Can I use Sudocrem on a tattoo to help healing? Pros, Cons, and Advice

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Medical Advisory: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have specific concerns or questions regarding your tattoo healing process, it is recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or your tattoo artist for personalised guidance.

Tattoos are not merely artistic expressions; they are also a form of self-expression that requires proper care during the healing process. Many individuals seek effective methods to ensure optimal healing and prevent complications. One question that often arises is whether Sudocrem, a popular antiseptic healing cream, can be used on tattoos to aid in the healing process. In this article, we will delve into this topic and explore the potential benefits and risks associated with using Sudocrem on tattoos.

Understanding Sudocrem and Its Uses

Sudocrem is a widely recognized over-the-counter cream that has been used for various skin conditions, such as diaper rash, eczema, and minor burns. It contains several active ingredients, including zinc oxide, benzyl alcohol, and benzyl benzoate, which possess antiseptic, soothing, and protective properties. Due to its healing properties, some individuals wonder if Sudocrem can be a helpful addition to their tattoo aftercare routine.

The Importance of Proper Tattoo Aftercare

Before addressing the potential use of Sudocrem on tattoos, it is crucial to highlight the significance of following proper tattoo aftercare practices. Tattooing involves the insertion of ink into the deeper layers of the skin, creating an open wound. To ensure optimal healing and prevent complications, it is essential to adhere to the aftercare instructions provided by the tattoo artist. These instructions often involve keeping the tattoo clean, avoiding excessive moisture or friction, and applying a recommended aftercare product, if advised.

The Pros and Cons of Using Sudocrem on Tattoos

While Sudocrem has shown efficacy in treating certain skin conditions, its use on tattoos is a topic of debate within the tattoo community. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

  • Antiseptic properties: Sudocrem contains antiseptic ingredients that may help prevent infection when applied to a healing tattoo.
  • Soothing effect: The cream’s ingredients, such as zinc oxide, can have a soothing effect on the skin, potentially reducing discomfort during the healing process.
  • Protective barrier: Sudocrem forms a protective barrier over the tattoo, shielding it from external irritants.

Cons:

  • Potential clogging of pores: Sudocrem has a thick consistency, which can potentially clog the pores of the healing tattoo, hindering proper airflow and slowing down the healing process.
  • Allergic reactions: Some individuals may have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients in Sudocrem, leading to adverse reactions when applied to a healing tattoo.
  • Interference with tattoo ink: The cream’s formulation may affect the vibrancy and longevity of the tattoo ink if applied too early in the healing process.

The Importance of Consulting a Medical Professional

Considering the potential risks and benefits, it is crucial to consult with a medical professional, such as a dermatologist or a tattoo artist, before using Sudocrem or any other product on a healing tattoo. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific needs and the condition of your tattoo.

Alternative Tattoo Aftercare Options

If Sudocrem is not recommended or if you prefer alternative options, there are various tattoo-specific aftercare products available in the market. These products are specially formulated to provide the necessary nourishment and protection for healing tattoos. Examples include fragrance-free tattoo balms or ointments containing natural ingredients like coconut oil or shea butter.

In Conclusion: Proceed with Caution

In the realm of tattoo aftercare, it is essential to prioritize caution and follow expert advice. While Sudocrem possesses certain properties that may benefit the healing process, it is essential to consider potential risks, consult a medical professional, and adhere to the aftercare instructions provided by your tattoo artist. Ultimately, the goal is to promote proper healing and preserve the integrity of your beautiful tattoo.

Medical Advisory: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have specific concerns or questions regarding your tattoo healing process, it is recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or your tattoo artist for personalised guidance.
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Andii

Lol ive got over 12 tattoos always use sudocrem and never had an issue with fade or infection. Just ensure you wear loose clothing on tge area you have tattooed not rubbing of clothing no chance of scratching. Just be careful as you would any tattoo

Nikita Mcclellan

What’s the best thing to use on a new tattoo I have never had one this one is my first and it mean a lot to me so I don’t want the colour to fade or the writing please help it’s 2 days ago I got it done and all I have used is water on it not to much but and it’s scabing that’s why I used water really need advise.

