Why is my tattoo itching like crazy?

There are quite a few reasons why your tattoo’s itchy. But to better understand why yours itches, let’s break this section into two: new (unhealed) tattoos and old (fully healed) tattoos.

Reasons why NEW tattoos itch

Healing tattoos can itch like crazy, there are no two ways about it. If it’s your first time getting a tattoo, you should know what you’re up against. Here are the top reasons why new tattoos itch:

• It’s part of the tattoo healing process

Your tattoo is technically an open wound. And if you’ve ever been wounded (who hasn’t), you’d know it will start to itch just as it’s about to heal. Right? The same thing goes for a healing tattoo.  

Once it stops weeping or oozing plasma, it’s going to scab. A few days later the scabs are going to fall off and the area around the tattoo is going to peel off, revealing the new skin underneath.

So, during this scabbing and peeling stage, is when the itching will be most intense. Dead skin cells are shed and new ones take their place, all these things trigger an itching sensation. When dead skin cells peel off, it’s going to rub against skin that’s still connected to nerve endings, thus causing the itch.

• Regrowth of shaved hairs

Shaving the area you want to get tattooed on is on your tattooist’s to-do list. So, you don’t need to worry about shaving yourself at home first. Let the professionals do their job – they’ll shave the area carefully to ensure no razor bumps occur. A clean shave will also help the tattooist do a better job – no pesky hairs that could get in the way.

So, the hair’s going to grow back a few days later (hair follicles don’t get destroyed during tattooing). And for many people, this hair growth phase can be pretty itchy. Couple that with a naturally itchy, healing tattoo, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for ultra-itchy skin!

• Pre-existing skin conditions

People with sensitive skin tend to itch more easily than others. This includes people who suffer from conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. Likewise, if you’ve got dry skin, you’ll also be more prone to itchy skin (also known as pruritus).

For best results, tell your tattooist if you have any pre-existing skin conditions. In some cases, it may not be advisable for you to get a tattoo as your skin may reject the ink. Or, the ink can irritate the skin, etc. If you do push through with your appointment, when you get to the healing stage, you’re more likely to experience extreme itchiness!

• Tattoo ink allergy

Itching is just one symptom of a tattoo allergy. It can range from mild itching to driving–you-crazy levels of itching! For mild itching, it’s probably just a normal part of healing. But if the itching becomes super intense, then that’s a different thing altogether.

There are several causes for tattoo ink allergies. These include sensitivity to heavy metals used in ink pigments, photosensitivity, or the body’s just straight-up rejecting the ink and actively trying to get rid of it.

Click here to know more about tattoo ink allergies.

•  Tattoo infection

A simple itch isn’t a sign of infection. But if you have other symptoms like fever, pain, swelling, redness, foul odour, and pus, then you most likely have a tattoo infection.

Fortunately, some infections don’t require immediate medical attention. If it’s relatively minor, you can try a few home remedies first. You can clean the area, air it out, and take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pill or antibiotic. If the infection seems to be getting worse, seek medical advice.  

Reasons why OLD tattoos itch

If you’re way past the healing stage, and your tattoo suddenly starts itching, then you’re probably confused as to why. Old tattoos aren’t exempt from itching, here are a few reasons:

• Dry skin

This is the most common culprit for an itchy, old tattoo. Skin can only retain so much moisture on its own. Its natural oils will dry up in a matter of hours (depending on where you live). Once this happens, your skin will dry up. This is why you should continue applying moisturising lotion every single day (not just during the tattoo healing stages).  

The truth is that your tattoo can only look as good as the skin it’s on. So, if you don’t hydrate (drink lots of water) and moisturise your skin, then chances are it’s going to become irritated and itchy if left ignored for too long. Just so you know, tattoo aftercare lasts your entire lifetime.   

• Your skin got exposed to an irritant

There are a lot of irritants out there. So, you need to backtrack your steps and figure out what caused your skin – and your tattoo – to itch. By process of elimination, you should be able to find the culprit. The next thing for you to do would be to stay away from that irritant.

• Delayed or seasonal reaction to tattoo ink

Our body’s chemistry changes constantly. Perhaps when you initially got your tattoo, you weren’t sensitive to the tattoo ink. But over time, something happened in your environment.

Maybe you’re aware of when it happened, or maybe not. But whatever it was, it affected your body chemistry, and thus, eventually caused your body to start reacting to the tattoo ink.  

Or, perhaps you have a seasonal reaction to the ink. Some ink pigments contain traces of heavy metal; these often cause tattoo itching when exposed to the sun. Those affected usually experience this during hot, summer months.

For others, their tattoos itch during winter. Perhaps it’s due to a condition known as ‘winter itch’ where the skin dries out faster. In this case, you need more frequent moisturisation.

• You have an underlying medical condition

There’s a whole host of reasons why an old tattoo may itch. It may be due to any medical condition (pre-existing or a newly developed one). If you experience other symptoms apart from the itchy tattoo, then you may need to seek expert medical opinion. Hopefully, it’s nothing serious!

Here’s why you SHOULDN’T scratch your itchy tattoo

Check out what this tattooist has to say about scratching itchy tattoos:

In addition to what the tattooist said, here are more reasons why you should refrain from scratching:

• You can accidentally remove some of the ink

When your tattoo starts scabbing or peeling, it’s going to itch. But don’t get tempted to scratch. If you do, then you risk pulling off some scab or peeling skin prematurely, which can also pull some of the ink from underneath. You’ll be left with a patchy tattoo and you may end up getting a touch-up session sooner than expected!

• You can transfer germs and bacteria to your tattoo

If you’ve got long fingernails, then chances are it’s got a lot of germs and bacteria hiding underneath. When you scratch your new tattoo, the germs can transfer to the healing wound, which can, of course, start an infection. You can minimize the risk by cutting your fingernails short and washing your hands before making any sort of contact with your tattoo.

• You can cut your skin

The last thing you want to happen on a healing tattoo is to get another cut on top. Fingernails are hard and tough, and can definitely cut the skin. If this happens, some of the ink can leak out, especially if it hasn’t settled properly in the dermis.

If the cut is deep enough to draw some blood, then it may scar in the future. Also, the cut adds another entry point for germs to get in the skin and start an infection.

• You can delay the tattoo healing process

Well, any of the 3 scenarios described above can delay the tattoo healing process. Obviously, that’s never anyone’s objective. We all want our tattoos to heal as fast as possible. Why suffer an extra day when you don’t have to, right? So, next time you feel the itch, stop yourself and think about the long-term effects of scratching your tattoo.

What can I do – or put – on my tattoo for itch relief?

Alright, so by now you’ve learned you shouldn’t scratch your tattoo. So, what can you do instead? Well, here are some tips you can follow to get some relief!

1. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise

You need to step up your moisturising game when you get inked. Your tattoo’s appearance literally depends on it. If you hate putting anything on your skin, you’ll need to rethink that because if the itch becomes unbearable, you only have yourself to blame!

Your tattooist will, hopefully, educate you on the importance of moisturising as part of the tattoo aftercare process.

Now, when applying lotion to healing skin, it’s best to put on a very thin layer only. This allows the skin to breathe and not cause the area to get soggy. Carefully remove any excess lotion, making sure not to snag on any loose skin.

The TattooMoisturiser team highly recommends After Inked. We’ve used various lotions and creams as part of tattoo aftercare, but nothing comes close to the overall value that this brand provides!

Firstly, it’s made primarily with grapeseed oil, so it’s got all the natural healing and moisturising properties of this potent antioxidant. Secondly, other ingredients include shea butter, glycerin, jojoba seed oil, and beeswax. It’s formulated especially for tattoos, so it will keep your ink – and your skin – safe.

Best of all, it’s priced very fairly. A 90ml tube costs about 18 quid, so you’re certainly getting excellent value for your money since you only need to apply a very small amount!

Related article: The Best Tattoo Aftercare Lotions, Ointments, and Creams

2. Apply ice or cold compress

For unhealed tattoos, don’t apply ice or cold compress directly to the itchy spot. Instead, you need to put a clean cloth between the ice and your tattoo to act as barrier. This technique also prevents germs from the compress from getting into the skin.

For older tattoos, you can apply the ice directly to the spot, but you’ll need to take it off frequently if you don’t want to end up getting an ice burn.

3. Take a cold shower

Anything cold that hits the itchy spot is a great idea, really. But a cold shower will also take your mind off other things. Just make sure you do it really quickly to avoid soaking the skin and ruining your tattoo!

Here’s how showering with a new tattoo works: https://tattoomoisturiser.co.uk/showering-with-a-new-tattoo

4. Gently pat the itchy spot

This is a temporary solution, but it works simply because it distracts your attention from the itch. Note that the keyword here is ‘gentle.’ For healing tattoos, a hard slap can cause some ink to leak out!  

5. (For old tattoos only) Use OTC anti-itch relief

You can buy anti-itch creams (such as hydrocortisone) at the chemist or supermarkets in your area. Or, you can also take an antihistamine, if necessary. Just make sure your tattoo is well-healed before applying any anti-itch creams. Otherwise, you risk delaying your tattoo’s healing.  

6. (For old tattoos only) Soak in a relaxing bubble bath

Obviously, this is a bad idea for a healing tattoo. But for old tattoos, soaking in the bath is effective at providing anti-itch relief. You can also add your favourite essential oils or colloidal oatmeal to help soothe the itch.

If none of these tips work for you, perhaps you’ve got something else going on as well. If you suspect your condition is worsening, please seek professional medical advice straight away.

Conclusion

An itchy tattoo can test your patience. You’ll come close to scratching it many, many times. You’ll probably give in a few times over the course of the healing process, but try your best not to! Hopefully, this article will help provide relief and stop tattoo itching ASAP.

What exactly does a tattoo blowout mean?

From the very definition of the word ‘blowout’, a ‘tattoo blowout’ literally means ink leaking, bleeding or getting blown out from its spot. This is painfully obvious in tattoo outlines and borders, basically areas where there should be no obvious ink. It’s also easily identifiable in multi-coloured tattoos where the colours ‘bleed’ into each other, and into surrounding areas too.

Here’s an example of a tattoo blowout:

As you can see, tattoo blowouts don’t look very nice at all. Depending on the tattooist, you may be entitled to a free fix. Why? You’ll find out the reason in the next section.  

Top causes for tattoo blowouts

When do tattoo blowouts occur? Well, there are basically three categories for the reasons behind blowouts: tattoo location, artist error and aftercare issues. Let’s break it down here:

1. The tattooist pushed the needles too deep into the skin

A skilled and experienced tattooist will know exactly how deep his tattoo needle needs to go into the skin. Too shallow – and the ink will disappear in a few weeks. Too deep – and the ink will bleed into nearby tissue.

Now, the skin has 3 layers:

• the epidermis (topmost)
• the dermis (middle)
• the hypodermis (bottom layer where all the large blood vessels, nerves and fat cells are)

For tattoo to stay on your skin permanently, the ink needs to go in the dermis. This is because the epidermis gets shed every few weeks. And the hypodermis… well… if ink gets into the hypodermis, it’s practically guaranteed to cause a blowout.

• Tattoo needles are inserted at awkward angles

The angle by which the artist holds the tattoo machine can also contribute to a blowout. If the machine is held at too steep or too slanted an angle, then the ink may be more prone to leaking into nearby areas.

• Skin got stretched too much during the tattooing session

Sometimes, the artist may need to stretch and pull at the skin to make it flat and even (this makes the tattooing go faster). This is an important technique to ensure the ink gets distributed evenly and there are no blank spots in the design. However, when too much stretching happens, ink gets inserted at odd angles. This then leads to blowouts.

• Tattoo is done on bony areas with thin skin

Locating the dermis is tough enough. But trying to do it on bony areas with not much skin to go on is extremely tough. For instance, tattooing someone on their thigh versus their feet isn’t the same thing. Skin on the thigh is thicker than, say, the midfoot.

Which do you think will be easier for the tattooist to work on? If you answered thigh, you’re absolutely right.

That said, try to avoid getting tattooed on bony areas like fingers, wrists, hands, ankles, and feet. The probability of a blowout occurring is much higher than on other tattoo-friendly body parts.

• Excessive movement or stretching of skin during the healing process

Tattoos that haven’t fully healed yet is still at risk of getting blown out. This is especially true for tattoos done in areas that get moved around a lot, like fingers, hands, wrists, and skin over joints. Frequent movement or stretching can cause the ink to move and spread under the skin.

