Gently wash the tattoo with antibacterial soap and water, then pat dry with a clean, soft towel. Apply a very thin coating of antibiotic ointment on the tattoo and allow it exposed to breathe. You should wash the tattoo twice a day and apply moisturizer for the following three weeks. The red tattoo pigment is derived from copper, so using copper-based products such as stainless steel jewelry or copper wire can help remove some of the color.