When you get a tattoo, your skin becomes irritated and needs to be cared for, especially if you get a tattoo on a location that lies underneath a piece of clothing that can further irritate your skin, like your shoulder blade. If you have a tattoo on your shoulder blade, you must take precautions to protect both your tattoo and your body.

  • When you get a tattoo, your skin becomes irritated and needs to be cared for, especially if you get a tattoo on a location that lies underneath a piece of clothing that can further irritate your skin, like your shoulder blade.

Remove your protective bandage no sooner than one hour after your tattoo is applied to your skin. New tattoos wound your skin, and that skin must breathe in order for the tattoo to heal properly. The removal of the bandage is necessary in order for your skin to heal.

Wash your shoulder blade at least twice a day, concentrating on the area around your tattoo, with mild antibacterial soap and warm water. Use your fingertips only, as to not damage your skin, and be sure to remove any blood, as it will cause scabs to form over your tattoo. Scabbing can not only damage your skin, but mar your tattoo. After two weeks, once your tattoo is fully healed, you may use a soft washcloth to wash your shoulder blade.

Pat your shoulder blade dry with a clean, soft cloth or let it air dry.

Apply a thin layer of medicinal ointment to your tattoo using your fingertips two to three times a day. Do not apply any more ointment than this, as overexposure to medicinal ointments can lead to overhydration of your skin. Two to three days after your tattoo is applied to your skin, switch to a regular moisturiser, such as Eucerin, Jergens or vaseline Intensive Care.

Avoid scratching or picking at your tattoo as it will interfere with its healing process. Since your tattoo is on your shoulder blade, your shirt will gently rub against it if you choose to wear one. This is OK, but do not further irritate your skin by scratching your tattoo with your fingernails.

  • Pat your shoulder blade dry with a clean, soft cloth or let it air dry.
  • Avoid scratching or picking at your tattoo as it will interfere with its healing process.

Avoid tanning in tanning beds and keep out of the sun. Exposure to the sun may burn your skin and fade the colour of your tattoo. If you must go outside when it is sunny, apply sunblock to your tattoo, but only after your tattoo is fully healed.