a mild soap, preferably fragrance-free. Liquid dial soap or any antibacterial hand soap will suffice .

3. Allow the tattoo to air dry or pat dry with a clean towel.

4. If desired, apply a thin layer of aftercare product to your tattoo. If you have naturally oily skin or live in a high humidity climate, feel free to skip this step. Otherwise, use a thin layer of petroleum-free moisturizer such as Aquaphor, to help the tattoo retain moisture and itch relief. If you plan on applying another bandage, apply the product to the tattoo only and avoid getting it on the surrounding skin. Saniderm does not adhere well to wet/moist skin.

Wash the tattoo with warm water and mild anti-bacterial soap 

• Do not re-bandage the tattoo.

• Do not apply Vaseline, lanolin or petroleum based products.

• Do not apply alcohol. Do not rub, scratch, or pick at the tattoo.

• Do not expose the tattoo to direct sunlight, swim or soak in sauna, steam bath or bathtub for two weeks.

• Be sure clothing touching your tattoo is clean and soft. If stuck to tattoo, moisten the clothing for several minutes before removing.

A tattoo is considered minor surgery.  It may bleed a bit at first but it will stop within a couple of hours.  Most artists recommend that the tattoo be kept bandaged for at least one to five hours.  If the gauze sticks to the skin, soak the area with cold water until the gauze loosens, then remove carefully.  Once the tattoo is exposed, wash it carefully in cold water, gently applying antibacterial soap with fingers (never use a cloth) to remove all surface blood.  Rinse with cold water, pat dry with a clean towel, and air-dry for fifteen minutes.  Then, gently and sparingly apply a thin layer of ointment provided or recommended that you purchase.  Repeat 3 or 4 times a day for 7 to 10 days.  After 5 to 14 days the tattoo may start to peel (this is normal – like a sunburn) and scab.  DO NOT pick or peel the skin away.  Let it fall off naturally during washing or application.  Fresh skin will soon replace the dead skin.  Colors may fade during the process, but will return when healing is complete.  Lotion and similar like products keep your tattoo from drying and the skin areas soft and moist. Always apply sparingly, too much prevents the skin/tattoo from breathing and can cause leaching of the colors.  If this happens discontinue use, wash the tattoo, pat dry and consult your tattoo artist at your earliest convenience.  After a few weeks all scabbing will be gone, but the area may still be sensitive.  Exposure to the sun is the major cause of tattoo fading, but after a few months you may sunbathe in moderation.  Always use sunblock (at least SPF-30 sunscreen that provides UVA and UVB protection) 

If you suspect infection, please contact artist and/or seek medical attention immediately

Wearing Saniderm While Showering, Swimming, and Exercising

Showering while wearing Saniderm is fine, but it’s best to keep the time spent in the shower to a minimum. Water may weaken the adhesive of the bandage, which allows for unwanted contaminants to enter the bandage, putting you at higher risk for infection. It’s also important to keep an eye on the temperature of the water. Too much heat can separate the bandage from the skin, inflame the skin, and irritate the tattoo.

For these reasons, bathing, swimming, or fully submerging a tattoo dressed in Saniderm is strongly discouraged. Light exercise while wearing Saniderm is fine, but avoid activity that causes excessive sweating. Just as water will weaken the adhesion of the bandage, so will sweat and any other significant amount of fluid. Try to keep the bandage as clean and dry as possible until it’s time to remove it.