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Tattoo Pain Relief Supplies

Getting a tattoo can be both exciting and scary. People who are getting a tattoo for the first time often wonder how badly the process will hurt. A good tattoo shop will be willing to answer questions about how to manage the pain that can result from the tattoo application process. But in case you are too embarrassed or timid to ask, here are some pain control methods that can make the tattoo process and healing afterwards more bearable.

  1. Over-the-Counter Pain Control

    • Taking an over-the-counter (OTC) pain killer 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the tattoo process can help to numb the area and reduce the pain. Aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided because they contain blood thinners that will make the tattooed area bleed more. Pain killers containing acetaminophen do not contain blood thinners and are a better choice for pain control. The effectiveness of OTC medicine to contain the pain of tattoo application will depend on the pain threshold of each person. After the tattoo is completed, OTC pain killers can be used to numb the pain while the newly tattooed area heals. Again, avoid pain killers that thin the blood during the first two or three days of healing. After that, any OTC pain killer will be safe to use to help manage the pain. Take care to follow the dosage directions.

    Relaxation Techniques

    • Many breathing techniques can relax and reduce the sensation of pain. Taking deep breaths and focusing your mind on a pleasant memory may help to reduce the pain during the tattooing process, although this method requires some experience in self-relaxation techniques. Some tattoo shops offer hypnosis services to help customers relax. Each of these relaxation techniques relies on focusing the mind on something other than the tattoo process.

    Numbing Sprays

    • Sprays that contain lidocaine can help to numb the skin being tattooed. This spray must be applied by the tattoo artist and requires communication between the artist and the customer. For large tattoos the spray may need to be applied several times during the tattoo process. Not all tattoo artists are willing to use lidocaine sprays, so it is important to discuss this pain control method first.

    Cold Compresses

    • Ice can help to draw the pain out of the tattooed area byt numbing the nerves. A cold compress wrapped in a towel can be placed on the tattooed area for 20 minutes at a time; then allow the skin to warm back up. The process can be repeated as many times as desired. If the ice pack begins to melt, it should be replaced or refrozen before it gets the tattoo wet.

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