Tattoo is an ancient art form. The name ‘tattoo’ comes from the Samoan word “tatau”.

A tattoo is a form of body modification where a design is made by inserting ink, dyes and pigments, either indelible or temporary, into the dermis layer of the skin to change the pigment. The art of making tattoos is tattooing.

Long time ago only some persons had tattoos. In some societies tattoos where a tool for branding criminals, in others where used for decorative purposes and in other societies to mark the heir of the throne.

What materials do the tattoo artists use to make tattoos?

The first tattoos used homemade inks made from ash or soot, mixed with oil or breast milk.

Samoan tattoos ink was made from the candlenut, which was left to smolder on hot fire. Soot was collected from the burning nut and mixed with sugar or water.

The first electric tattoo machine was invented after the invention of electric pen. The ink used in this period was made using geological or mineral sources. Iron oxide and carbon were used to make black ink, while cinnabar was used for red ink.

Nowadays tattoo artists use organic pigments.

The tattoo artist uses a machine with one or more needles to make the tattoo. You may feel pain or bleeding may occur because the needles pierce your skin and insert tiny droplets of ink.

A professional tattoo machine

What are the bad things that can happen when you make a tattoo?

A permanent tattoo is an art, a unique design picked by you, to be in a specific part of your body for the rest of your life. Making a tattoo is simple. You go on the studio and the tattoo artists do the job. But sometimes problems can happen. Let’s mention some:

1. Allergic reactions – usually allergic reactions comes from tattoo dyes.
2. An infection of the skin.
3. Inflammation around the area of the tattoo.
4. A bloodborne disease – occurs when the machine used to make the tattoo is contaminated with infected blood. In this case some diseases tend to happen (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus etc.).

How we can avoid this?

To make the tattoo you should choose a tattoo art studio that has a proper hygiene.

The tattoo artist should:

• Wash the hands properly before the procedure;
• Wear a new pair of gloves before making the tattoo;
• Have an autoclave, needed for the sterilization of the equipment’s.
• Use an unused needle.

Before the procedure

• Don’t take aspirin or ibuprofen 24 hours before

• Wear comfortable clothes

• Disinfect the tattoo area and razor to remove any hair

Aftercare

After the tattoo artist finishes the tattoo he should clean the tattooed skin, put a thin layer of petroleum and wrap it up with a plastic wrap.

Keep the dressing on for a few hours. Before you remove it wash your hands properly. Wash the tattoo with a cleanser recommended by your tattoo artist or with a gentle soap. Use alcohol free cleanser. Pat dry the area. Don’t rub it.

If you fill itching, this is normal, use a moisturizer.

Avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks after the tattoo is made.

Avoid swimming.

Avoid wearing tight clothes.

If you want to have a shiny tattoo use coconut oil.

Contact your doctor if:

• You have swelling after the first couple of days;
• A green or yellow pus is created;
• You feel a strange odor.

Aftercare products

1. EasyTattoo Aftercare Healing Cream is formulated to prevent skin irritation and infection after getting a tattoo. It contains vitamin B5 known for its soothing properties. This cream has moisturizing, soothing and protecting properties.

2. Bepanthen cream or ointment is a product that contains dexpanthenol, which is converted in the skin in pantothenic acid. It has a soothing and cooling effect. It is used for treating irritated and overstressed skin.

3. EasyTattooPro Petroleum Jelly Monodose has moisturizing and soothing properties. It can be used several times per day on the tattoo to avoid irritation or infection.