Possible tattoo blowout fixes

In some cases, you don’t need to do anything drastic to fix a blowout. Depending on how bad it is and the colour(s) used, you can give it enough time to fade on its own (or at least become less pronounced and less noticeable).

Also, with a fresh tattoo, bruises are commonly mistaken as blowouts. Give it a few days – if the bruising’s disappeared, then it’s obviously not a blowout.

So, here are ways you can fix tattoo blowouts:

1. Cover it up with makeup

Permanently fixing a blowout is possible, yes, but if you just want a quick fix, there’s no faster way than to cover it up with some makeup and concealer. Of course, you can also cover the entire tattoo with clothing, but that’s no fun, is it? Especially if you still want to show off the tattoo (minus the blowout).

That said, there are several makeup tricks you can use to hide the blowout. Check out this video:

2. Cover it up with another design

For this fix, you will need to go back to a tattooist – preferably, a highly skilled one. Your previous tattooist may agree to a free fix if it was his fault, so if you’re in a tight spot, try asking them first.

But if you think the tattooist still isn’t going to do a good job, then best move on and look for a better artist. The last thing you want is to have another blowout happen on top of your blowout! 

Common fixes involve adding some background or gradient shading to make the blowout blend in. Alternatively, the tattooist may recommend covering it up with another design to totally hide the blowout. The choice is yours.

3. Get the blowout laser removed

If you’re not interested in having your current tattoo covered by yet another design, then laser removal is your next best option. Just take note, however, that this process can be painful (even more painful than getting a tattoo). It may also take several sessions before the blowout is fully removed.

Here’s an example of a tattoo blowout that got laser removed (before and after):

How to avoid tattoo blowouts

Nobody wants to get tattoo blowouts. Ever. But it happens even to the best tattoo artists who already know how deep a tattoo needle is supposed to go. Sometimes it’s unavoidable.

For example, clients wanting to get tattooed on blowout-prone areas against the tattooist’s advice. Or the tattooist’s just not feeling it and is not completely focused on the task at hand, and he’s digging far too deep into the skin.

That said, here are some more tips you can follow to avoid blowouts:

Don’t get tattooed on areas with thin skin

As mentioned above, some areas are more prone to blowouts than others. If you want to minimise the risk, stick to ‘safer’, more ‘normal’ areas. It will put less strain on your tattooist as well since they can better estimate the correct depth the needles need to go into.

Avoid stretching, pulling and twisting the skin whilst it’s healing

Tattoo aftercare is important for your new ink to heal properly. But in addition to all the things you need to do to ensure proper healing occurs, you should also avoid stretching or pulling at the skin because the ink can get moved around.

Too much movement can cause the ink to bleed into nearby tissue. I know restricting movement on frequently used body parts like hands and skin folds is tough, but you chose that tattoo location.

If you’re a physically active person, you’ll need to tone it down a bit during the tattoo healing process. If your work requires you to pull and stretch that freshly inked skin, then consider getting a tattoo whilst you’re on holiday. Give your skin and your body a rest. After all, you technically had a minor medical procedure.

Conclusion

Tattoo blowouts are pretty common. In most cases, it will be out of your control. Hopefully, the fixes and pre-emptive measures suggested in this article will give you a better idea on how to handle one, should you ever fall victim to this unfortunate circumstance.

But let’s backtrack for a bit here. There’s a far more sinister reason why you should rethink getting a tattoo. It’s called tattoo ink poisoning. So, why exactly is this something to be afraid of? Well, this is what you’re going to learn in this article.

What is tattoo ink poisoning?

As the name suggests, ‘tattoo ink poisoning’ is someone getting poisoned by tattoo ink. This is what happens when tattoo ink is inserted into the dermis layer of the skin (as is the case with the normal tattooing process).  

Tattoo ink poisoning is different from an infection. Infections usually occur when the ink is contaminated with germs and bacteria, or the tattooist wasn’t all that hygienic with his equipment and tattooing tools.

Why ink poisoning happens

The answer lies in the ingredients used to make tattoo ink. You may be surprised to know that many tattooists don’t even know what’s in their ink.

But you really can’t blame them. Why? Because many ink manufacturers don’t even bother listing what’s in their ink! An honest-to-goodness ink company will list down the pigment base and ink carrier used, but they’re far and few in between.

The unfortunate truth is that dodgy manufacturers use heavy metals in their ink, and they don’t even bother informing their end users about it. In my opinion, this practice is very irresponsible. After all, that heavy-metal-laced ink will live in the skin forever. Think about how dangerous it is.  

That said, this is mainly why ink poisoning happens. If people are aware they’re going to have mercury, lead, chromium, cadmium, and other heavy metals inserted in their skin, then I’m sure they’re going to change their minds about getting tattooed at that very instant!

Why ink poisoning sometimes appear to be delayed

Tattoo ink molecules are large enough to not get broken down by the body’s immune system immediately. But over time and with frequent sun exposure, the ink particles get broken down into smaller chunks which then get absorbed into the body. When this happens, there’s a chance some particles end up getting lodged in the lymph nodes.

And here’s where it gets interesting:

Since ink particles don’t usually get broken down right away, it can take several months or years before poisoning actually occurs. So, don’t be surprised if you experience ink poisoning symptoms well after you got your tattoo!

What are the symptoms of ink poisoning from a tattoo?

Tattoo ink poisoning symptoms are most similar to tattoo ink allergies. In most cases, they’ll start off as mild symptoms. But as more toxic ink particles get absorbed into your lymph nodes and other parts of your body, then the more severe the symptoms become. The symptoms may also vary depending on the tattoo ink ingredients used. These include:

• Joint pain and body pain
• Swelling in tattooed area as well as lymph nodes
• Rashes and skin bumps
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Post tattoo headache and migraines
• Delayed healing – if poisoning occurs on an unhealed tattoo

What to do if you have a reaction to tattoo ink?

If you suspect you have tattoo ink poisoning, you should talk to your GP straight away. If your symptoms are rather severe, head to the nearest hospital. You don’t want to risk your condition worsening with each passing hour.

Also, now is a good idea to contact your tattooist and ask him for information about the ink used on you (if you didn’t get the information beforehand). Details like the brand name, colour, batch number and manufacturer’s contact details may help your doctor diagnose your condition.

Your tattooist will also appreciate you cluing him in on your situation, so he and his peers don’t use the same type of ink on future clients.

How to avoid tattoo ink poisoning?

In the grand scheme of things, there’s very little chance you’re going to get tattoo ink poisoning. You’re more likely to get an infection or an allergy rather than poisoning.

An infection can be avoided by making sure the tattooist operates in a sterile environment – and by you observing proper tattoo aftercare.

To minimise the risk of allergies, you can ask your tattooist to do a patch test to check if you’re allergic to the ink.

Lastly, the only sure-fire way you can protect yourself against ink poisoning is… by not getting a tattoo in the first place. You may not like this tip, but it’s the honest truth.

Conclusion    

Don’t let the remote possibility of tattoo poisoning scare you from getting inked. Unless, of course, you already have pre-existing medical conditions or known heavy metal allergies that will cause issues down the line. But if you’re healthy, go get inked and live your life to the fullest!

What to do BEFORE you get your tattoo

Oh, yes, before you go to the tattooist’s, you should be prepared for the session ahead. A tattoo is technically a minor medical operation, you need to be of sound mind and body for the tattooing process to go smoothly. Follow these tattoo healing tips to ensure optimum healing for that tattoo you’re about to get.

1. Drink plenty of water

Water may be flavourless, but it’s called liquid gold for a reason. Our bodies NEED water. Soda, fruit juice and even alcohol may taste better than water, but when it comes to health benefits, no other liquid comes close to water.

You can buy tons of beauty products to make your skin glow. But if you don’t drink enough water daily, your skin’s still going to end up dry and wrinkly.

Water helps hydrate and moisturise skin. It increases skin elasticity as well which will make your tattooist’s job a lot easier. Additionally, water helps fight sickness and infection, which will obviously be great for your tattoo to heal fast. 

According to this report, men should drink at least 3.7 litres daily, whilst women’s recommended minimum is 2.7 litres a day. To help you reach your water goals, try using a daily water bottle with time markers.

2. Refrain from drinking alcohol and caffeine

Alcohol and caffeine will have an opposite effect than water. Instead of helping your skin stay supple, it’s going to make it go dry. This is because alcohol and caffeine are well-known dehydrators. Plus, alcohol even has an undesired effect – it thins your blood and makes you more prone to bleeding! So, if you don’t want to make your tattooist’s job a difficult one, stick to drinking lots of water.

3. Avoid aspirin and other blood-thinning medication

Image source: Volodymyr Hryshchenko

Some people rely on blood thinners to protect themselves from strokes and heart attacks. This is because blood thinners help blood flow smoothly through the arteries and veins, and help reduce life-threatening blood clots. If you need blood thinning medicine, you may need to re-think your plans of getting a tattoo.

Aspirin is a pretty common over-the-counter medicine, and people take it all the time for minor ailments. However, when taken before a tattoo session, it can dangerously thin the blood, which will make clotting a more difficult task for the immune system.

For tattoos to heal properly, clotting needs to commence ASAP so the bleeding can stop as well. Therefore, avoid taking aspirin and other blood-thinning substances to ensure your fresh tattoo heals normally.  

4. Wear comfortable clothing on the day of

Use common sense when choosing what clothes to wear to the tattooist’s. If you know you’re going to get inked on your inner arm, wear something sleeveless. If on your legs, wear shorts. If on a normally hidden body part, wear something loose and comfortable, so it doesn’t rub too much on your brand-new tatt when you make your way home. If your tattoo gets irritated or infected, it can seriously affect the rate at which your tattoo heals.

5. Ask your tattooist for ink ingredients

Don’t be shy. Ask them what sort of ingredients are used in the ink. If they can’t give you the info, then perhaps you’re better off looking for another tattooist. The last thing you want is to have a tattoo ink allergy – it’s absolutely no fun, at all!

The best tattoo inks use non-toxic, organic and vegan-friendly ingredients. You want to avoid ink that uses heavy metals like cadmium, mercury, lead, iron, nickel, cobalt, etc.

Cadmium, especially, is a well-known culprit that reacts with the sun, even years later! Cadmium is used in red and yellow tattoo inks, so if you plan on getting inked in these colours, make sure cadmium isn’t on the ingredients list!

Alternatively, if you’re not sure whether or not you’re allergic to any of the ingredients, you can ask your tattooist to do a simple patch test on your skin. They’ll either put a drop of ink on your skin or tattoo a tiny dot. If you see a reaction in 24 hours or so, then you’re better off using another colour or brand (you need to do another patch test then).

6. Assess yourself if you have any underlying skin conditions

If you have pre-existing skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, then you may need to have a chat first with your doctor to see if a tattoo’s something you can get. Also, if you’ve got keloid-prone skin, you should rethink your decision – getting a tattoo may cause you more harm than good!

An underlying skin condition may cause issues with your tattoo. Instead of healing in a matter of weeks, you may experience flare-ups and reactions which will delay the healing, if at all!

7. Get a good night’s sleep

Image source: Matheus Ferrero

Tattooing is a physically stressful activity, especially if you’re going under the needle for several hours! You need to be well-rested before the event. Otherwise, you may not have the mental fortitude to withstand the pain (because, yes, tattoos are painful especially if it’s your first time)!

Tattooists also appreciate clients who come prepared. It’s easier to work on their skin, which minimises mistakes from happening. Ultimately, being well-rested will have an effect on how fast your brand-new tatt heals.

8. Choose tattoo location wisely

Where you choose to have the tattoo done will have an effect on how fast it heals. For example, tattoos that get lots of contact and movement will most likely heal slower than tattoos in more-or-less stationary areas.

For example, palm tattoo healing will most certainly be slower than a more common arm tattoo. This is because the palm gets a lot more contact than your arm – you wash your hands all the time and you hold things with your palm. All these can slow down the tattoo healing process.

9. Hire a licensed professional tattooist

Image source: Allef Vinicius

Don’t ask your friend to do a tattoo on you, unless that friend’s a licensed tattooist. There may be talented scratchers, a.k.a. illegal tattooists, out there. But operating without a license is a huge red flag. The tattooing industry is regulated in the UK and if you want some level of protection, go with a licensed tattooist.

