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The best souvenir to make in Phuket is a tattoo, an art element that will last forever to remind you of your presence in paradise. However, that being said, you are on an island whose waters are known to be turquoise, with a blazing sun. What do you like the most: healing your fresh wound or spending time on your holiday?

This is something we struggle with at Siam Ink. The climate in Thailand, being tropical, offers some special challenges to healing tattoos, such as excessive exposure to UV rays and high humidity. This guide provides responses to the strictest questions on how you can prevent damaging your vacation with your new ink.

The Big Question: Can I swim in the ocean or pool with my fresh tattoo?

The short answer is no. It is strongly advised to avoid immersing a fresh tattoo in water (ocean, pool, or bathtub) within 2-4 weeks or until the tattoo is completely healed (no scabs, no peeling).

• The ocean hazard: Beautiful is the Andaman Sea, yet alive with bacteria. A fresh tattoo is basically an open wound. When it gets submerged in seawater, the chances of getting a serious infection (such as Vibrio bacteria) are far higher. Moreover, salt water is a natural exfoliant and may attract ink, which will cause patchy healing.
• The Pool Risk: The Hotel pools may appear clean, but they are chemically treated with chlorine and other highly potent chemicals. These may have chemical irritating effects (contact dermatitis), they may sting, and leave your tattoo too dry to dry on.

Can I use a waterproof bandage (like Saniderm or “Second Skin”) to swim?

We advise caution. Although products such as Saniderm, Tegaderm, or Second Skin are excellent at keeping your tattoo type off the friction and the dirt, that is no excuse to go swimming all day.

• Why it is risky: The seal can easily break even in case of the slightest movement (which frequently occurs with motion, sweat, or even the oils of sunscreen), leaving dirty water in the bandage that is against your open wound. This gives a greenhouse effect to bacteria, accelerating infection.
• The Decision: Waterproof bandages will also keep your tattoo dry in a quick shower or accidental splashes, but should not be considered when it comes to snorkelling or laps in the swimming pool.

How do I protect my fresh tattoo from the Phuket sun?

The enemy of a fresh tattoo is the sun. UV rays can blister fresh ink, and the pigment particles can be broken down, which results in the ink spreading or fading away.

• Sunscreen when: You cannot put sunscreen on a tattoo that is not healed (opened/scabbing). Sunscreen is also painful to the wound because it contains chemicals.
• Do cover up: A Physical barrier is the best. Bring loosely fitting and breathable clothing. The Thai climate is most appropriate for linen shirts, sarongs, or loose cotton pants. They prevent the sun and allow airflow.
• Seek Shade: When you are at a beach club or inside a boat, you should be under the umbrella/cover as much as you can.

It’s hot and humid here. How do I handle sweat?

It is humid in Thailand, and you would sweat. A fresh tattoo may belong to the irritant group of sweat and bacteria.

• Keep it Clean: When you are overheated, first scrub your tattoo with clean water and fragrance-free antibacterial soap as soon as you get to your hotel. Wipe it off with a clean piece of paper towel; do not rub.
• Avoid Over-Moisturizing: When you are in humid places such as Phuket, there is not much drying up that occurs in cold places. When you use excess aftercare balm (such as Bepanthen or coconut oil), it cuts into your pores, causing them to be bubbled or pimply on the tattoo. Apply a very thin layer.
• Air Conditioning: Your tattoo likes time in your air-conditioned hotel room; in fact, that is really nice. The drier climate with lower temperatures facilitates the healing process. Dry healing eliminates the risk of contamination.
• Avoid Panicking: Do not have a frenzy and do not touch or clean it. The ink can be scraped and result in a scar. Run out of the beach and find clean running water (bottled drink or a shower). Wet the part with your clean hand and water, and carefully wipe the sweat off. Wet using antibacterial soap, towel off with a paper towel, and wrap it with loosely fitting clothes.

So, when is the best time to book my appointment?

In case you want to have heavy water activities (snorkeling, diving, surfing), then we highly recommend you have your tattoo during the last 2-3 days of the trip.

In that manner, you will be able to spend most of your vacation in the ocean and pool, followed by getting your ink, spending two days there, and flying home with your artwork safe and clean.

Even on your holiday, getting a tattoo is a new experience. With the expert guidance, one can get accustomed to the few dos and don’ts that will help the tourist to keep the travel tattoo in its best shape and texture.

FAQs

My tattoo is peeling and itchy. Can I go for a massage?

No. It is necessary not to massage the area with a tattoo until it heals (usually 3-4 weeks). The massage oils will infect, and the friction will also tear off the protective scabs carrying the ink with them. Get a foot massage even with a tattoo on your arm!

What sunscreen should I use once my tattoo is healed?

After your tattoo completely heals (you do not have any scabs), you have to take care of it to ensure that it remains bright. In Thailand, we would suggest eco-friendly mineral sunscreens (seek Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide). Good ones are brands such as Reef Repair or Tattoo Goo. They keep out the UV rays with the same efficiency as the harsh chemicals, which are harmful to coral reefs (and may even cause irritation to the sensitive tattooed skin).

Can I still go on a boat trip if I just got tattooed?

Yes, but be careful. You must keep out of the water (not snorkeling) and must be in the shade. The amount of salt in the spray may irritate the tattoo; therefore, carry a clean bottle of fresh water to wash the tattoo in case you are sprayed. Protect it with a loose shirt so as not to get a sunburn.