Tegaderm is a sterile, breathable, waterproof, and germ-proof barrier to protect your new tattoo. Leave the Tegaderm on for 3-4 days. Do NOT lift it, change it, or remove it. 

The Tegaderm will protect your tattoo from infection, abrasion, irritation, and contamination while it is going through the most important part of its healing. It will also protect your clothes, sheets, and loved ones from coming into contact with excess ink, blood, and fluid that are the normal by-products of healing a tattoo. 

You can perform all your usual activities (including exercise) while the tattoo is covered with Tegaderm. Be sure not to rub your new tattoo excessively, or do anything vigorous that will scrape or peel the covering off. 

Showering will not affect the Tegaderm; it is reasonably waterproof. You can shower normally while healing, however, do not bathe or swim until your tattoo is fully healed. 

After 3-4 days, remove the Tegaderm by carefully peeling it off of your skin. Do NOT quickly tear it off, as this can cause skin irritation. The easiest way to soften the adhesive is to stand in a hot shower for several minutes and remove the covering in the shower.

 After removing the covering, rinse the tattoo thoroughly with warm water and wash, then rinse several times using antibacterial soap and warm water. Gently work any excess material off the surface of your skin using the palm of your hand while doing so. Do not use any washcloths, sponges, exfoliators, or brushes. 

After patting your tattoo with a clean towel, the skin should be shiny and dry. Apply a thin layer of unscented, colorless lotion for the next 7-10 days a few times a day or as needed (I recommend Eucerin, Aveeno, CeraVe, or Lubriderm). 

If your Tegaderm begins peeling up on the sides, but there is still fluid buildup under it, then the bandage is not compromised where water or moisture can get into it. Or if the seal of the Tegaderm has not been broken on the parts covering the tattoo, then you will not need to remove and replace it — the Tegaderm is working, and fluid buildup (even sweat from exercise) is okay.

However, if it is leaking fluid and the bandage is compromised, and water or moisture can get in to reach the tattoo, you need to remove and replace the Tegaderm. 

You can buy Tegaderm at Walgreens or CVS - it's a 3M brand. You’ll want to get the type similar to the one on you, not one that also has a cotton pad (like a Bandaid). 

Remove the current Tegaderm and rinse with lukewarm/room temp water - no soap or scrubbing. Pat the tattoo completely dry with a paper towel, 100% before replacing the new bandage. 

Then put a new bandage on the tattoo - using a little more than the tattoo's size (like how I had it to give it room to be sealed around the tattoo).

 If you have further questions or need additional guidance, please don’t hesitate to email me.