You can book appointments online, but I would highly recommend paying the studio a visit well before your appointment, so you can:

• Check how clean the premises are
• Ask to see their registration certificate (if it’s not displayed somewhere in the shop)
• Ask to see their portfolio or pictures of past work
• If possible, ask to observe a tattooing session from a distance

Licensed tattooists rely on their good name and reputation for their livelihood. Scratchers don’t – they’re most likely in it for the experience and the money.

 10. Do plan your tattooing session on weekends or during holidays

One of the best ways to allow your tattoo ample time to heal is to actually have it done on holidays or weekends. You don’t want to get a tattoo on the first day of your work week. 

As you very well know, tattoos are going to live on your skin forever. Don’t rush it – plan it so you can rest for at least 2 days after getting the tattoo.

The days immediately following the tattooing is the most crucial stage of the healing process. You need to keep the tattoo clean and well-aired. Protect it from the elements so it will heal properly.

Tattoo healing tips during the early stages of the healing process

So, now you’ve finally got your tattoo – congratulations! The tips shared in this section will definitely help speed up tattoo healing – this is the most critical stage, after all. Remember to follow your tattooist’s aftercare instructions carefully.

 11. Keep your tattoo clean

A fresh tattoo is going to be weeping and oozing blood, plasma and ink. It’s going to be nasty, especially when viewed through the clear plastic film your tattooist is going to wrap your new tatt in. Simply put, it will be gross. This is why it’s recommended you remove the cling wrap a few hours after getting the tattoo. You don’t want all that fluid to congeal and stick to your new tattoo, right?

12. Use fragrance-free, antibacterial soap

To avoid irritating your still-very-much tender skin, use fragrance-free soap. Look at the list of ingredients. If it says parfum, perfume or fragrance, put it down and look for one that says unscented or fragrance-free.

Fragrances are common skin irritants, but most people aren’t aware of the hidden dangers. For brand-new tattoos, it’s especially important to steer clear of scented soaps, lest your skin develops a rash which can obviously cause issues with the healing process.

Important note: Make sure you wash your hands first before you do anything with your tattoo.

Related article: Our Top 10 Best Tattoo Soaps To Wash Your New Ink With

 13. Use warm water to clean your tattoo

Room-temp water is fine, but warm water works best at washing the goo off your skin. Actually, some tattooists recommend using hot water to wash the tattoo. And by hot, they’re referring to the tolerable kind of hot, which would vary from one person to the next. For best results, test the temperature first and if you’re happy with how hot it is, then go ahead and wash your tatt with it.

 14. Never use a washcloth to clean your tattoo

Washcloths are great for rubbing out the dirt and grime in your skin after a hard day’s work. However, when it comes to tattoos, best put the washcloth aside. Instead, use your bare hands to clean your tatt. This is because washcloths are the perfect breeding ground for germs and bacteria. If you’re not careful, these can easily enter your still open wounds and cause a tattoo infection!

Related article: Infected Tattoo 101: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options

 15. Let your tattoo breathe

It’s not just our noses and mouths that breathe, you know.  Our skin does, too. However, it’s not typically like how you’d imagine skin breathing – you’re probably picturing tiny pores sucking air like hungry, newborn babes. No, it’s actually blood that carries much-needed oxygen throughout the body.

When we say letting the tattoo breathe, we’re referring to not blocking it with occlusive substances. This is why Vaseline is a big no-no in tattoo healing because it’s pure petroleum jelly that blocks oxygen from getting into skin.

That said, once you’ve cleaned out your tattoo, try not to wrap it up again (you risk infecting the wound). But if you must, make sure there’s still room for your tattoo to breathe.

 16. Use kitchen roll to dry out your tattoo

Don’t use cloth towels, no matter how clean you think it is. Kitchen rolls or kitchen towels are the preferred drying material for brand-new tattoos. This is because it’s highly sanitary (provided you store it in a clean place), and it absorbs water and goo well.

Unlike cloth towels, you don’t need to worry about loose fabric and threads sticking to your tattoo, which could be an infection starter.

 17. Apply healing ointment

So, now that your tattoo’s clean and dry, it’s time to put some ointment on it. Of course, if you’re following the dry healing route, then you can skip this tip.

When it comes to healing ointments, you’ve got a few choices. The most popular and cheapest ones are Aquaphor and A+D ointments. You can find these at the chemist nearest you or at the supermarket.

There are two reasons why you want to put ointment on a healing tattoo:

Firstly, it protects your skin from bacteria and germs. But at the same time, it still allows oxygen to enter the skin. Secondly, by protecting the skin’s surface, your body can go about its business of healing your wound. Please refer to the image below to see how this works:

Image source: https://www.aquaphorus.com/how-it-works/

Of course, not all ointments are created equal. As we’ve mentioned earlier, Vaseline is highly occlusive and should not be used on healing tattoos.

Also, if you’re not a fan of petrolatum-based ointments like Aquaphor and A+D, then an organic ointment like Hustle Butter or Saniglide may be more to your liking. Either way, by protecting your tattoo, you’ll help speed up your tattoo healing time!

 18. Don’t sleep on your tattoo

Just like with any other wound, you also don’t want to apply pressure on your brand-new tattoo. If you do, you can irritate the area, and depending on what your tattoo’s rubbed up against during the night, can also cause an infection.

That said, a good night’s sleep is essential to tattoo healing. So, you want to find a comfortable spot to rest, and at the same time, let your body recover from the ordeal it just went through!

 19. Don’t soak your tattoo in water

Don’t soak your new tattoo! (Photo by Naomi August)

During the wound healing process, it’s highly recommended to stay away from swimming in tubs, pools, lakes, seawater, and any body of water actually. This is because the tiny puncture wounds brought about by your tattooist’s needles are still very much open. And until these wounds are all closed up, it’s best to avoid soaking in water.

Bathtubs and pools are notorious for bacteria and germs – a quick dip can mean an infection. Seawater and other natural bodies of water are home to an unknown number of microorganisms that can quickly find their way to your wound.

 20. Only take quick showers

Quick showers are perfectly fine even with a brand-new, weeping tattoo. It will help remove the goo and allow you to, of course, clean your entire body. Proper hygiene is important to the wound healing process. Just remember the key word here is ‘quick.’ If you take too long, you may end up soaking your tatt just the same as if you’ve taken a bath.

 21. Protect your tattoo from the elements (going out, physical job, etc.)

It’s all about not getting your pretty tattoo infected. If you do need to go back to work the next day after getting inked, then make sure your tatt is well-protected. Wear loose clothing so it doesn’t rub against your raw skin.

If you need to wear tight-fitting uniform over it, perhaps wrapping it in sterile cling film will help. Just make sure it’s actually sterile and that it’s bacteria-and-germ-free underneath. Else, you’ll be leaving them trapped inside – free to wreak havoc on your tattoo!

 22. Wear sun-protective clothing (don’t apply sunscreen yet)

Sunscreen lotions work great on partially healed tattoos. However, when it’s still raw and oozing, you don’t want to put any kind of lotion on it. During the early stage of the healing process, it’s better to just wear sun-protective clothing.

Not sure which fabrics offer sun protection?

Hold up your clothing to the light. If you can see through, then it won’t do a good job of protecting you. However, if the fabric blocks out the light, then UV radiation won’t easily penetrate the fabric, thus protecting your skin.

Examples of sun-protective clothing are densely woven fabric like wool, canvas, and denim.

Related article: Can You Put Sunscreen On New Tattoos?

 23. Avoid going to the gym or any strenuous physical exercise

Image source: Alora Griffiths

This tip is especially important if you got a multi-hour, extra-large tattoo. You need all the rest you can get. You just got through a mini-surgical session, after all.

For gym bunnies, you can try squeezing a quick workout BEFORE the tattoo session. But personally, I don’t agree with this. You need all the rest you can get before getting tattooed. But I suppose if you’re physically fit, then you can get away with a quick workout.

That said, take at least 48 hours off from strenuous physical exercise as it can do more harm than good at this point. Depending on where you got your tattoo, it can stretch the skin and disrupt ink placement in the process.

Beyond the 48-hour period, you still need to be careful when doing exercise, so try to keep your sets light and avoid getting anything in contact with your tattoo.

Tattoo healing tips during the middle stage of the healing process

At this point, your tattoo’s healing quite nicely, and you should be seeing scabs form. Don’t worry though if no scabs appear – it’s quite rare but it does happen in the real world. That said, here are some tips for taking care of your (very itchy) tattoo during this stage.

 24. Don’t pick and pull at scabs

Scabs may look unsightly, but they’re actually one of the good guys – the ‘hard shell’ protects the healing skin underneath. It’s your body’s natural band-aid, so to speak.

I know that when scabs start to form, it’s also the beginning of an itchy tattoo! I also know it’s easy to say “resist the urge to scratch” than to actually do it.

But here’s why you should leave your scabs alone:

When you pick and pull scabs off prematurely, you also risk exposing the still-unhealed skin underneath. Another downside is that some ink from the dermis could also be pulled out! This could lead to ‘patches’ or blank spots in the tattoo which would obviously affect the design.

 25. Apply lotion on normal-sized scabs

With the tiny punctured wounds now all closed up, it’s now time to begin moisturising your tattoo. Just like the soap you use to wash your tattoo, choose a non-fragranced lotion or moisturiser.

We highly recommend After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer and Aftercare Lotion. It’s enriched with grapeseed oil plus a few other ingredients to help nourish your skin. It’s guaranteed to hydrate your tattoo like no other!

Related article: The Best Tattoo Aftercare Lotions, Ointments, and Creams

 26. Apply lotion on the surrounding area of giant, non-normal scabs

Don’t apply lotion directly on a giant scab (Photo by Amanda from Flickr)

Giant scabs aren’t normal for a healing tattoo. If you followed our tattoo healing tips during the early stages (tips # 11 to 23), then scab formation would have been kept to a minimum.

But if it’s already there, what you can do apart from not forcibly pulling it out is to make sure you don’t apply lotion directly to the scab. This is because scabs are super absorbent. Lotions can cause the scab to go soggy which may lead to it falling off prematurely.

To avoid this scenario, it’s best to just apply lotion to the area surrounding the scab.

27. Eat a healthy diet

This advice may be a bit cliche, but the saying “healing starts from within” is real. Drinking lots of water and eating healthy food can solve a lot of health problems, and it can accelerate tattoo healing.

That said, if your diet is somewhat lacking (ehem, too much junk food), consider taking a multivitamin. We recommend Intelligent Labs’ Adult Multivitamin. Each bottle contains 60 vegetarian capsules (so it’s good for 2 months), with each capsule containing 25 essential nutrients in their most bioavailable forms.

 28. Avoid wearing tight clothes

The weeping and the oozing may have stopped, but the area is still very much tender. Tight clothes should still be avoided at this point. You don’t want anything rubbing against your tattoo – and the scabs. So, if possible, wear loose and comfortable clothing. Your tattoo will thank you!

 29. Start applying sunscreen when you go out

As you’ve learned earlier, sunscreen shouldn’t be applied to a weeping tattoo. But now that it’s stopped weeping, you can apply some SPF lotion when you go out into the sun.

The only downside to using this type of lotion is that it doesn’t last as long as other moisturising lotions. You’ll need to re-apply every two hours or so (will depend on the brand, too, so check the bottle’s packaging).

How to deal with an itching tattoo

This stage of the healing process is going to be insanely itchy! Here’s how you deal with the itch:

30. Apply a cold compress

Cold compresses work not just for reducing fevers, but it’s also great for relieving super itchy tattoos. Of course, you can only apply a compress when the surface of the skin’s no longer broken, a.k.a. it’s healed. Otherwise, you risk germs and bacteria from making a grand entrance and infecting your wound! To minimise the risk of infection, it’s better to put some clean cloth in between your tattoo and the compress.

 31. Tap or pat the itchy spot

This technique works for a lot of people. When the itch strikes, gently tap or pat the area. You can use a bit of force, but try not to hurt yourself, alright? The relief it will bring you will only be temporary, so you may need to slap yourself several times before the itch finally goes away (until the next flare-up, of course).

 32. Get busy with something

List down all the favourite things you like doing. It can be part of your job or a hobby, perhaps. Whatever it is, it should keep your mind off the itching. With your mind occupied with something more interesting and more exciting, you’ll soon forget your tattoo’s even there.

 33. Mind over matter

With positive thinking, self-discipline and extraordinary determination, you can resist the urge to scratch. You can start a mantra like:

• I can do this – I can make it through this itchy period.
• I will not scratch my tattoo.
• I will not ruin my tattoo by scratching it.   

Of course, you need to believe in the mantra to make it work. Otherwise, you’ll be really, really tempted to scratch your tatt.

