Tattoo Aftercare — Nü Plague Tattoo Studio (Fort Myers, FL)

Professional Guide to Healing Your Tattoo Safely & Preserving Your Ink

Welcome to the official aftercare guide of Nü Plague Tattoo Studio in Fort Myers, Florida. These instructions will help you heal your tattoo properly, reduce complications, and keep your tattoo looking vibrant for years to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tattoo Aftercare (Short & Simple)

Night of Weeping

The morning after your tattoo, wash your hands, rinse the tattoo with lukewarm water, and wipe gently with a clean wet paper towel until it is no longer slippery. This removes dried plasma that can form thick scabs and pull ink out.

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Aquaphor (Days 1–2)

Apply a very thin layer of Aquaphor — rub it in like lotion, not a thick coat. Use it only for the first 48 hours.

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Dry Healing (Days 3–14)

Your tattoo will peel and flake like a sunburn. Do not pick or scratch. Wash with your hand only. Pat dry after every wash.

Itching Relief

If itching becomes intense, spray Bactine into your hand and pat it gently onto the tattoo.

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1. First 24 Hours: The Weeping Stage

Your tattoo will release plasma, excess ink, and lymphatic fluid overnight — this is normal.

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What To Do the Next Morning

• Wash your hands
   

• Rinse the tattoo with lukewarm water
   

• Gently wipe with a clean wet paper towel until the tattoo is not slippery
   

This prevents plasma from hardening into thick scabs that damage the tattoo and cause fading.

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​​​​2. Days 1–2: Aquaphor Healing Method

After cleaning, apply a very thin layer of Aquaphor.

Why Only a Thin Layer?

• Too much ointment suffocates the skin
   

• Over-moisturizing causes breakouts or irritation
   

• Tattoos heal faster with oxygen exposure
   

Apply Aquaphor twice per day , after wiping, for 48 hours, then stop.

 

3. Days 3–14: Dry Healing Phase

This is where the majority of healing happens.

What To Expect

• Flaking
   

• Peeling
   

• Itching
   

• A cloudy or dull appearance
   

Do NOT:

• Pick flakes
   

• Scratch
   

• Expose to sun or go to beach
   

• Submerge in water (no pools, ocean, hot tubs, or baths)
   

• Use scented lotions
   

• Rub with towels, loofahs, or washcloths
   

Allow the skin to shed naturally to protect your tattoo’s pigment.

 

4. Showering Instructions

You may shower normally, but:

• Wash with your hand only
   

• Use lukewarm water
   

• Avoid scrubbing
   

• Pat dry with a paper towel — never rub
   

Rubbing creates micro-damage and can pull out healing pigment.

 

5. Tattoo Itching Relief

Itching is completely normal.

To relieve it:

• Spray Bactine into your hand
   

• Pat gently onto the tattoo
   

• Allow it to air-dry
   

Do not scratch under any circumstances.

 

6. Healing: Normal vs. Not Normal

Normal Signs of Healing

• Light redness
   

• Mild soreness
   

• Flaking or peeling
   

• Cloudy/milky appearance
   

• Light scabbing
   

• Itching
   

Signs of Possible Infection

Contact us or a medical professional if you notice:

• Spreading redness
   

• Severe swelling
   

• Hot, painful skin
   

• Yellow or green discharge
   

• Fever or chills
   

• Sharp, increasing pain
   

• Rash or allergic reaction
   

 

7. Long-Term Tattoo Care

Once your tattoo is fully healed (2–4 weeks):
 

• Moisturize regularly
   

• Avoid excessive sun exposure
   

• Avoid abrasive exfoliants
   

• Stay hydrated
   

Sun exposure is the #1 cause of tattoo fading, especially in Florida.

 

8. Tattoo Aftercare for Fort Myers Climate

Florida’s humidity affects tattoo healing:

• Avoid heavy sweating for the first 2–3 days
   

• Keep the tattoo clean and dry
   

• Do not spend long periods outdoors immediately after getting tattooed
   

• Dry healing works extremely well in humid climates
   

 

9. Tattoo Aftercare FAQ

How long does a tattoo take to heal?
2–4 weeks depending on skin type, placement, and care.

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Why does my tattoo look cloudy or milky?
- This is the normal “peeling stage” of skin regeneration.

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Can I work out with a new tattoo?
- Avoid heavy sweating, stretching, or friction for 3–5 days.

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Can I swim with a new tattoo?
- Absolutely not. No pools, ocean, or tubs for at least 2 weeks.

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What if my tattoo sticks to my clothes or sheets?
- Gently peel the fabric away and continue aftercare.

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When can I use lotion?
- After your tattoo has completely peeled — and only use unscented, gentle lotion.

 

10. Contact Nü Plague Tattoo Studio

For questions or concerns about your healing tattoo:

Nü Plague Tattoo Studio
(239) 245-8251

@nuplague_tattoo 
13550 Reflections Pkwy Fort Myers, Fl, 33907