Getting a tattoo can be painful. You are, after all, having ink injected under the skin with a needle. Some liken the experience to getting a series of medical shots or being stung repeatedly by a bee while others say it’s more like a light pinching sensation. The pain experienced depends heavily on personal pain levels and also on where on the body the tattoo is being placed.
If you freak out when giving blood or when you get a paper cut, then expect to find the tattooing experience pretty painful. You probably do not want to select a large or detailed pattern. Go with something simple and remember that the pain does not last long. If you slam your finger with a hammer and shake it off or if you gave birth and didn’t think it was all that bad, then you’ll find tattooing pain pretty minimal. Most folks find the pain pretty bearable, and many go back for more tattoos after the first.
As a rule, men find the least painful areas to be tattooed are the arm, back, or behind while women rate the thigh, shoulder, and behind as the most easily tolerated. The spine is a painful spot for both men and women, while women also have problems with the ankle and ribcage. Men note that the abdomen and chest are less tolerable areas for tattoos when it comes to pain levels. The less fat cushion, the more likely the spot will be higher in terms of pain.
After Getting a Tattoo
Remember that a tattoo is an open wound and treat it as such. In many cases, the tattoo will look pink or reddish where blood has leaked out during the process. You are dealing with an injury even though it’s one you selected and should be committed to dealing with.
Here are some care tips:
Wash the area with a mild antibacterial soap and use a soft towel to blot the area. Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide even if you typically use these products for other skin injuries. These products dry out the tattoo and can decrease the quality of the end tattoo.
Dab an antibacterial ointment on the tattooed area. Petroleum jelly is too sticky and locks in moisture so that the area can’t breath.
Vitamin E is a good choice if you prefer herbals over medical products. You can buy oils or buy capsules and break them open and rub the liquid on the tattoo.
Be gentle when cleaning and dressing the tattoo. Do not pick at the area and do not peel of scabs. Give the area time to heal. Nature does a good job in this process.
If the tattoo area begins to swell or look red, try an ice pack. If the problem continues, see a medical doctor. You may have an infection.