“Mind over matter” will help you control your impulse to scratch. It will take a lot of self-awareness – you’ll probably catch yourself in the act of scratching a few times – but with practice, you should be able to get the itch under control.

Important note for Tips #33 and 34: Please consult with a medical professional before taking antihistamine or hydrocortisone for your itchy tattoo.

 34. Take antihistamines

Histamines are natural chemicals produced by the immune system. It protects us from perceived threats such as allergens and irritants.

Now, tattoo ink is obviously a foreign object, and as such, it’s not surprising that your immune system will try to get rid of it; hence, the production of histamines. It will stimulate the area surrounding the ink pigments to try and get the ink out. This is why your tattoo will itch so much during the healing process.

Fortunately, antihistamines do work against itchy tattoos. It comes in a variety of forms – creams, ointments, syrups, tablets, and more. For still-healing tattoos, oral antihistamine is better suited as a topical application may cause an infection (especially if the skin surface’s still not fully healed).

 35. Use hydrocortisone

This is another popular OTC medication that’s supposed to help relieve itchy tattoos. A thin layer of 1% hydrocortisone anti-itch cream should do wonders, but again, make sure the skin isn’t broken where you apply it!

Tips to help your tattoo heal faster during the late stages of healing

Finally! You’re almost done with the tattoo healing process! Without further ado, here’s what you should do to ensure your tattoo goes through the last stage successfully.

 36. Don’t peel off the flaking skin

Photo of a peeling tattoo (Image by Kat Selvocki)

The scabs are eventually going to fall off. And it’s going to happen here at this stage. The scabs will reveal the new layer of skin that your body’s been creating the past several days.

It can be so tempting to pull the flaking skin now, but please don’t! There’s still a risk of pulling some ink out as well. Let everything peel off in its own time.

If you’re wondering how long a tattoo takes to stop peeling, the answer is anywhere from a couple of days to a week.

37. Continue hydrating and moisturising your tattoo

Now’s not the time to stop moisturising your tattoo. In fact, by this time, you should have made lotioning a part of your daily skincare routine, and turned it into a daily habit.

Your tattoo will eventually fade over time. But if you moisturise properly, then you’ll also be preserving your tattoo’s appearance far longer than if you didn’t! Start living a healthy lifestyle if you aren’t already – your skin and your tattoo will thank you!

Bonus Tip

If you made it this far, you deserve a bonus tip! I wrote an article on why coconut oil is great for your skin, you can check it out here. Better yet, here’s an infographic summarising the benefits of coconut oil on tattoos:

Conclusion

Each and every single person on this planet is unique, but your tattoo sets you apart from everybody else. Showing your skin art off is your prerogative – there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. But before you do, make sure it’s fully healed so you avoid risking infection. That said, I hope the 36 tattoo healing tips you’ve learned in this article will help you heal your tattoo faster!

P.S. Feel free to share this article with your friends, so they too can experience faster tattoo healing!

You’ll go through a few weeks of discomfort. And if you didn’t think the entire thing through, you’ll probably feel some regret. That said, you’ll feel much better once your tattoo’s fully healed. So, read on to know all about the complex world of the tattoo healing process! 

The 4 Stages of the Tattoo Healing Process

To make the healing process easier to understand, we will need to divide it into four distinct stages. During each stage, your tattoo will change appearance. The symptoms you’ll experience will also improve as the healing progresses.

Here’s a quick summary of the 4 stages:

• Stage 1: Your tattoo will be extremely tender and will be oozing fluids and ink
• Stage 2: Your tattoo will be scabbing and itching
• Stage 3: Your tattoo will be flaking and peeling (and yes, still very much itchy)
• Stage 4: Your tattoo is now healed on the surface

We will be providing rough timelines or estimates for each stage, but these are in no way fixed or set. Tattoo healing times will vary due to a lot of factors, such as:

• The size of your tattoo
• Location of your tattoo
• The tattooist’s technique
• Your body’s immune system
• Your overall health condition

Also, if you think your tattoo doesn’t quite feel right, you may be having an allergic reaction to the ink. Or worse, you may be experiencing a tattoo infection.

Alright, let’s begin with the first stage:

Stage 1: Tender and oozing tattoo

Timeline:

Begins a few minutes after tattoo needles puncture your skin up until scabs start to form.  

What happens during this stage? And what to expect from a new tattoo?

This just-finished tattoo is now in the first stage of the healing process. (Image source: Allef Vinicius)

More often than not, the healing process begins whilst you’re still getting tattooed. This is especially true for tattoos that take anywhere from several minutes to a few hours to finish.

So, what happens during the tattooing process is that your skin is punctured thousands of times by tiny needles. If you feel lightheaded at the mere sight of blood, turn your head away. Or better yet, re-think your desire to get inked as you’ll likely see lots of blood during the tattooing process!

Now, while your tattooist is doing his job, your immune system (specifically the white blood cells) is trying its hardest to fight off the perceived “threat.”

These white blood cells, also known as macrophages, then absorb the ink deposited in the skin. It tries to do away with the ink, but the ink particles are too big for it to fully dissolve. This is why tattoos can last for years and years – all thanks to macrophages that thinks it’s doing a swell job protecting you from foreign invaders, a.k.a. the ink.

So, all these happen at the inner layer of skin – the dermis.

Meanwhile, in the epidermis…

Once the needles break the skin and it starts bleeding, your immune system will kick into action. In medical terminology, this is called the haemostasis stage.

Basically, your blood cells will clump together in the punctured area to try and protect the wound. It starts forming a blood clot to prevent further blood loss. 

Depending on the size of the tattoo, this clotting stage can last anywhere from half a day to a few days. During this time, your wound will be oozing blood (technically red blood cells) and plasma (the liquid component of blood that’s light yellow in colour).

Eventually, the clotting will effectively stop the bleeding. After some time, the clot will dry up and harden, and will be known in the next stage as a scab.

Tips for managing stage 1 of the healing process:

Obviously, this stage is the most sensitive – and need I say, painful – part of the healing process. Your skin has got hundreds or thousands of tiny holes drilled into it – all perfect entry points for germs, bacteria, and other harmful pathogens.

If you’ve had a relatively tiny tattoo done, then you may not experience some downtime. But if you suffered through a few hours of needle poking, then you may feel feverish and sick. It’s totally normal and the pain should subside gradually over the next several hours. Also, tattoo redness after 24 hours is still completely normal.

The tattoo healing process begins right this very moment (Photo by Angie Torres)

So, right after your tattoo is done, your tattooist will sterilise the tattoo with antibacterial cleaning agent, like green soap. And then he’ll wrap his handiwork in a fresh, clean sheet of cling film. This is to protect your tattoo from the elements as you head on home from the tattoo parlour.

Step 1: Remove the cling wrap from the tattooist’s

After a couple of hours, you should remove the cling film to let the wound breathe. The film will look extremely dirty thanks to the blood, plasma, and ink that would have congealed at the surface.

Step 2: Wash your hands

But don’t touch the tattoo with your bare hands just yet! Make sure you wash your hands first before you even attempt to clean the tattoo.

Step 3: Wash your tattoo

Once you’ve ensured your hands are no longer filthy, wash your fresh tattoo with warm water and antibacterial soap. Don’t use soap that has ‘fragrance’ listed as ingredient because this can irritate your skin. A gentle, non-fragranced, antibacterial soap like Dial Gold Hand Soap is a good option.

Related article: Our Top 10 Best Tattoo Soaps To Wash Your New Ink With

Step 4: Dry your skin

Your skin’s still very much tender at this point. So, please don’t rub it dry. Instead, pat it dry or let it air dry. If you choose to pat it dry, use kitchen roll to do so. Avoid towels as loose threads can stick in your still-oozing wound.

Step 5: Apply healing ointment

You can use something like Aquaphor, A+D, or even Hustle Butter (if you’re not a fan of petroleum-based products). These ointments will protect your skin from the elements while promoting healing underneath.

Step 6: Repeat steps 2-5 a few times daily

You want to avoid step 1 (re-wrapping the tattoo in cling wrap) because you want to let oxygen in and do its magic in the healing process. Repeat steps 2-5 maybe twice or thrice daily until you see scabs forming.

More tips for protecting your fresh tattoo:

The first few days are the most crucial part of the healing process. In addition to keeping it clean and well-aired (steps 1-6 above), here are some more tips to protect your tatt and prevent infection:

1. Don’t soak your new ink in water

Swimming and bathing are not options, at least not while your tatt is still weeping. A quick shower is all you can take at the moment, and even then, make sure it doesn’t get soaked. Don’t forget to not use a towel to dry out your tattoo. Instead, pat it dry using a few sheets of kitchen roll, or air dry it.

2. Don’t cover it with anything that can infect it

When you go to sleep or go out to work or wherever, make sure you protect your new tattoo. You can use a bandage or cling film to do so. But as soon as you get home, let your tatt breathe!

3. Use sun-protective clothing if you do go out in the sun

Shield your ink at all costs from the sun! You shouldn’t be applying SPF lotion at this stage with the puncture wounds still open, so sun-protective clothing is your best bet the first couple of days.

Stage 2: Scabbing and itching tattoo

Timeline:

From when scabs start to form until it starts falling off.

What happens during this stage?

Scabs on a new tattoo (Photo by Kim Laurenson)

As your wound continues to heal, you’ll feel it starting to itch. This feeling starts off as a slight itch that you can probably ignore. But as the days go by, the itch will become unbearable! And you may end up feeling like you need to be in a straitjacket just to avoid scratching your tattoo (it’s that intense)!

So, what’s happening here? Why is your tatt crazy itchy?

Well, let’s see here.

The skin is the largest organ in the human body. It contains blood vessels, oil glands, sweat glands, and nerve endings. When your skin is irritated, as is the case with a healing tattoo, it sends signals to the brain. In normal wound healing, this signal often comes in the form of itching.

Your tattoo is basically healing at two different layers – the dermis and the epidermis. Well, three if your tattooist applied too much pressure and stuck the needles in the hypodermis layer of skin.

So, at the epidermis, your skin is continuously collecting all the clear plasma that’s oozing from your tattoo. This is why it’s important to keep on cleaning the area, so the plasma doesn’t get too thick. If you fail to clean regularly, then chances are all that plasma is going to turn into thick scabs!

Scabs are normally fine, but when it comes to tattoos you want it to be as thin as possible. Otherwise, it can delay the healing process and even take out some ink in the process, thereby causing ‘patches’ or blank spots in your tatt!

There are a couple of theories why scabs itch:

• One of those is that the hard scab pulls at the new, healing skin underneath which irritates it.
• Another theory is that the scabs are too dry which can irritate the skin, and thus cause unbearable itching in the process.

Meanwhile, below the skin’s surface….

As a response to the ink, your immune system is also making histamines, a chemical whose main role is to get rid of ‘foreign objects’ or ‘allergens.’

Histamines cause the all-too-common itching in a healing tattoo (this is why antihistamines are effective at stopping the itch).

Of course, by now, the ink is well embedded in your dermis thanks to the macrophages, so you’re left scratching at something your fingernails can’t get to.

How to manage the scabs and relieve the itch:

Take great care not to let your scabs get this thick! (Photo by Amanda from Flickr)

This stage of the healing process will test your determination and your discipline. Just how badly do you want this tattoo to stay in its full form?

If you say you want it bad enough, then you need to do two things:

1. Protect the scabs at all cost. Under no circumstances should it be pulled off prematurely. It will fall off on its own when it’s ripe and ready.
2. Resist the temptation to scratch the itchy scab. I know this is easier said than done, which is why I said this stage will test your determination and discipline.

Alright, for the specifics of helping your tattoo survive this stage:

For scabs

1. Avoid wearing tight clothing, or basically anything that can cause the scabs to get pulled off prematurely. Just like the woman in the picture below. She’s wearing a sleeveless shirt, so her tattoos are in clear view:

Image source: Johan De Jager

• Apply a thin layer of moisturising lotion to hydrate and moisturise your skin. Spread it out evenly and include surrounding areas as well. Don’t slather on too thick a layer as it can cause your scabs to get moist and soggy, and cause damage to your tattoo when it falls off. See example of thick application below:

Image source: Anastasiia Ostapovych

For the itching

1. Apply a cold compress. At this point, the cold compress should only be applied on top of fabric or clothing. This is to protect the scab and prevent it from getting too moist.
2. Tap or pat the scab gently, just enough to divert your attention from the itching.
3. Occupy yourself with something very interesting. Watch some riveting movie on Netflix, or go play a round of your favourite card game with your friends. Anything (that won’t damage your tattoo) to keep your mind off the itching.
4. Use antihistamine to counteract the histamines your body’s producing. For unhealed wounds, take oral antihistamine as a topical application can do more harm than good.
5. Mind over matter. Tell yourself you can rise above the itch. For this to actually work, you need to believe in what you’re saying.

