Derm Shield is a clear film adhesive bandage that is water-resistant and serves as a protective outer layer for your fresh tattoo. Think of it as an artificial blister which functions to contain your healing skin and body fluids just like a real blister would.

Step-by-Step Aftercare

1. Leave the first piece of Derm Shield on for 8 to 24 hours depending on fluid build up: It is normal for fluid to build up under the bandage, especially with color tattoos. If you still see significant fluid retention after the first 24 hours, remove and replace the bandage. Otherwise, if only a small amount of fluid can be seen, which your body should reabsorb, you can leave this first bandage on for a full 7 days.

2. Removing the bandage & cleaning your tattoo: If a second bandage is necesarry, remove the first bandage in the shower using hot water and mild liquid soap for best results. Derm Shield is stretchy and should peel off easily. Clean the tattoo gently - do not scrub. Liquid Dial Gold Soap or Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Castile Liquid Soap works well for cleaning. Do not use bars of soap as they can pick up and spread harmful bacteria from the surfaces they are placed on.

3. Drying your tattoo before applying a second bandage: After your shower, let the tattoo air dry or gently dab it with a clean towel or paper towel. Do not use lotion or any other topical additives at this stage as it will prevent the second piece of Derm Shield from sticking properly.

4. Applying the second Derm Shield bandage: Peel the white side off first to reveal the sticky side. Do not let it fold onto itself, as it cannot be separated once stuck. Carefully place it over the tattoo, pressing down in the center first and smoothing outward to avoid bubbles. Then, find the orange/yellow seam to remove the clear plastic layer.Bubbles or creases will not affect healing—they are just cosmetic. If applied perfectly, the bandage will be nearly invisible.

5. How long to wear the second bandage: This bandage should be worn for 4 to 6 days. If your tattoo seeps fluid under this bandage, remove it and apply a third bandage for another 3 to 5 days. When removing the bandage, you may notice an imprint of your tattoo on it - this is normal and does not mean ink has been pulled from your tattoo. Traditional healing methods would shed this layer in the shower, but Derm Shield traps it under the bandage.

6. Optional third bandage & final healing stage: A third bandage is optional. Use it if the first two bandages filled with excess fluid. Apply it if your tattoo still feels like it’s healing after removing the second bandage. After removing all bandages, your tattoo should be past the scabbing phase. It may lightly peel, similar to sunburned skin. You can apply a small amount of lotion to help with flaking and to keep your tattoo looking fresh and your skin healthy.

   Things To Be Aware Of

   If you notice redness, bumps, swelling, or irritation around the edges of your Derm Shield bandage, but not in or immediately around your tattoo, this could be a sign that your skin is having a negative reaction to the bandage itself, and it is generally advised to remove it. You could use your own discretion in determining the severity of the reaction and if you want to remove the bandage for yourself, but it may be more beneficial in this situation to seek the advise of a medical professional.

   Be sure to also monitor your tattoo for general signs of infection like intense redness, swelling, if the tattoo feels hot and/or painful to the touch, intense and painful scabbing, the presence of pus, or a foul odor coming from your tattoo. If you suspect your tattoo may have become infected or you notice the presence of any or all of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Don’t wait!

   Need Help? If you have any questions about aftercare, email me at gigstattoos@gmail.com.