Ensuring proper healing is crucial for achieving a high-quality tattoo, and the use of appropriate care products is just as vital as the materials used during the tattooing process.
In recent years, companies have been exploring new technologies to improve the healing process, including the development of skin patches specifically designed for tattoo aftercare.
Originally designed for medical purposes, these patches have been increasingly used in the tattoo industry with promising results.
Despite their potential benefits, questions remain about the efficacy and potential risks associated with their use. Proper care and maintenance are also important considerations when using dermal patches for tattoo aftercare.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of dermal patches, their benefits and drawbacks, and best practices for their use.
General considerations about patches
The arrival of dermal patches in the world of tattooing has completely changed the way of thinking about tattoo healing.
In the article How to take care of a tattoo?, we tell you all about the traditional methods of caring for tattoos throughout their healing process.
But with the incorporation of this product, the curing time can be accelerated and even guarantee better durability of the inks.
Dermal patches are designed to adhere completely to the skin, acting as a vacuum sealer that not only promotes healing but also provides a protective barrier against harmful viruses and bacteria.
What makes these patches particularly innovative is that they are permeable, allowing oxygen to penetrate while preventing bacteria from entering. This is essential for the healing process, as a certain level of oxygen exposure is necessary for proper wound healing.
However, before using dermal patches, it is important to consider some key factors. For example, Saniderm is one of the most popular and widely used brands in the tattoo industry, although there are also other brands available, such as Unistar and Dermalize. These patches usually come in rolls, similar to plastic wrap, and can be cut to fit the size and shape of the tattoo area.
Manufacturers and dermatologists recommend using dermal patches for a maximum of 7 days to avoid potentially harmful effects and reduce the risk of infection.
The exact duration of use depends on the degree of skin trauma caused by the tattooing process, with realistic and color realism tattoos typically resulting in more trauma than other tattoo styles.
As a result, the duration of patch use may need to be adjusted depending on the individual case. For more information on this tattoo style, check out our guide on Realistic tattoos on How to tattoo color Realism?.
However, it is important to note that dermal patches are not intended to protect tattoos from the sun's harmful UV rays.
Despite a common misconception that they can provide adequate protection, it is crucial to avoid exposing a new tattoo to direct sunlight, particularly in the first few days after the tattooing process.
FAQ’s
1- How should it be placed?
The process of applying dermal patches is relatively straightforward. First, ensure that the area where the patch will be placed is clean and completely dry. After a tattooing session, use antiseptic foam or another disinfectant product to remove any bacteria from the area. With gloves on, thoroughly clean the area and wait for at least 30 minutes for it to dry completely.
Next, take the roll of patch material and cut it to the appropriate size.
TIP: Round off the corners to prevent the patch from peeling too easily.
Once the patch is cut to size, change gloves to avoid contamination, and remove the protective plastic that covers the adhesive side of the patch.
The patches typically come with "fins" or tabs to help with application. Center the patch over the tattoo and remove the remaining plastic, pressing down firmly to ensure there are no air bubbles or gaps.
It is important to note that the exact application process may vary depending on the specific brand and type of dermal patch being used, so always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
2- How should it be cared for?
Additionally, it is essential to avoid exposing the patch to excessive heat or cold, as extreme temperatures can affect its adhesion and effectiveness. It is recommended to avoid saunas, hot tubs, and long showers during the healing process.
If the patch comes off before the recommended time, it is critical to replace it with a new one to continue protecting the tattoo.
It is also important to note that every person's skin is different, so the effectiveness and duration of the patch may vary. It is recommended to consult a professional tattoo artist or dermatologist for personalized advice on aftercare products and methods.
3- How to remove it?
Some people recommend removing the patch while bathing and using warm or hot water to loosen the glue. To prevent the glue from sticking to the skin or tattoo, you should wash the area with soap using gentle, circular movements. However, be careful not to rub too hard to avoid causing any injuries.
4- Does the patch have to be renewed?
Although some people may think that it is not necessary, experts indicate that it is critical to remove the first patch after 24 hours. This is because the body expels plasma and excess ink that can get trapped in the patch, and these fluids can be beneficial for the first 24 hours of the healing process but can cause irritation if left trapped for longer.
To remove the first patch, it is indispensable to clean the area thoroughly, let it dry for 30 minutes, and then apply a second patch. The second patch can be kept on the skin for an additional 4 to 6 days, depending on the level of trauma to the skin. It is essential to follow the recommended timeframe of no more than a week of total patch use.
This process can be done in the studio the day after the session or taught to the client for home use. It is important to emphasize hygiene and safety when applying and changing the patches.
If any complications arise, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
Pros and cons of its use
Pros:
- It speeds up healing times wonderfully.
- It avoids rubbing against clothes, which makes it very useful on winter when people tend to wear many clothes.
- No scab forms and therefore prevents the ink from coming out too much. The colours are very vivid.
- Completely avoid contact with bacteria.
- It is good for clients who aren’t used to healing a tattoo or who cannot take the necessary rest.
- It prevents the client from scratching and creating a wound on the tattoo.
Cons:
- You can't exercise. A lot of movement, added to sweating, can cause the patch to come off.
- They are not suitable for very high temperatures. In summer, they are not recommended due to excessive sweating. The Saniderm patch indicates the ideal temperatures to use them.
- Do not swim or be exposed to water for a long time while using it.
Complications
1- The patch comes off.
It is possible that due to the client's skin type and healing process, or the style of tattooing, the client's skin may ooze a lot which could cause the tattoo to come off.
2- The tattoo looks ugly and has too much water.
Sometimes, excessive oozing can cause the patch to detach early. To prevent this, it's advisable to wait for 24 hours from the first application and observe how the skin reacts during this time.
If you notice any issues, you can remove the patch, disinfect the area, wash it with soap and water, and let it dry completely before applying a new patch.
However, keep in mind that the patch should only be used for a total of 7 days, starting from the first application to the time it's completely removed.
3- The patch causes irritation.
Typically, if you notice excessive oozing or the patch coming off, it's likely due to the tattoo releasing a lot of plasma and the patch not being changed during the 7-day period. While plasma is beneficial for healing in the first 24 hours, it can break down and have adverse effects in the following days.
To prevent this, it's recommended to remove the patch the next day and replace it with a new one.
On the other hand, irritation or itching can result from other factors, such as a lack of tolerance to the plastic adhesive.
Therefore, it's suggested to conduct an allergy test by applying a small piece of the patch on the client's skin and waiting for 20-30 minutes to observe any reactions.
4- The tattoo has become infected.
If you start experiencing pain, redness, or pus while wearing the patch, the first step is to check whether you've followed all of the care steps mentioned above.
If you have followed the steps, then it could be due to either the client's carelessness (such as sun exposure, not changing the patch despite noticing excessive plasma, exercising, leaving the patch on for too many days, etc.) or the tattoo artist's lack of caution when applying the material.
It's worth noting that the Saniderm patch, as well as other similar products, are medically designed to protect and care for tattoo wounds, making it unlikely for the patch to be the primary cause of infection.
What are your thoughts on this product? Have you heard of it before? Would you consider using it with your clients? Share your opinions in the comments below!