Swimming is a hobby many of us enjoy. Whether summer or winter, swimmers find a way to go for a swim every season. This delightful hobby is a fun way to pass your free time; a bonus is that it is also an exercise. Swimming can help you relieve stress and helps you feel relaxed. People used to this exercise find it very hard to stop, even for a while. So events that prevent our swimmers can be quite troublesome. One of these events can be getting a tattoo. Getting a new tattoo and going straight for a swim right after might not be the brightest move. You must ensure your tattoo is prepared before going into the water again.
Why is It Important to Cover Your Tattoo
Getting a new tattoo is one of the most thrilling and amazing feelings. It can be rather fulfilling, especially when the tattoo represents something meaningful to you. At the same time, taking care of it can be a bit challenging. A new tattoo means a fresh, open wound. This open wound can become quite problematic if it is not cared for. If you go for a swim with a new tattoo that is not covered properly, you may end up hurting yourself. Certain bacteria are present in pool water. If these bacteria come in contact with your open wound, they may cause an infection. The water damages your tattoo, which can cause pain and hurt. This can be problematic if you plan on swimming in the sea instead. Saltwater can also hurt your open wound. It can lead to itchiness and redness around your wound, ruining your swim. Swimming with a not yet healed tattoo can also mean that the tattoo gets ruined. If the area gets infected and there is moisture buildup, then when the area is healed after treatment, the design and shape of the tattoo might also be affected.
Before you can go for a swim, your tattoo needs to heal properly. This may take some time, depending on your tattoo. The tattoo will heal once it dries out. This means that a new layer of skin is formed. This will then heal the tattoo wound properly. So it is not safe to go swimming with a fresh new tattoo.
Threats of Swimming With New Tattoo
For better understanding, the following are the threats that can occur when you go into the water with your new tattoo that has not yet healed;
· Infection
There is a high infection rate when you go swimming with open wounds, and your new tattoo is an open wound. Bacteria in water can interact with your open wound and cause infections. This can be very painful and lead to additional costs. The bacteria is not only present in pool water but also in the sea. Pool water also has chlorine which can be harmful to your open wound.
· Irritation
Chlorine in pool water and saltwater in the sea can irritate the open wound. This can lead to redness and irritation on your tattoo. This can also be very painful.
· Damage Tattoo
The shape and design of your tattoo can get ruined if the area gets infected or irritated. It will not only damage your health but also damage your tattoo.
· Additional Costs
Damaging your tattoo can incur additional costs. You might have to remove or redo it, adding to the initial cost. Furthermore, if your wound gets infected, treatment of it will also require extra costs.
It is best to stay as far away from water as possible, but if you still insist on going in, you have to ensure that your tattoo is covered up nicely before you do so. This will help prevent your tattoo and your health from getting affected.
Waterproofing a Tattoo
To ensure that your tattoo does not get damaged and your wound stays safe, you must cover it properly. Here are some ways you can waterproof your tattoo;
· Waterproof Bandage
You can do this by applying a waterproof bandage on your tattoo. Now, what is a waterproof bandage? A waterproof bandage is a highly water-resistant bandage that prevents water from flowing through. It restricts water flow and is useful for protecting open wounds. This can be quite effective as it is small and can cover your properly.
· Clean Tattoo
Thoroughly clean the tattoo to keep it free of germs. You can also try using a tattoo-friendly soap. This will keep your tattoo perfectly clean, even underwater. Also, do not use harsh soaps to wash the area as it may cause itching or a rash. Only natural products should be used when cleaning the tattoo. This will prevent any itching or reactions from taking place.
· Sunscreen
More than just cleaning the tattoo is required; you should also apply good-quality sunscreen to the exposed areas around your tattoo. This will prevent sun damage. You should also check to see if the sunscreen you are applying is causing an allergy to your tattoo skin. So test the product before actually applying it to your skin.
· Plastic Wrap
Plastic wrap can also help cover your tattoo. With your tattoo stays dry and thoroughly cleaned. Apply a layer of ointment or moisturizer before applying the wrap. The layer of ointment should be thin, and the moisturizer should not be scented or strong. Then put gauze or paper towels on top. Together they form an airtight barrier. This limits the amount of moisture that can penetrate and affect your skin. In short, it’s the ideal way to reduce the risk of infection and speed up the healing process. It is better to use lesser wrap than more when covering. If you have hair where you got the tattoo, trim it so the plastic lies flat against your skin. Then, when you jump in the pool, your tattoo will remain fully protected, and the wrap will not come off.
· Loose Clothing
Wear loose, water-friendly clothing if you go swimming with a new tattoo. Loose clothes made of water-friendly materials do not adhere to the skin and can be less uncomfortable. These clothes will not get wet easily and thus will not stick to your skin. This way, they protect the skin and cover the tattoo.
· Avoid Longer Stay
The chances of you getting hurt increase the more time you spend in the water. No matter how much you have covered your tattoo, long periods of exposure can lead to problems. The wrap you put on the tattoo may also get damaged if you stay in the water for too long. It is riskier to stay for long periods. So it would be best to go for a quick swim if you must and come out as soon as possible.
· Aftercare
It is very important to get the tattoo cleaned after you take a swim. Once removed from the water, allow the tattoo to dry properly for a considerable time. Next, apply sunscreen or after-cream to your tattoo to prevent your skin from drying. When the water is gone, remove the plastic wrap as well. If it is allowed to stay on, it may cause re-infection.
These are all the methods you can apply to waterproof your tattoo to be able to swim, but it would be best to stay away from water as much as possible until your tattoo wound heals properly.
