What Can You Take for Tattoo Pain

* THE USE OF TOPICAL ANAESTHETICS FOR TATTOOING:
There are lots of creams and lotions you can put on that can numb the area, none of which the tattooist is allowed to use on the client. Creams such as Emla, ametop, speed numb, dr numb and TKTX. They can help numb the area for a while but they don't last long, pretty much as soon as you start tattooing they will start to wear off. They are safe to use on most areas. I wouldn't recommend using them on hands and feet, the cream doesn't work well as the skin is very thick so it doesn't penetrate, and also the cream turns the skin prune-like, like being in the bath too long so it's becomes un-tattooable!
The biggest problem that I see with using numbing cream you think you will be having a pain free tattoo, you are not mentally prepared for the fact that the tattoo WILL hurt. Once it has been numb for a while then you will be constantly chasing that pain free tattoo and it's not possible. Rather than working on your own mental preparation to be able to cope with the pain.
If you are thinking of using numbing cream you should definitely speak to your tattooist about it as it can also effect the skin and make it 'spongey' to tattoo so some tattooed won't tattoo you if you use it.
There are also other sprays that are lidocaine based that soak into the broken skin once the tattoo is underway. This obviously won't help at the beginning of the session but will start to numb the skin and make it less sore if you are repeatedly going over the same area with blending or shading or after taking a break. Again it won't numb the tattoo completely but can help make it a bit less sore. Some tattooer will use those during the tattoo session.

* THE USE OF PAINKILLERS DURING A TATTOO:
There are lots of painkillers available, some over the counter and some prescription. Disclaimer: I can't recommend what is safe for everyone as I don't know your medical history! But ibuprofen and paracetamol can help, don't use aspirin as the blood doesn't clot so you get a lot more bleeding during the tattoo. If you have other prescription medications such as tramadol, Valium and cocodamol already prescribed by a doctor, they are very strong drugs that have a sedative effect and will help not numb the pain but relax the mind into accepting the pain.

* HOW CAN I MAKE BEING TATTOOED AS PLEASANT AND RELAXING AS POSSIBLE?
The most important thing to do is work on your mental preparation. Be prepared that it is going to be uncomfortable so use it as a lesson in building you own strength of mind to overcome the pain. Work on slow breathing techniques, meditation apps can be a really great tool.

"In the end some of your greatest pain becomes your greatest strength."

* WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE BEING TATTOOED?
I would recommend being as healthy as possible leading up to the tattoo, get a good nights sleep, mentally prepare and eat a hearty healthy breakfast.
Also wear comfortable loose clothing, bring a blanket, slippers, dressing gown, pillow or anything that will help you be comfortable. Bring healthy snacks, don't diet on tattoo day!

'The pain you feel today is the strength you feel tomorrow. For every challenge encountered there is an opportunity for growth."

Here is another great article on reducing the pain of tattooing: How can I reduce the pain when getting tattooed

What Can You Take for Tattoo Pain

Source: https://un1ty.tattoo/pain-free-tattooing-how-to-deal-with-the-pain-of-being-tattooed/

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