How to Heal Blisters After Tattoo Laser Removal
Laser tattoo removal treatments can leave you with a burn that you should treat like a sunburn, according to TattooHealth.org. You can control the general symptoms of the burn by applying 1 percent hydrocortisone cream, drinking plenty of water and taking ibuprofen.
Laser tattoo removal treatments can leave you with a burn that you should treat like a sunburn, according to TattooHealth.org. You can control the general symptoms of the burn by applying 1 percent hydrocortisone cream, drinking plenty of water and taking ibuprofen. However, if blisters emerge, you will need to take special care measures. Your blisters will heal on their own eventually, but you should take steps to prevent infection and accelerate the healing process.
Step 1
Leave unbroken blisters uncovered by bandages. If they break open, leave the flap of skin in place over the underlying layers of skin, and cover them with a loose bandage. Do not extend the bandage to its full length or touch the gauze pad of the bandage to the blister; instead, gently press the adhesive strips on either side of the blister and allow the bandage's pad to "hover" a few millimeters over the wound. The goal here is to prevent particulates from the environment from drifting into the wound, but to still allow air flow.
Step 2
Apply antibiotic ointment to broken blisters several times a day to prevent infection. Also, wash your fingers with soap and water before touching a broken blister. Touch or rub the blisters as infrequently as possible while they heal.
Step 3
Watch for signs of infection. According to the University of Michigan Health System, these signs include increased swelling, pain and redness around the blister; fever; swollen lymph nodes in your groin, armpit or neck; and/or pus drainage from the blister or red streaks leading away from it. Consult your doctor immediately if any of these signs appear.
Tip
Follow all instructions given to you by your doctor and laser treatment specialist.