New tattoo, when can I dive again?

[Dragon_Rckr_PR]

Just got my first tattoo (of a few I'm planning on) this past Saturday 10/5. The scabbing is almost healed, just a few bit to go for new skin to come through. I'm a fast healer :cool2:

Done some googling and some sources say 4wks :shocked2: while other say as soon as 1wk or the scabbing process is complete...many conflicting feedbacks :/

Wanted to do a dive in the morning before getting the tattoo but weather conditions weren't that good and the sea had low visibility. We've been having a lot of rain these past weeks, hurricane season and all.

How much longer should I wait before going diving again?

It's been 3wks since I can't dive due to the weather and I'm having bad withdrawal symptoms Living 10min from a the coast doesn't help at all haha

 

[PhilaDallas]

Please talk to your tattoo artist. I was told quite a while before salt water immersion, but don't know exactly why. Plus it was 10 years ago so I don't remember the exact amount of time. I do recall that my tattoos were more sensitive to sun even a year after getting them finished. I am sure you know to keep any work out of the sun for forever unless you want blown out line work.

 

[Dragon_Rckr_PR]

Please talk to your tattoo artist. I was told quite a while before salt water immersion, but don't know exactly why. Plus it was 10 years ago so I don't remember the exact amount of time. I do recall that my tattoos were more sensitive to sun even a year after getting them finished. I am sure you know to keep any work out of the sun for forever unless you want blown out line work.

It mostly because its an open wound and the bacteria could and will cause infection. Tattoo artist said about 2wks, just wanted more feedback to be sure. keeping it away from the sun would be a hard task, it's on my right forearm and live in PR where the sun is usually burning bright.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I would be willing to make a sacrifice and trade locations with you for a couple weeks to take care of that nasty old bright sun problem you have. It was 46 this morning and won't get above 70 today. Just cause I'm a nice guy and fellow inked person.

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

 

[claymore]

That issue should have been discussed by your artist. The biggest issue with new tattoos is infection and bleaching or washing out of the colors. After the tat is healed bleaching by the sun is the biggest issue. If you are out in the sun the tat should be covered with a tatto sunblock (spf 60) or similar sunblock. What is the point of spending money on a tattoo if you don't take care of it so it lasts.

 

[Dragon_Rckr_PR]

That issue should have been discussed by your artist. The biggest issue with new tattoos is infection and bleaching or washing out of the colors. After the tat is healed bleaching by the sun is the biggest issue. If you are out in the sun the tat should be covered with a tatto sunblock (spf 60) or similar sunblock. What is the point of spending money on a tattoo if you don't take care of it so it lasts.

It was discussed with him, as stated in the OP, but he was a bit doubtful with the answer and this why I posted the posted the question here to get feedback from fellow divers with ink. I'm not that exposed to the Sun, usually when either hiking or diving and use sunblock on both cases.

Wasn't aware of sunblock/sunscreen made for tats, thanks for bringing that up

---------- Post added October 10th, 2013 at 01:10 PM ----------

I would be willing to make a sacrifice and trade locations with you for a couple weeks to take care of that nasty old bright sun problem you have. It was 46 this morning and won't get above 70 today. Just cause I'm a nice guy and fellow inked person.

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

Hahah I'm cool, thanks for offering work from 9-6pm, the sun is hanging low at the end of the shift at this time of year so it's not that much of a problem. btw the water down here is at 86F on average, just rubbing it in

not that found of very cold weather, have some trouble when we hit 70'sF :/

 

[Wingy]

Most importantly is keeping out the sun. Diving with really fresh ink (as in done the day before) under a wetsuit where you are immersed for prolongue periods is just asking for infections. A dip in saltwater a few days after when the scabbing is just starting does more good than harm as long as its a short swim not an hour dive...with a tshirt on to keep it out of the sun, if you have to go in the water. By about day 10 you should be well and truly healed.

 

[monoxide]

I waited about 2 months or so but that's only because every week I was getting a new tattoo. But 2-3 weeks it should be fully healed and be able to go under water.

 

[Dragon_Rckr_PR]

Most importantly is keeping out the sun. Diving with really fresh ink (as in done the day before) under a wetsuit where you are immersed for prolongue periods is just asking for infections. A dip in saltwater a few days after when the scabbing is just starting does more good than harm as long as its a short swim not an hour dive...with a tshirt on to keep it out of the sun, if you have to go in the water. By about day 10 you should be well and truly healed.

Thanks! That falls within the 2wk range I was given by the tattoo artist. Should be able to hit the water by next weekend then

 

[down4fun]

2 weeks to be safe. It's not just the infection you are worried about. Emersion in water can soften any scabs that you still have and cause them to come loose possibly lifting ink with them resulting in an uneven tattoo or at worst blank section where all the ink was lifted. This lifting of the scab also now provides you with an open wound and the potential for infection. As a nurse, i tell post op patients no swimming for two weeks to ensure the incision is healed. Tats are the same. Having quite a bit of ink work myself I wouldn't want to risk it by diving too soon. 2 weeks should be good.