Tattoos don't hurt that bad. The guy who did most of mine calls the feeling, a bit spicy. The worst place for me was the Achilles Tendon. Areas with tendons, bone and muscle hurt the most. As far as healing, I have never used a thing but unscented lotion. Keep it out of the sun for about 6 weeks too. And when you do go back in the sun, wear sunscreen on it so it doesn't fade. Good luck Cass!