Our favourite aftercare products that can help minimise scabs and relieve itching

You can use these products in stage 2 and beyond. In fact, these products are ideal for long-term use because of how effective they are at moisturising the skin!

After Inked Tattoo Aftercare Lotion

This lotion, by far, is the best in terms of moisturising power and overall value. It’s made with grapeseed oil, shea butter, jojoba seed oil, and infused with vegetable glycerine to protect your tattoo.

A small application will last you an entire day, so you really only need to apply this lotion once a day. Of course, if the weather’s too cold and your skin dries up real fast, then multiple applications may be needed.

It’s also priced very fairly, which is quite surprising seeing how most vegan and organic products are so much more expensive than their mass-produced counterparts!

Hustle Butter Deluxe

Many tattooists swear by Hustle Butter. Some of them use it before and during the tattooing process, in addition to using it for aftercare, too. It’s made from shea, mango and aloe butters as well as coconut oil, so it does have a lot of moisturising ingredients in. Only downside is this product is quite expensive, so a small jar isn’t going to last you very long, especially if you’ve got multiple large tattoos.

Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion

Lubriderm is a common enough lotion that you probably already have a bottle at home. This is fragrance and lanolin-free, so it’s great for healing tattoos. Plus, it also lasts up to 24 hours, so a once-daily application is all that’s needed! A large bottle like the one shown in the photo can last you a long time!

Stage 3: Flaking, peeling, and yes, still itchy

Timeline:

Once the scabs have fully matured, it’s going to fall off. This normally happens in the second or third week (again, depends on your body’s healing rate).

What happens during this stage?

Photo of a peeling tattoo (Image by Kat Selvocki)

Nothing too exciting’s going on in this stage – everything happening now is the product of what happened in the previous healing stages. That said, you can now see the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.

You can now start saying goodbye to the scabs that made your new tatt look cloudy, wrinkled and ugly. But don’t get too excited and pick them off one by one – let the scabs fall off in their own time. You don’t want to risk pulling some ink off when you do so!

Also, if your tattoo is still peeling after 3 weeks, but you’re not experiencing infection-related symptoms, then it should be totally fine. You’re probably just a slow healer. For peace of mind, however, you may want to consult with your tattooist or your GP.

How to manage this stage so you can move forward to the next one?

Moisturising lotions are your best friend at this stage. Your almost-healed tattoo is still going to itch like crazy. But with a bit of itch-management, you should be able to pull ahead and successfully resist the urge!

Continue using your favourite lotion and apply it as often as necessary. Some lotions advertise 24-hour moisturising power, so if you’re using one like that, then a once-a-day application is fine.

Stage 4: Healed tattoo (on the surface)

Timeline:

Once the scabs have all fallen off. This stage occurs on the 3^rd or 4^th week.

What a healed tattoo looks like:

Image source: Annie Spratt

At this point, the skin surface looks like it’s back to normal. You’ll know it’s healed because the scabs will have all peeled and flaked off. The dry, wrinkled skin is now all gone, replaced by smooth, new skin. The intense itch you’ve suffered the past several days is now gone, too. And the ink in your dermis is now very much visible thanks to the new epidermis layer!

However, the layers underneath are most likely not done yet. Experts say the inner layers of skin don’t fully heal until 2-3 months later. So, while the outside now looks great, your body’s still working hard to repair the damaged nerves, blood vessels, etc. below the surface.

How to take care of a healed tattoo:

Maintaining a tattoo is easier said than done. Whilst the wound is still healing, you get constant reminders to take care of your tattoo thanks to the tenderness and itchiness you’ll feel in the first few weeks. But once it’s healed, it’s a bit harder to maintain it. If you want to see your tatt live on and look good forever, then maintain it you must!

Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise

We can’t stress enough just how important moisturising your tattoo is. Whether it’s been a month after getting the tatt or two decades later, you still need to apply lotion on a daily basis. If you’re not used to putting lotion now, then you best get used to it. Make a habit of applying lotion to your skin on a regular basis.

Protect your tattoo from the sun

Have you ever seen tattoos from people who stay out in the sun for long periods of time? Think sailors and those who work in outdoor environments. If they’ve been lax about protecting their tattoo, their tatts will look faded and old. Using high SPF lotion can offer some protection, but you need to apply it every single time you go out into the sun.

The reason why the sun does so much damage to tattoos is because sunlight can break down the ink pigment that are trapped in the dermis. This results to ink that no longer look as vibrant, and lines that look blurry and faded.

This is also why it’s not recommended to get tattoos in body parts that are frequently exposed to the sun – your face, your neck, your hands, etc. For best results and longer lasting tattoos, choose a spot that doesn’t get as much sunlight on.

Eat healthy and drink lots of water

Your tattoo can only look as good as the skin it’s on, right? So, if you smoke a lot and you don’t drink plenty of water everyday, then chances are your skin’s going to look much older than it should be.

One of the best ways to take care of your tattoo is to nourish it from the inside out. By eating healthy and hydrating properly, you’re extending the life of your tattoo as well!

Not sure if you’re getting enough nutrients from your diet? Consider taking a complete multivitamin like this one from Intelligent Labs.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Tattoo Healing Process

Is coconut oil safe to apply on a healing tattoo?

Virgin coconut oil is one of nature’s most effective moisturisers. It’s rich in medium chain fatty acids that will not only protect your tattoo from infection, but also nourish it from the inside out. I recommend you start applying the oil once scabs start forming, not before. Contrary to some people’s fears, coconut oil won’t fade a tattoo (as long as it’s applied once scabs form).

How long does a tattoo heal?

The length by which your tattoo heals depends on how healthy you are, the location where you got inked, your tattooist’s skill, and how well you follow tattoo aftercare instructions.

Here’s an infographic to show you how proper tattoo aftercare works:

How long does it take for a tattoo to scab?

If it’s a smallish tattoo done by a skilled artist, and you meticulously clean and air out your wound, then you’ll see scabs starting to form in as little as 1-2 days. For others, it may take more than a couple of days for scabs to show up.  

What to do when your new tattoo is peeling?

Don’t do anything, apart from continuing to moisturise your tattoo. Don’t pull, don’t tear, don’t pick. Protect the peeling skin from anything that will cause it to prematurely fall off.

Do tattoos fade after healing?

Tattoos look a bit faded after healing, doesn’t it? It’s not as vibrant and as shiny as when you had it done at the studio. But that’s all totally normal because as the top layer of skin sheds off (the epidermis), new skin replaces it. The old skin would have had traces of ink in it due to the very nature of tattooing, but once it’s replaced by new skin, all ink in the epidermis will disappear.

Why does my black tattoo ink look grey now?

There are plenty of reasons why your black ink may look grey. During the tattoo healing process, it could be because the silvery scabs are covering up the ink in the dermis. Or, once it’s fully healed, it could be because of too much exposure to the sun. Alternatively, low quality ink may have been used in the tattooing.

Why does my tattoo feel hot?

Quite frankly, a tattoo feeling hot within the first 24-48 hours is normal. Your skin just went through some rough time, and it’s your body’s normal reaction to raise temperature to potentially save you from an infection. However, if after 2 days, you still feel unwell and you experience symptoms such as swelling, pus, and foul odour, then your tattoo may be infected.

When will my tattoo stop hurting?

Pain should normally subside within a week, much faster if it’s just a small tattoo. Also, if you got tattooed on an area with lots of fat underneath the skin, then the pain should be more manageable. However, if you had it done on a bony part, then the pain may last longer.

Conclusion

The tattoo healing process is but a normal consequence of getting a tattoo. Observe proper aftercare and the entire healing will go along smoothly. Of course, when I say smoothly, take it with a grain of salt. During the scabbing and the flaking stages, you’ll experience immense itchiness that will test your patience. Just do your best to ignore your instinct to scratch, and you’ll soon see your tattoo fully healed up!

Why should you take tattoo aftercare seriously?

Your tattoo aftercare journey begins right this very moment (Photo by Angie Torres)

Tattoos involve not just money and time, but also blood, sweat and tears – literally! It’s a commitment that starts from the moment the needle (or group of needles) pricks your skin. And that commitment lasts throughout your lifetime; unless, of course, you regret your decision later and get it laser removed.

Technically, tattooing is a medical procedure, even though most tattooists have no medical training to speak of. The way tattooing works is that skin is pricked by needles to create small openings in the skin. Tattoo ink is then deposited in these tiny puncture wounds.

Without proper aftercare, your brand-new tattoo is at risk of becoming infected. You may experience redness, irritation and swelling around the area. For more severe tattoo infections, you’ll notice pus and a foul odour along with pain and high fever.

Serious infections can lead to a prolonged stay in hospital. In worst case scenarios, death is a likely possibility. So, for best results, follow your tattooist’s aftercare instructions. They care about you – you’re walking proof of their talent!

Your Tattoo Aftercare Calendar

This aftercare calendar is designed to help you figure out what you need to do for each stage of the healing process. However, we all heal at different rates, so this guide isn’t written in stone. Feel free to adapt according to your body’s healing rate.

But first, before we proceed, here’s an infographic summarising the tattoo aftercare process:

Days 1-2: The Most Crucial Stage Of The Healing Process

In tattoo aftercare, the first 48 hours are crucial. So, right after your tattoo is done, your tattooist will clean and disinfect the area (they usually use green soap in the studio), before wrapping it up in clear plastic film. This is done to protect your tattoo as you make your way home from the studio.

Step 1: Remove bandage

Most tattooists will tell their clients to remove the bandage after a couple of hours. This is because, by this time, blood, plasma and ink will have formed a mess on your skin. Remove the bandage carefully and dispose of it properly.

Step 2: Wash your hands

Before touching your tattoo, make sure you wash your hands first. You don’t want dirt to get on your tattoo at this point.

Step 3: Wash your tattoo with your bare hands

It’s important to use your hands to wash your tattoo. Never use shower accessories like sponges, loofahs or washcloths as bacteria thrives in these things!   

Use unscented, antibacterial soap and warm water to wash your tattoo. Avoid soap that has alcohol and artificial fragrance, as these can ‘burn’ and dry out the area. Check our list of the best tattoo soaps you can use to wash your new tattoo with.

Note: Some tattooists say using hot water (the max temperature you can withstand) is better for rinsing off the gooey mess on your skin. Others will tell you to use lukewarm water. Listen to what your tattooist tells you.  

You will need to wash your tattoo every few hours to keep the wound clean. You don’t want too much plasma sticking to the skin as doing so can result in thick, unsightly scabs later on.

Step 4: Dry your skin

After washing, air dry your skin or pat it dry (don’t rub) with a few kitchen rolls. Towels are also not advisable (even fresh ones) as loose thread and fabric can stick to your wound and cause an infection.

Step 5: Apply healing ointment

Up next on your to-do list is to apply a very thin layer of healing ointment like Aquaphor or A+D. These ointments are both petroleum-based, but won’t block oxygen from entering your skin. It acts as a protective barrier and promotes healing underneath the skin at the same time.

Here’s an infographic of how an ointment like Aquaphor works:

Image source: https://www.aquaphorus.com/how-it-works/

As you can see in the image above, it’s important for the area to be dry and clean. Otherwise, water/moisture can get trapped underneath the ointment which can irritate and cause the skin to swell up.

Now, if you’re not a fan of petroleum-based products, a couple of good vegan alternatives you may want to consider are Hustle Butter Deluxe and Butter Up Rich Body Butter. These may be a bit pricey (most natural and vegan products are), but will work wonders for your skin!  

Step 6: Repeat steps 2-5 three or four times a day

You’ll feel icky if you don’t. Your tattoo will continuously weep or ooze during the first 48 hours or so. You’ll need to clean it up, otherwise, you’re opening your new tatt to a world of infection. 

First day tattoo care is not going to be fun at all. In fact, the first couple of days are going to be rough – you’ll experience redness, swelling, and some pain. But hang in there! There’s always light at the end of the proverbial tunnel – you’ll see yours soon enough!

New tattoo sleeping woes: how to sleep with a fresh tattoo?

