Tattoos and Swimming (Page 2)

I waited 4 weeks before getting in the pool after mine and I think it was a great decision.  Mine is mostly color, so I wanted to take every precaution.  I got it in October and it is fully healed and looks amazing now.  It's actually on page 32 of Triathlete Magazine's May issue if you're interested ;D

On the tagaderm, I'd be very careful.  My artist said to keep it covered in the bandage for the first 1-2hrs or so and then clean and moisturize twice daily.  She said the WORST thing you can do is seal it in saran wrap like many artist/clients do.  It is an open wound, so it must be kept clean, but it also needs to heal naturally.

I used Aquaphor after many people suggesting it.  Great product.

Just had one done about a month ago now.  My artist said to let if finish peeling before I got in the water again.. He said it could take anywhere between 7-10 days.  I have color in mine so I was extra cautious to make sure it healed properly.  Other then that Im with what a lot of other people are saying dont cover it, it is wound that needs to heal naturally.  My artist said to put either a&d ointment or some baby type lotion on it to let it heal better and I only had my covered for a couple hours after I got it to stop the bit of bleeding I had. 

As to why I got my tattoos.  The first one is a Celtic symbol for guidance (my family has a strong Irish heritage) and the second one I just recently got is a symbol of my accomplishment in meeting my goals in running, and can be expanded if I choose later to incorporate my meeting my goals in Tri. For everyone its a personal decision that most of us dont take lightly.  Both my tatts have a lot of meaning for me.

At first I thought this was going to be about tatoos making you FASTER in the swim! 

Would you stay out of the pool for 7-10 days for other cuts/skin wounds?  I am planning on getting my fourth in a week or so and was planning on going to the pool as soon as a regular shower over the area didn't hurt (likely 2-3 days).  The artists may recommend 2 wks, but are there really any horror stories out there about a tat getting ruined?  Might be a lot more "better safe than sorry" in the recommendation then really necessary.  I think once the ink is in there, nothing is going to effect it other than a laser.

-Mike

Totally agree with this!! 

x2.  Wait until the peeling and scabs are done.  I have a LOT of tattoo work, and this is the best advice because it factors in different healing times.  I usually wait 3 weeks.