How long after a Tattoo Can You Swim in Chlorine
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If you’re fond of swimming, but recently you have got a tattoo, then you’ll have to keep swimming on hold. Oh, don’t panic, only for a while, you have to keep swimming on hold.
But why?
It is because your tattoo is a wound. Remember that your body undergoes mild trauma during the tattoo procedure that leaves your skin wounded. And like any other open wound, a tattoo wound has to be seriously taken care of.
Your new tattoo requires serious aftercare. It protects it from external damage, and in particular, from issues like infection. If you don’t take care of your tattoo at the initial stage, you’re likely to risk obnoxious stuff getting into your cut, and therefore into your bloodstream.
Besides, the risk of leaking or diluting the ink of your new tattoo increases. A small mistake can turn an incredible tattoo into a not-so-good piece. Long story short, you have to take care of your new tattoo. Not only is taking long showers or trying to swim with a dressing on your skin annoying, but also risky.
So, how long should you wait?
Well, not so long, of course! It’s just a matter of 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the size of your tattoo. It might seem like a long time, but it’s essential for your tattoo healing.
If you think you can swim with your bandage on your skin, then you’re mistaken. If you swim, the water may seep in, or the dressing can fall off. So, it’s better not to do it at all until your tattoo healing procedure is over.
Sometimes you may have to wait for long, mostly when not all flaking and peeling is finished or when not all scabs have fallen off because it is even riskier to swim with flakes and scabs. Chlorine-based pool water or bacteria-infested pond or lake can cause infection or damage your tattoo.
How long after a tattoo can you swim in chlorine?
Once your tattoo is healed completely, you’re all set to swim. And a tattoo isn’t considered fully healed until a new layer of protective skin has grown over it. Usually, a tattoo heals in 4-6 months or even more, depending upon the size and the placement of your tattoo. Until then, your tattoo is at risk to all elements, such as infection, sun, bacteria, chemicals, pollution, etc.
On an upper layer, it generally takes around 4-6 weeks to heal. Healing time depends on how well you took care of your new tattoo and the area of skin surrounding it. Complete healing of all the layers of tattooed skin takes up to 4-6 months. But in 4-6 weeks, your tattoo will appear healed from outside. With proper precautions, you can take a long bath, go swimming, or relax in a hot tub.
Before that, submerging your new tattoo should be avoided completely. It simply delays the tattoo’s healing process. It is crucial to keep a new tattoo away from too much water, and it is imperative! Keeping your new tattoo in water is like harming your tattoo by yourself. You should avoid doing it at all costs.
Steps to keep your tattoo dry
Even after your tattoo is healed, it is recommended to take good care of it, mainly when you swim. Here are the tips:
Use a protectant to keep your tattoo dry. Protectants like Tegaderm are considered good for tattoos. It will provide you protection against the sun and pollution; however, the water can still seep in. Using plastic wrap taped with waterproof bandages can help you avoid water from seeping in.
After getting out of the water, immediately clean your tattoo with a chemical-free tattoo cleanser.
Once you have cleaned your tattoo, moisturize it with an aftercare lotion.
CLOSING THOUGHT
Now you know how long after a tattoo can you swim in chlorine. Waiting for swimming may seem a task at first, especially when you are fond of swimming. But you need to wait until your tattoo is healed fully.
Happy Tattooing… ☺ ☺