Take extra precautions to protect your tattoo when you go to bed (Photo by Matheus Ferrero)

There’s no two ways about it – sleeping with a brand-new tattoo is going to be tough. Even if you only had a tiny one done, you’ll still feel some discomfort when you go to bed. It will be painful and sore, and you need to be very careful about not letting anything touch your tattoo! The healing ointment can only offer so much protection, after all.

That said, here are some tips to help make your first couple of nights more comfortable:

• Re-wrap in cling film

If you got your tattoo late at night and you’re just about ready to fall asleep when you get home, then it’s fine to sleep with the cling film from the shop (please consult with your tattooist first though).

But if you’ve had it done earlier in the day, then you may want to wrap your wound in a fresh roll of plastic film to protect it from the dust and germs in your bed. Of course, when you re-wrap, make sure NONE of what you’re trying to keep out actually gets trapped within the film (it defeats the purpose of re-wrapping)!  

• Use clean beddings

Some tattooists advise against re-wrapping tattoos during the night. They say it’s better to just sleep in a clean bed, so your skin can breathe whilst you sleep. The healing ointment should be good enough protection for your tattoo.

Since your wound will likely be ‘weeping’ all night long, it’s best to use some old but clean beddings. If you wake up in the morning and find the sheet sticking to your tattoo, proceed with caution.

Don’t pull the sheet away as doing so can also pull some ink out! Instead, bring the sheet with you to the shower or sink, and run some lukewarm water over it until the sheet separates from your skin.

• Don’t sleep on your new tattoo

This is common sense, but when you’re asleep, you likely won’t realise you’ve slept on your tattoo until you feel it in the morning. Sleeping on your tattoo can aggravate and irritate the wound, and possibly even start an infection.

To avoid accidents of this sort, find a sleeping spot where you don’t possibly end up lying on top of your still-very-much-bruised skin. Let your partner know as well, so they can watch out for you, too.  

Taking a shower with a new tattoo

Don’t soak your new tattoo! (Photo by Naomi August)

Taking a long leisurely bath may sound like a good idea, but not when your tattoo’s still very much unhealed. Dirt and grime get trapped in the tub. It’s the perfect place for bacteria and germs to come together and infiltrate your wound like invisible ink-destroying ninjas.  

Take a quick shower instead (emphasis on ‘quick’). Just enough to feel clean and not soak the tattoo at the same time. If your fragranced soap or shampoo gets in the tattoo, just rinse it off.

After you shower, dry yourself as you normally would but take special care with the still-tender area. Don’t use your towel to dry up your tattoo. Instead, get a few sheets of kitchen roll and pat the area dry, then put on a fresh layer of Aquaphor… or whatever your favourite healing ointment is.

Days 3-4: Your tattoo is on the mend, but still very much sore

The soreness will depend on how big the tattoo is and where it’s located. But generally, most people start feeling a bit better now that the weeping has slowed down a bit. It’s highly likely you’ll still see bits and blobs of lymphatic fluid along with some ink – all completely normal!   

At this point, the swelling and the pain should also have gone down a bit. You may even continue to see some light scabs starting to form on the area. If so, then that’s a good sign!

What you need to do:

Continue applying healing ointment or cream on the tattoo. Do this until your tattoo stops oozing.

Days 5-7: It’s the scabs time to shine!

Scabbing is normal, but don’t let it get it this thick! (Photo by Kim Laurenson)

If you followed our advice and cleaned up your tattoo really well, then your scabs should be crusting quite nicely now. It shouldn’t be too thick. Just thick enough to cover the tattoo and protect it from debris and bacteria, whilst the healing goes on underneath.

Don’t be scared if you think if your tattoo looks ugly, cloudy and dull right now. It’s all pretty normal. And just so you know, it may look even uglier once it starts peeling and flaking off.

If you experience heavy scabbing (think extra crusty, multi-layered, extra-large scabs) even if you carefully followed tattoo aftercare instructions, then you may have a problem. It’s either your tattooist was too heavy-handed and did tremendous damage to the skin, or you’ve developed an infection.

If it’s the former, there’s not much you can do, but to continue with the aftercare program. If it’s the latter and you’re experiencing other tattoo infection symptoms, please speak with your GP straight away.

Also, it’s important to mention that some tattoos don’t even scab at all. This usually happens with tiny, fine tattoos done by highly skilled tattooists. Or, even tattoos that use white ink. So, if you don’t go through this stage, then hurray for you!

What you need to do (and not do):

So, back to scabbing.

• For normal scabs, apply a very thin layer of moisturising lotion to your tattoo to keep the skin well-hydrated, so it can continue to heal properly. The key word here is ‘thin.’ A thick application will cause your scabs to get soggy and can slog off prematurely, pulling ink out in the process. Plus, it will delay the healing process as well.
• For giant, non-normal scabs, avoid putting on lotion on it. Instead, apply lotion to the area surrounding the scab. This way, the scab will dry up naturally and will eventually fall off on its own.
• The scabs will be an eyesore and will cover up your tattoo. But don’t get tempted to pick and pull it off prematurely! If you do, then you may see some ink getting pulled out along with the scabs!
• For scabs that look just about ready to fall off, leave them be as well. If there’s a possibility of that scab getting snagged on clothing, furniture or whatever, then cover up the scab with something to protect it.  
• Avoid wearing tight clothing as the scabs can easily get caught and pulled off.

Week 2: Don’t go bitchin’ ‘bout the itchin’!

Resist the itch of a healing tattoo! (Photo by Анастасия Гепп)

Warning: Fun times ahead…. NOT! You probably got a taste last week when the scabs were forming, but now that they’re starting to fall off, you’ll experience a different level of ITCHING!

If you’ve ever been wounded before, you know it starts getting really itchy once it gets to this point! So, what happens at this stage is that your scabs mature and fall off on their own, which exposes the newly generated epidermis skin layer to the outside world. This essentially means the puncture wounds you got at your tattooist’s hands are all closed up now.

Unfortunately, the downside to all this skin renewal and wound healing is that your skin will end up being very dry. This leads to flaking and peeling, pretty much like a sunburn.

Note:

If you have an underlying skin condition like eczema or dermatitis, then your itch won’t just be on another level, it will be on another planet altogether! If you think your tattoo is itching like nobody’s business, and you’ve got rashes or skin bumps to go along with the itch, then a visit to the dermatologist may be needed.

What to do (and what to avoid):

No matter how bad your tattoo itches, Do. Not. Scratch. Please. If you do, your fingernails are going to catch some of that skin and pull it out prematurely. Chances are it’s going to take some of that precious ink with it and you’ll end up with a patchy tatt.   

Dealing with the itch will take supreme self-awareness and discipline. If you’ve got loads of these, then good for you! However, for most regular folks, try out these tips and tricks. Some of these (hopefully all!) will work and save you from going crazy!

• Apply a thin layer of moisturising lotion

If you followed our aftercare advice for last week, i.e. after your tattoo stops oozing, you can just continue using the same kind of lotion to moisturise your skin. Aveeno, Lubriderm, Cetaphil and other similar brands sell moisturising lotions that work great on newly-healed tattoos.

• Apply a cold compress

Only follow this tip if you’re absolutely sure your skin’s top layer has healed. Otherwise, germs and bacteria from the compress can enter your skin and cause an infection. That said, cold compresses are great for providing near-instant itch relief. The cold will also restrict blood flow to the area, which helps reduce swelling.

• Tap or pat it instead

Some people swear tapping or patting the itchy area works. Others tend to favour a bit more force and say slapping is more effective. Either way, the sting will take away some of the itch. In a brief instant, you’ll find some temporary relief.  

• Start a mantra

Mantras work if you truly believe in what you’re saying. Say something like ‘I’m strong, I can resist the itch. The itch is nothing. Mind over matter.’ Or, something to that effect. Every time you feel like giving in, close your eyes and mutter your mantra out loud or privately in your head. You’ll feel better after, I promise.

• Get a hobby

Hobbies are nice, they’re distracting and entertaining at the same time – two things you need at this itchy stage of your life. So, if you haven’t got a hobby yet, now’s the time to get started.

• Work on something very important

Got a work deadline coming up? Well, you may still be sore from last week’s tattoo session. But don’t let that stop you from working on important tasks that will take your mind away from your itchy present!

• Use hydrocortisone

If you’ve tried all of the above and the itch is still unbearable, then try applying a thin layer of hydrocortisone 1% anti-itch cream or ointment. But again, make sure your skin’s top layer is fully healed before putting this on. Fortunately, you can buy this at most chemists and supermarkets, so you should find sweet relief any minute now!

Weeks 3-4: The home stretch

This woman’s photos look pretty well-healed (Photo by Annie Spratt)

Just a couple more weeks and your tattoo will finally be healed. At the beginning of week 3, it’s just the skin surface that’s recovered, but underneath, it’s still a work in progress. Don’t worry though, it will all be healed up soon – some may take up to a couple of months though, especially for larger tattoos.

What to expect?

Of course, the ever-persistent itch will still be present, but with the coping techniques you’ve learned in the previous week, it should be more manageable now. Also, the swelling should have subsided at this point, and there should be no more raised or bumpy sections on your tattooed skin.

Washing and cleaning your tattoo need not be as often as it was in the early days. At this stage, you can wash your tatt when you take a shower. The needle puncture wounds may have healed, but it’s best to stay safe and just clean the tattoo periodically.

Your skin will still be dry with all the flaking and peeling going on. But, over time, this will eventually stop until a fresh layer of epidermis skin cells are all that’s left. You’ll still need to moisturise once or twice a day (depending on your lotion’s formulation). In fact, you’ll need to moisturise every single day – if you want your tattoo to look good for years!

Week 5 and beyond: Long-term tattoo maintenance tips

Congratulations! Your tattoo is now fully healed and you can now go back to living life normally (albeit with a few more precautions to preserve your tatt). So, here are some long-term aftercare tips to make your skin art last forever!

Tip #1: Hydrate and drink water

Your tattoo can only look as good as the skin it’s on. Dehydrated skin looks dry and dull. Make drinking water (not soda) a habit. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. You can download an app on your phone to help you track how much water you’re drinking per day.

Drink Water Reminder N Tracker is a good example. Here’s a screenshot:

Tip #2: Eat healthy food

Junk food’s irresistible sometimes. And really, it’s okay to eat some every once in a while, just don’t make it a daily thing. Otherwise, your body – and your skin specifically – can suffer.

That said, if you want your skin to glow, eat foods rich in antioxidants. Here’s a list of superfoods that will not only give your skin a much-needed boost, but will also help improve your immune system:

• Grapes
• Blueberries
• Red berries like strawberries and raspberries
• Nuts like almonds, walnuts, peanuts, cashew and pistachios
• Dark green veggies like broccoli, kale, spinach, and lettuce
• Sweet potatoes
• Orange vegetables like carrots and squash
• Green tea
• Whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal, whole-wheat bread and pasta
• Beans like lentils, green soybeans, black-eyed peas and soy
• Fish like salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel and herring

Tip #3: Moisturise skin

Once you get a tattoo, you’ll need to moisturise it forever. It’s a lifelong commitment, otherwise, your tattoo can dry up. And before you know it, it’ll look old, faded and wrinkled. For long-term maintenance, any daily moisturising lotion should do the job.

Tip #4: Protect it from the sun

If you don’t want your tattoo to look weathered like an old sailor’s tattoo, then you best apply sunblock every single time you go out into the sun. You may think it’s extreme, but it’s necessary protection for your tattoo. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can still do damage to old tattoos. It will break down the ink trapped in the dermis, which will make your tattoo look faded.

We like Banana Boat’s SPF50+ sunscreen. It’s non-greasy and the spray bottle makes it very convenient to use. It’s water-resistant too, so even if you go swimming out in the heat, it will protect your tattoo – and your skin – from the harmful rays of the sun!

Another option would be to wear sun-protective clothing. Choose fabric that is woven or knit tightly as this prevents UV rays from reaching the skin. Wool, silk, denim, nylon and polyester are good examples. Also, keep in mind that darker fabrics absorb more UV rays than lighter ones.  

A tattoo sleeve cover like you see below will work wonders for you if you’re the active kind and you like spending time in the sun.

You can buy Shinymod’s cooling sun sleeves on Amazon

Tip #5: Weight watch

Oh, yes, weight fluctuations will have an effect on tattoos. Weight gain will cause your skin to stretch out, thus making your tattoo appear stretched out as well. Weight loss, on the other hand, will make your skin wrinkled which will obviously distort your tattoo.

