Alabama Administrative Code
Title 420 - ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF HEALTH
Chapter 420-3-23 - BODY ART PRACTICE AND FACILITIES
Appendix D - Site Care Instructions

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Healing time for piercing and tattooing varies from person-to-person. The rate of infection is minimal if the aftercare is followed appropriately. It is very important to remember not to touch the pierced or tattooed site without first washing your hands. Normal body reactions to piercing and/or tattooing may include: redness, swelling, and/or minor discomfort at the site. If after 48 hours more severe complications occur (increased redness, swelling or hardness at the site, pus-like drainage, onset of fever, and/or prolonged pain at the site or respiratory difficulty following tongue piercing), contact your personal physician or dentist (following oral piercing).

PIERCING INFORMATION:

1. Do NOT remove jewelry except as instructed. Many people think that jewelry can be removed after a few days or weeks. This is not true. Problems with re-insertion and with the healing process may occur if jewelry is removed too soon. Usual recommendations are for jewelry NOT to be removed for at least 6 months to a year. If jewelry must be removed for medical reasons, call the piercer or your physician and arrange to have it removed.

2. Never handle the piercing without first washing your hands.

3. Avoid being too rough with the piercing. This could traumatize the tissue at the site.

4. Clean the pierced site as instructed. Do not over-clean using too many or inappropriate cleaning agents.

5. Avoid swimming in rivers, lakes, or hot tubs until the piercing site has completely healed.

TATTOOING INFORMATION:

1. Keep the new tattoo site bandaged for approximately 2 hours.

2. Wash hands prior to changing bandage.

3. Carefully remove bandage and wash entire area with a mild soap and cool water. Dry the area and apply an antibiotic ointment using a very thin coat. Apply 2-4 times daily for at least three days.

4. Do NOT re-bandage the tattoo, as it could stick to the bandage and damage could occur.

5. Avoid sunburn, salt or chlorine water, or hot tubs until your tattoo is completely healed.

6. In the event mild scabbing occurs, DO NOT pick at or attempt to "wash off". Allow the scabs to slough off naturally. You may apply a mild skin lotion to keep "flaking" to a minimum.

7. Note: In the first weeks, the colors in your new tattoo may look "hazy" or not as bright as they did when it was first applied. Do not be alarmed, it is a normal course of healing and will clear up in a few short weeks.

IMPORTANT: ANY COMPLICATIONS OR SIGNS OF INFECTION SHOULD BE REPORTED IMMEDIATELY. (Additional site-specific information sheets may be given to you as needed.)

Authors: Ronald Dawsey, Charlotte Denton

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, § 22-17A-7.