AAD dermatologist offers tips for tattoo care

In a press release from the American Academy of Dermatology, Bruce E. Katz, MD, FAAD, offered tips for keeping tattoos looking their best.

The Pew Research Center has reported that more than a third of Americans between the ages of 18 and 25 and approximately 40% of Americans between the ages of 26 and 40 have a tattoo, according to the press release.

In light of the prevalence of tattoos, Katz, a board-certified dermatologist, recommended the following practices for safely maintaining them:

If tattooed skin feels dry, apply a water-based lotion or cream; petroleum-based products such as petroleum jelly can fade ink.
Protect tattoos from the sun by applying a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes before going outside and reapplied at least every 2 hours.
Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. These devices may also fade ink and increase the risk of skin cancer. Additionally, the UV light can cause painful skin reactions in some people.
Visit a board-certified dermatologist if there is a skin reaction, or if tattooed skin is changing in any way. This can happen immediately after getting a tattoo or years later.
Only tattoo skin that is free of moles, as a tattoo can make it difficult to see the earliest signs of skin cancer.

For more information, a “Tattoos: How to Care” video can be found on the AAD website and the AAD’s YouTube channel.