This is why pregnant women – or those who are attempting to become one – should hold off on getting a tattoo until much later. Perhaps until they’ve weaned their baby or they’ve lost the excess pregnancy weight.

Tip #6: Avoid getting cut in tattooed area

Tiny cuts and scrapes on the surface shouldn’t do anything to your tattoo. But if the injury occurs in the dermis layer, then the tattoo will be affected. In some cases, scar tissue may appear on your tattoo, which will distort its appearance. For cuts that go down into the dermis, treat it like you would a new tattoo so as not to cause further cosmetic damage.

New Tattoo Care FAQs

Don’t be afraid to ask questions (Photo by Jon Tyson)

Alright, so I’ve drawn up the answers to the most frequently asked questions about tattoo aftercare.

1. When can I go swimming?

Swimmers and surfers are going to hate this part, but you need to wait… possibly up to 2-4 weeks after getting the tattoo. Even if your tattoo’s already past the scabbing stage, it’s still best to wait and ensure the skin’s natural barrier has been fully restored. You can take quick showers, but that’s about it. Soaking your tatt in tubs, pools, lakes, and the ocean should be avoided for as long as necessary.

Read this article: How Bathing and Swimming With A New Tattoo Works

2. What about working? Can I go to work if my tattoo’s still fresh?

Preferably, you should get your tattoo on your rest day from work, or perhaps while you’re on holiday. You’ll be subjected to thousands of tiny needle pricks; you surely deserve rest afterwards.

But, in the unfortunate event you can’t get some time off work, protect your tattoo at all costs. Make sure you clean the area and apply ointment to protect it. If your work clothes will be rubbing against your tatt, put on some clean bandage (but ensure it doesn’t cut off oxygen from reaching your skin).

3. Is coconut oil okay for tattoos?

I’m a huge coconut oil fan. But even so, I won’t suggest rubbing some on a still-weeping tattoo. This is because coconut oil is said to have ‘pulling’ properties which may pull ink out of your skin.

It’s best to apply the aftercare lotion made with coconut oil once the tattoo is dry and no longer weeping. This usually happens 24-48 hours after getting inked (depends on your body’s healing rate).

4. Is it okay to get some exercise after getting tattooed?

Well, no, not right after. But unlike swimming, which will take weeks before your tattoo’s safe for submerging, you only need to wait 48 hours! So, that’s great news for gym bunnies who are addicted to working out!

Bad news is, if your tattoo is somewhere more private, you’ll need to hold off on the whole exercise thing until your tatt is fully healed (about 3-4 weeks or thereabouts).

5. How to take care of my colour tattoo?

Colour tattoo care instructions are basically the same as more traditional all-black tattoos. Scroll back up to know all about how to take care of a brand-new colour tattoo!  

6. When can I shave again?

This is obviously one of the things you can’t do after getting a tattoo. But as soon as it’s fully healed, you can shave again. Hair that’s growing back is itchy, so you’ve got your job cut out for you with an itchy, healing tattoo as well.

Conclusion

Your tattoo’s aftercare journey starts from the moment you leave the tattooist’s shop. Follow your tattooist’s instructions on how to care for your fresh tattoo. The entire month after getting your tattoo is important to long-term success, but the first 48 hours are absolutely crucial. Take to heart the do’s and don’ts of post-tattoo care and your skin art will look good for years, possibly even forever!

Why are you on antibiotics?

Photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko

You’re most likely on antibiotics because your doctor advised you to. If you’re suffering from a bacterial infection, then one of the first things they will recommend is for you to take antibiotics for several days (the length depends on the infection).

Antibiotics treat infections by killing bacteria – or at least slow down its growth. They don’t work as well against viruses though; this is why antibiotics are also known as antibacterials.

Can you get a tattoo while on antibiotics?

Well, technically, you can. But you shouldn’t. Why? Because your body’s already fighting off an infection. If you get a tattoo, you’ll just add more work for your immune system.

An overloaded immune system can slow down the tattoo healing process. What may only take a few weeks at most to fully heal can drag on for a few months!

Don’t be impatient. Your tattoo will live on your skin forever. If you rush it – even if you’re not feeling a hundred percent – then you can ruin your tattoo BEFORE you even get it!

So, here’s how tattoos work. Basically, your tattooist makes thousands of tiny puncture wounds on your skin so that ink can be inserted. And those tiny openings on your skin make for perfect entry points for germs, bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.

E. Coli bacteria (Photo by Gerd Altmann)

Of course, the antibiotics you’re already taking will take care of bacteria. But what about the other pathogens it’s not effective against? Those will wreak havoc on your body!

Additionally, when your immune system’s already got such a heavy workload, it will most likely lead to your body rejecting the ink. This is because the antibiotics will try to neutralise the perceived threat – the tattoo ink.

When the ink’s rejected, it will cause your tattoo to look misshapen, distorted and blurred. And when this happens, you’ll move on to the next very much optional stage of the tattooing process – tattoo regret.

When you start feeling bad about how your tattoo looks, you’ll think of getting it removed. Unfortunately, tattoo removal isn’t as easy as scraping the ink off your skin. It’s a lengthy, painful, laser-assisted process that will cost you lots of time and money. Oh, and it’s also more painful than the tattooing process itself! That said, all these can be avoided if you wait until you’re done with the antibiotics.

With your immune system already working hard to contain your pre-existing infection, your health can seriously suffer. Do you want to compromise your health just to get some ink on your skin? I sure hope not.

Also, if you’re thinking of getting a scratcher (a non-licensed, amateur ‘tattooist’) to work on you while you’re on antibiotics, then you could be opening yourself up to a world of danger.

The same thing goes if you’re planning on getting a cute, hand poke tattoo done by your friend from the comfort of your living room couch. Why? Because getting tattooed in a non-sterile environment by an inexperienced person will likely lead to tattoo infections!

Can you get a tattoo while sick?

Just like with antibiotics, the answer is yes, but you really shouldn’t. The same reasons why not (see previous section) also applies in this case. When you’re sick, your body’s not well-conditioned for healing. Therefore, you should also postpone your tattoo appointment when you’re sick on the day of. Getting well instead of getting inked should be your top priority! 

What should you do instead?  

Move your tattoo appointment to a later date (Photo by Mockaroon)

Talk to your tattooist and reschedule to a later date. But what if your tattooist is booked for months?  Well, you’ve got a few choices at this point:

• You can hire another tattooist with a less busy schedule; or
• You can wait for the same tattooist; or
• Just don’t get a tattoo.

Your tattoo can wait. And if it’s your first time getting inked, you should be thinking it through – now’s your chance to do so.  

Alternatively, if you’ve yet to start taking your antibiotics, then perhaps you can get a tattoo first then take an antibiotic later? Of course, you better consult with your doctor first before you plan your next move. You don’t want your infection to get worse just because you can’t wait to get inked!

That said, if you are taking antibiotics, don’t forget to take probiotics as well to help restore balance to your gut microbiota. Antibiotics don’t differentiate between good and bad bacteria, so high-quality probiotics are definitely a must when taking antibiotics!

Look for a brand that has a good probiotic strength (50 Billion CFU is a good start), contains patented probiotics (these are scientifically researched strains with proven health benefits) and prebiotics (so the probiotics don’t die off whilst in transit). Here at TattooMoisturiser, we’re huge fans of the Intelligent Labs Adult Probiotics with Prebiotics!

Conclusion

Most, if not all, licensed tattooists would prefer to work on fully healthy clients. You are displaying their skill and craftsmanship on your body, after all. They’d want their art to look as good as it possibly can. Unfortunately, getting a tattoo while on antibiotics can compromise both your health and your new tattoo. Remember to think before you ink!

What’s a tattoo allergy?

A swollen tattoo (Photo by Kim Laurenson)

Tattoo allergies are usually localised reactions to tattoo ink (and in rare cases, even the tattooing equipment used). It’s ‘localised’ because it will usually only appear at the tattooed area. More often than not, it will be located directly above the tattoo (colour) ink you’re specifically allergic to.

Say, for instance, you had a tattoo of a fish with red eyes. If you’re allergic to red ink, the symptoms will only show up at the spots where red ink was used (the eyes).

Note, however, that not all allergies will present localised symptoms. Others will affect the entire tattooed area and even the skin surrounding it.

Also, some allergies don’t happen straight away. In many cases, they occur a few hours or a few days after getting the tattoo. In rare instances, they can even appear months or years later!

Obviously, if this happens to you, you’ll be left scratching your head. But remember, tattoo ink is a foreign object inserted in your body. You may think it’s settled in after a while. But the truth is, you can’t ever be 100% certain you’ll never experience a tattoo allergy in your lifetime.

Allergic reaction to tattoo ink: mild to severe signs and symptoms

You know, the milder symptoms of tattoo allergies, tattoo infections and the beginning of the tattoo healing process can look pretty much the same for the first few days. However, it’s when the reactions start becoming severe that you truly need to worry. That said, here are some common presenting symptoms of tattoo ink allergy:

Mild symptoms:

• Itching

Itching is pretty much normal for a healing tattoo, but for a fresh one, not so much. So, if you find your tatt itching like there’s no tomorrow, well, perhaps you’re having an allergic reaction.

• Swelling

A bit of inflammation is normal during the early days, too. But if it shows no sign of slowing down and going back to normal, then an allergy may be responsible for the swelling.

• Scaly skin around the tattoo

Scaly skin shouldn’t be seen around your new tattoo. Unless you’ve got skin drier than the Sahara, then in that case, a nice moisturising lotion might be in order.

• Rashes and bumps

You also get rashes and bumps with an infection. But with a tattoo ink allergy, it’s bound to either go away on its own after a few days or some anti-allergy medicine (e.g. antihistamine) will take care of it pretty quickly.

• Irritation and redness

All tattoos are going to look red during the first 24-48 hours. Your skin just took a beating courtesy of tiny needle pricks (thousands of them!). However, with a tattoo allergy, instead of the redness eventually going away, it may intensify even more.

Severe symptoms:

• Intense itching

Photo by Анастасия Гепп from Pixabay

Itching and intense itching are two different things. Intense itching will feel like something’s crawling underneath, and you literally can’t help but scratch it. But try your hardest and resist the temptation to do so – for your tattoo and your health’s sake!

• Burning feeling in and around tattooed area

Well, this is obviously a bad sign. If you feel like this, call your GP ASAP.

• Pus discharge from wound

Pus is never a good sign. It can signal either an allergy or an infection. Either way, it’s bad. And if not treated early, it can progress to something so much worse.

• Fever and chills

Some people do get fevers just by getting a tattoo. Perhaps their immune system’s a bit on the weak side and it’s gone on overdrive to protect the body from infection. However, if your body temperature goes to 39C and up, and you’re experiencing chills, seek medical attention.

• Difficulty breathing

Obviously, if you have trouble breathing because of a tattoo ink allergy, then you need to do something straight away! Your airway’s literally telling you to go and present yourself at the hospital, so don’t delay!

Common causes of tattoo ink allergies

If you’re wondering what’s causing all these allergy symptoms to appear right after getting a tattoo, here are the most common causes.

1. Heavy metals

Colourful tattoos sure are nice to look at, especially if it’s on your skin. But it might surprise you to know that some tattoo ink manufacturers use certain heavy metals and chemicals as ingredients/pigments for their ink. This is, unfortunately, the downside of an industry that is not as tightly regulated as it should be.

Here are examples of heavy metals used in tattoo inks:

• Red – can include mercury, cadmium, iron
• Yellow – can include lead, cadmium, zinc, ferricyanide
• Black – can include nickel, carbon, iron
• Green – can include lead, chromium, aluminium, copper, ferricyanide, copper
• Blue – can include cobalt, copper, ferrocyanide
• White – can include lead, zinc, titanium, barium

This isn’t a comprehensive list by any means. Many ink manufacturers don’t even bother listing the ingredients on their ink bottles. They just slap a label saying, ‘Tattoo Ink’ and sell it!    

Now, some of these ingredients are commonly used to make printer ink and automobile paint. Therefore, it’s really not all that surprising to learn that these inks cause severe tattoo allergies in many people!  

2. Photosensitivity

Sunlight is good for the skin. Normally. But with a healing tattoo, sunlight isn’t your friend. In fact, you need to stay well out of the sun’s rays for as long as 4 weeks. Or at least until your skin fully heals.