Kris lacey

Bepanthen is mainly the best cream. I use a neutral skin moisturiser daily on tattoo. After healed where no scabs left. Never let tattoo dry out colours will fade. Don’t use savkon and deffo never use sudocream it dries skin a lot Second sleeve nearly finished.

hannah

What do people suggest I use I got my tattoo about a week ago and used the stuff he told me to use buy my tattoo has got a bit infected n stabbed like crazy what can I use??

liam

Ive used sudocream on two of my tattoos now and havent had any problems with it and am now currantly using it now on my thrid tattoo

Dan Barnes

i didnt have bepanthen but am getting some tomorrow so i put sudocrem on my tattoo but only the once is that okay??

James B

Big NO on using Sudocrem for tattoos.
Yeah, its great for eczema, rashes, etc, as it is anti-inflammatory and anti-septic, however it DRIES OUT the skin – I use it for spots for this reason!
If you dry out a tattoo during the healing process it will scab up and fade, leaving you with a patchy tattoo which will have to be re-filled in.

Dani

I use a mix of sudocrem and a light, natural baby moisturizer for sensitive skin. Works for me.

Lisa's inks

Dont use sudocream as a tattoo artist myself I’ve had people come in after getting tattos of other artist who recommended sudocram and half the tattoo fads 🙁

AIGIL

Thank you SKULLSUGAR, as I just had my third tattoo done this weekend and Im using sudocrem and now my friend who also made a tattoo told me not to use it as it fade and not moisturoise the tattoo! well, i used it with my second tattoo and it is not faded at all, and, as u mentioned, it is waterproof so will protect the tattoo from soaking!! Many mentioned Bepanthene as aftercare because is a napy rash cream, well Sudocrem is ALSO a napy rash cream and heals much quicker than Bepanthene. I used with my 2 babys and, from experience, is much better and quicker. Im just glad that someone that is actually a professional, agrees about this aftercare cream.

tom

Preperation H ,but not the “gritty” one use the gel type

SkullSugar

Im a tattoo artist myself and my wife is a nurse and my mum was a pharmacist and some of my clients are doctors and we all used and still recommends SUDOCREM to treat’n fresh tattoos. Let’n any type of wound including fresh tattoos healing longer may be prone to infections. Let’n a tattoo heal quicker doesn’t affect anything, Sudocrem doesn’t make wounds/tattoos thick scab’n instead it produces thin scabs and so thin it looks as if its flakes. sudocrem is also waterproof so if you’de apply it on to your fresh tattoo guaranteed your tattoo is protected even for days even if you’de take showers it’ll still be there. I would highly recommend SUDOCREM as a tattoo aftercare

chris

who are these fools saying vasaline is ok for a tattoo? are you kidding me? vasaline has no healing properties, has paraphin in it and atracts all kinds of shite to your tattoo, i havent tried sudecrem but i hear it fades the tattoo, but i do know Bepanthen works for sure

fallenangel

Bepanthen is the best thing to use on new tattoos. It helps them scab over wuicker and it helps with the itching too

Dakota_rose

Sudocrem works well but I would recommend using Bepanthen,
Its similar stuff but in my experiance it works better,
That and it worked a charm on everyone i’ve seen use it better than sudocrem did.

MissTashaa-x

dont use sudocrem it makes it mosit and fades the colour of the tattoo when it eventually heals,, use preperation h or savlon 🙂

lindsay_jo_294

The best product out there that you can buy at any drug store is Aquaphor. Vasline, A&D Ointment, lotions and soaps can pull out the color.
http://www.smoothfx.com/Instructions_tattoo.html
http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/la-ink/kat_corner/tattoo-tips/tattoo-tips.html

LYNDA R

yes it would be okay,use in the same way as you would savlon or vaseline

Bunny

sodocrem really stings when put on raw skin. would it not be better to jusy leave for the night. do you have any tea tree or lavendar oil – put a few drops in water and use that instead to bathe area
Tea tree is natural antispetic, lavendar is antiseptic and also healing of raw areas – encourages scrapes/spots to heal over and dry

Theresa

Yes it should be, but you can use Vaseline too.

obrient59

I used vaseline it was the best!!!
Sudocream should be ok though!

blondie

Sudocrem is brilliant. I used it on my cat when he had his tail off. It wouldn’t heal at all with what the vet gave me but as soon as I used sudocrem it soon healed!!
I don’t know about tatoos though. Could it be a bit glubby, maybe?

marie s

go buy pile cream, seriously this is the best thing u can get

ROBERT A

I always use Preperation H on any new tattoos for the first seven days. It works great and keeps the colours bright. Ive never tried sudocrem so dont know.

mrsc

yes, that should be ok.