Hiking After Getting a Tattoo (What To Know)

If you’re an outdoors enthusiast, then you know that there’s no better feeling than being in the wilderness. And if you’re also a fan of tattoos, then you know that there’s no better way to show your appreciation for nature than by getting a sweet mountain tattoo. But can you go hiking after getting a tattoo?

Following a few simple tips can help ensure that your tattoo heals properly and looks great for years to come. Keep reading to learn more!

Can I Go on A Hike After Getting a Tattoo?

It’s generally safe to go on a hike after getting a tattoo, but you should keep a few things in mind.

First, your tattoo will be more vulnerable to sun damage while it’s healing. What about sunscreen? Experts say definitely not! At least, not for the first two weeks. The chemicals in sunscreen can irritate your tattoo and prevent it from healing properly. If you must go outside, be sure to keep your tattoo covered with a bandage or clothing.

Second, your tattoo will also be more vulnerable to infection while it’s healing. So, avoiding any activities that could expose your tattoo to dirt or bacteria is important. This means no swimming, hot tubs, or soaking in the sun. And if you’re hiking in an area with poison ivy or other plants that could irritate your skin, be sure to wear long sleeves and pants to protect your tattoo.

Third, you should avoid using any lotions or oils on your tattoo while it’s healing. This includes things other than sunscreen that you may forget about: bug spray and body lotion. Lotions can trap bacteria and dirt on your skin, which could lead to an infection. If you must use a lotion, be sure to choose one that is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.

Fourth, resist the urge to scratch or pick at your tattoo if your tattoo starts to feel itchy or scabby. This can damage the tattoo and cause an infection. If the itchiness is severe, you can try applying a cold compress to the area for relief.

What Activities to Avoid After Getting a Tattoo?

Besides hiking, there are a few other activities that you should avoid while your tattoo is healing.

As we mentioned before, swimming is a big no-no. This includes pools, hot tubs, lakes, and the ocean. The chemicals in pool water (such as chlorine) can irritate your tattoo, and salt water can dry out your skin and slow the healing process.

You should also avoid soaking in the sun. This includes lying out at the beach, tanning beds, and even long walks on sunny days without protecting or covering up your tattoo. Again, the UV rays can damage your tattoo and prevent it from healing properly. If you must be in the sun, be sure to cover up your tattoo with a bandage or clothing.

Finally, avoid any activity that will make you sweat a lot (Does this eliminate hiking for you?) This includes exercise, saunas, and steam rooms. Sweat can irritate your tattoo and cause an infection. If you must do any of these activities, be sure to shower immediately afterward and clean your tattoo with antibacterial soap.

Can I Go Rock Climbing After Tattoo on Foot?

So let’s say you’re the adventuring type and you want to go rock climbing after getting a tattoo on your foot. Can you do it?

The answer is maybe. If your tattoo is completely healed and there’s no chance of getting wet or dirty, you should be fine. However, if your tattoo is still healing, there’s a risk of it getting irritated or infected. So, it’s probably best to wait until it’s completely healed before going rock climbing.

Typically, the outer layer of the skin heals within 2 to 3 weeks. However, the skin below a tattoo can take up to 6 months to fully heal. So what does this mean for you? To be safe, wait at least a month or two before going rock climbing. This will give your tattoo time to fully heal and reduce the risk of irritation or infection.

If you do decide to go rock climbing, be sure to take precautions to protect your tattoo. For example, wear long sleeves and pants to prevent the tattoo from getting scraped or scratched. And if you’re going to be in

Can Sweating Ruin a New Tattoo?

Unfortunately, sweating can do some harm to a new tattoo. This is, again, because sweat can irritate the tattoo and cause an infection. Sweat can also slow the healing process by trapping dirt and bacteria on the skin. Ultimately, while excessive sweating with a new tattoo isn’t ideal – it won’t be something that you need to be too worried about.

However, stretching your skin, on the other hand, is another story. You really need to be careful about stretching or moving the skin too much while it’s healing. This can cause the tattoo to crack, which can open you up to greater possibility of infection and bacteria.

Can your skin stretch while hiking? Well, it depends. Are you going on a long hike with a lot of uphill climbs? If so, there’s a chance that your skin will stretch while hiking. This is more likely to happen if you’re carrying a heavy backpack or if the weather is hot and humid.

To avoid this, try to keep your hikes shorter and lighter while your tattoo is healing. And if you do notice your skin stretching, be sure to take a break and give your tattoo a chance to recover.

How To Protect Your Tattoo While Hiking

If you love hiking and don’t want to wait until your tattoo is fully healed, there are some things you can do to protect it.

• First, try to hike in cooler weather. This will help prevent sweating, which can irritate the tattoo.
• Second, wear long sleeves and pants to cover up the tattoo. This will protect it from the sun and from getting scraped or scratched.
• Thirdly, carry a small bottle of antibacterial soap with you to clean the tattoo if it does get sweaty or dirty.
• Finally, don’t go on challenging hikes with a lot of uphill climbs. Stick to gentler trails while your tattoo is healing.

By following these tips, you can enjoy hiking while keeping your tattoo safe.

Conclusion

So, can you go hiking after getting a tattoo? Yes – for the most part. But you should still take a few precautions to ensure that your tattoo heals properly. Be sure to avoid activities that could expose your tattoo to sun damage, infection, or irritation. If you follow these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy the great outdoors with your new ink!