Depending on how sensitive your skin is, you could get burned. Obviously, this wouldn’t be a great look for your new tattoo. And if you had your tatt done in red or yellow ink, then you need to take this advice seriously. Why? Because these colour inks usually contain cadmium which can cause an allergic reaction when exposed to sunlight!

Here’s the thing though. Your tattoo may already be fully healed, but as soon as it gets exposed to the sun, you could still experience a (delayed) reaction. This is the reason you’ll hear people wondering why they’re still getting bumpy and raised tattoos after months – or even years – of getting their skin inked!

3. Tattoo ink rejection

It’s common for some ink to ooze out when the tattoo’s relatively fresh. Over the next few days, you’ll see ink coming off in bits and pieces – don’t be alarmed, it’s all totally normal.

However, what isn’t normal is when you turn out to be allergic to the ink and your body is trying to reject it. In many places, tattooists don’t exactly tell you what’s in the ink bottle, so if in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask.

Either way, you could be allergic to one or all of the tattoo ink ingredients. The most telling sign would be symptoms that just won’t go away no matter what you do. In cases like these, tattoo removal may be the only suitable treatment option for you.

4. Sensitive skin

It’s true – some people are born with skin so sensitive that a few seconds of contact with an offending allergen can produce angry little red bumps all over the contact area! Now imagine getting a tattoo and having the tattooist’s hand apply pressure on your skin for several minutes at a time. You could be allergic to the gloves, or you could be allergic to the ink.

Some culprits would be skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis. Technically, eczema is just a more generic term for a type of dermatitis called ‘atopic dermatitis.’ According to Dr. David Hauswirth, eczema affects 10 to 20% of the population.

Some people are aware they have it and tell their tattooist beforehand. Others may get a tattoo without knowing they have a pre-existing skin condition that will likely result to flare-ups, increased itching and redness.

Fortunately, eczema and dermatitis won’t stop you from getting inked. Just don’t go to the tattooist in the midst of a flare-up, but also be honest with them about your condition so they’re aware of it.  

How to test if you’re allergic to tattoo ink?

It would be nice to know if you’re allergic to ink, right? It will save you a world of trouble. Unfortunately, there’s no foolproof method yet that can actually 100% confirm you’re allergic to ink or not. But you can try any of the methods below and see if it works for you:

1. Tattoo ink patch test

Ask your tattooist for a simple ink patch test (Photo by Yannic Läderach)

If you’ve got sensitive skin that tends to react to the littlest thing, then a patch test may be advisable for you. Now, some tattooists may ask for your medical history. But just in case they don’t, take the initiative and tell them about your skin condition.

The patch testing process is relatively quick and simple. There are two ways your tattooist may go about this:

1. External – the tattooist will put a drop of ink (it should be the same kind that will be used on your tattoo) on a patch of skin.
2. Internal – the tattooist will actually tattoo a tiny dot on your skin. This will insert the pigment, so you get a more accurate test result.

Either way, you’ll be asked to observe and wait for at least 24 hours to see if you develop a reaction to the ink.

If you don’t develop itching, swelling or redness, then chances are, you’re good with the ink. In this case, you may proceed with the tattooing process.

Take note, however, that if your tattoo design requires a number of colours, then your tattooist should patch test each type of ink on your skin.

Again, this method isn’t a foolproof way of preventing an allergy. Sometimes, even if you pass the patch test with flying colours, you may still experience some allergic reaction a few weeks or months later.

2. Known allergies to ink ingredients

Asking questions is acceptable in tattoo studios. So, please don’t be afraid to ask what’s in the ink bottle. After all, that ink is going in your skin – you’ve got all the right in the world to know!

Of course, this method will only work if you already know what you’re allergic to. If you have contact dermatitis or atopic dermatitis, you’ve probably had patch testing done before. If you have, then you’re in luck.

However, it doesn’t mean to say that if none of the ink ingredients is on your allergen list, then you’re not going to get some kind of allergic reaction to the ink. If you want to be doubly sure (but still not a 100% guarantee), then I recommend you request a tattoo ink patch test from your tattooist as well.

Treatment options for your tattoo ink allergy

Choosing the right treatment option will surely bring a world of relief to your allergy. While this list isn’t comprehensive by any means, the suggestions on this list should help you find some relief – hopefully the permanent kind!

1. Take over-the-counter medicine

A photo of OTC medicine (Photo by Brett Jordan)

Antihistamines can help stop the itching. You can take either the sedating (perfect if you’re just about ready to tuck in for the night) or non-sedating (if the itch strikes while you’re about to head out the door) kind. If you experience a rash along with the itching, hydrocortisone may do the trick for you.

Obviously, we don’t know your exact issue, so before you actually take any of these medicines, please consult with your GP. The last thing you want is for the medicine to cause even more problems for you!

2. Cold compress

A minor allergy can be quelled by applying a cold compress on the affected area. Now, this is often only a temporary solution, and the symptoms may reappear after an hour or two. But try pairing a cold compress with some medicine, you may finally be able to get some long-lasting relief! 

3. Apply itch relieving cream or ointment

These kinds of creams are great for use on fully healed tattoos. But for unhealed ones, you need to check first with your tattooist or your GP as some ingredients may pull out ink from your skin. Obviously, you don’t want this to happen as you could end up with a patchy tattoo! 

4. Hydrate and moisturise skin

Like itch relieving creams, this treatment option is best for tattoos that have at least stopped oozing plasma and are already in the scabbing stage. This is because if moisturising lotion is applied prematurely to a fresh weeping tattoo, then it can get absorbed by the skin. This can lead to an infection (so now, you’re the unfortunate soul with both a tattoo allergy and infection!).

For best results, we recommend you use After Inked Tattoo Aftercare Lotion – this is one of the best hydrating lotions for tattoos in the market right now.

5. Tattoo removal

Tattoo removal (Photo by dfrankg on Flickr)

Obviously, this isn’t everyone’s first choice. But if worse comes to worst, and your tattoo ink allergy doesn’t seem to be improving, then this may be the only option. Now, you should never attempt to remove the ink yourself – it’s not as simple as squeezing the ink out of your skin!

You also can’t go back to your tattooist and ask them to remove the tattoo. For tattoo removal, you’ll need to see a doctor. They’ll use a laser machine to break up the ink particles, which will then be absorbed by your body and excreted as waste later on.

Unfortunately, tattoo removal is more costly and more painful than getting a tattoo in the first place. It also doesn’t happen in one sitting. Depending on how big and how colourful your tattoo is, it may take several sessions before you finally see the last drop of ink. Even then, it’s not a 100% guarantee that it will totally vanish from your skin.

Prevention is better than cure, so here’s how you minimise tattoo allergy risk

There is no guarantee, but here are a few tips you can follow to minimise a tattoo ink allergy.

1. Choose the right tattooist

A professional tattooist at work (Photo by Allef Vinicius)

You don’t need to become best buds with your tattooist, but it’s nice to be comfortable with someone who’s going to inflict a world of pain on you. That said, here’s what you should look for in a tattooist:

• Are they registered? Their registration certificate should be displayed in the studio.
• Are they reputable? They should have a stellar reputation. Ask them for references or check out their website and social media pages. Read what people are saying about them.
• Are they honest? They’ll willingly answer all your questions about the tattooing process – from the preparation (using new gloves, putting protective film on all equipment used), the type of ink used and its ingredients, the tattoo process and aftercare – a true professional won’t hesitate to educate you before actually inking your skin.
• Do they verify your age? If you’re young, they should ask you for ID to prove you’re at least 18 years of age – it’s illegal in the UK to tattoo anyone under 18.
• Do they pass the eye test? Their studio should be very clean and the tattooist himself should wear clean (not bloody) clothes.

2. Don’t get a tattoo if you’re sick

Getting a tattoo whilst you’re feeling ill is a bad idea. A tattoo is basically an open wound, so your immune system will be working doubly hard to protect you. Reschedule your appointment. A reputable tattooist won’t work on you if he or she knows you’re ill as it can compromise their work and your health, too.

3. Find out if you have allergies and/or skin condition

Getting a patch test is a good idea, but it would be even better if you already know what you’re allergic to. You can go to an allergist to find out if you’re allergic to common tattoo ingredients. Or if you suspect you have an existing skin condition that can affect your tattoo, speak to a dermatologist about it.

Conclusion

Allergic reactions to tattoos can happen to anyone at any given time. Some get it right after their tattoo appointment, while others don’t present allergy symptoms until much, much later. Whatever your case may be, don’t panic. If none of the allergy treatment ideas I’ve shared here in this article works for you, please get in touch with your GP.

Tattoo infection vs. tattoo allergy

E. Coli bacteria (Photo by Gerd Altmann)

A lot of people confuse a tattoo allergy with an infection. And it’s easy to see why – during the first few hours or days, the symptoms may appear to be very similar. Now, since I’ll be talking about tattoo infections throughout the rest of this article, please allow me to explain what a tattoo allergy is:

Common signs of an allergic reaction include redness, swelling, rashes, and flaking in the tattooed area. Unfortunately, some people are more susceptible to allergies than others.

For instance, let’s say you have eczema or dermatitis (these are common enough skin conditions). Chances are, you may be more prone to getting rashes where your tattooist’s gloved hand applied pressure on your skin… (yes, some people are that sensitive).

Additionally, you may also be allergic to tattoo ink. The most common offender is red ink (although other colours are to blame as well). This is because tattoo ink ingredients can include manganese, cadmium sulphide, cobalt chloride, iron oxides, and mercury salts. And you may be allergic to any of these.

Tattoo allergies can be mild or severe. For relatively mild symptoms, an antihistamine or an antibiotic may do the trick. However, if you suddenly puff up like a balloon, then you may have a serious allergic reaction! Don’t waste any time – head straight to the emergency ward.

In worst case scenarios, the tattoo may need to be removed especially if you turn out to be deathly allergic to the ink. Can’t have that staying in your skin for the rest of your life!

15 common causes of tattoo infections (a.k.a. how to prevent getting an infection in the first place)

Infections can’t be avoided altogether, but there are ways you can minimise the risk. That said, here are some common causes of tattoo infections, so you know exactly what to look for (and avoid):

1. Unsanitary tattooing conditions

Please don’t get tattooed in a place like this (Photo by Jousi Osorio)

Don’t look for the cheapest tattooist in town. This includes saying ‘no’ to tattooing yourself using DIY tattoo kits you can buy for a few quid online. Most cheap rates are quoted by amateurs and scratchers who are most likely going to use you for tattoo practice.

I would assume you wouldn’t want to be practised on. And no, we’re not talking about stick and peel tattoos, we’re talking about permanent tattoos here.

Professional tattooists, especially in the UK, are required by law to follow stringent procedures to ensure their clients’ safety. Local authorities are bound by law to regularly inspect registered shops. They make sure tattooing equipment and the entire workplace is clean.

2. Re-using needles

Example of single-use needles (click here to buy on Amazon)

Needles aren’t meant to be reused, unless of course, you’re using them to sew clothing or something similar. But for needles that go on the skin, well, it’s just a big no-no. Even if you boil or light a needle on fire, or soak it in alcohol for hours, it’s still not a guarantee that it’s bacteria-and-germ free. An autoclave may do the job, but it’s way too expensive even for most tattoo shops. Most resort to using single-use needles bought in bulk.

If you’re wondering what kind of diseases you can get from tattoos, well, here’s the answer. Shared tattoo needles can result in HIV, MRSA, Hepatitis B and C. There are more possible blood-borne diseases, depending on what the needle came into contact with.

3. Ineffective wound cleaning

Hand washing is important in tattoo aftercare (Photo by Jacqueline Macou)

Cleaning the wound is an important step in the aftercare process. Your first wash will normally be done a few hours after your tattoo session. Note that this will vary depending on your tattooist – some may tell you to leave the cling film on for 24 hours.

What’s important is that once you remove the film, you’ll notice blood and plasma and ink all mixed in together. It will look disgusting, but it’s all part of the process. What you do is remove the film and thoroughly clean the area with warm water and antibacterial soap.

Oh, and make sure you wash your hands first before you touch the tattoo. It will be tender to the touch, so you need to be extra careful. Let the wound dry up a bit (but not too dry). Then apply ointment like Aquaphor or A+D to protect the tattoo whilst still letting some oxygen in (important to the healing process).

Aquaphor Healing Ointment is great for new tattoos

Don’t just clean your wound once a day. In the beginning, you may need to clean up maybe 2-4 times a day, depending on how big the piece is and how much plasma your body is generating.

You don’t want the plasma to stick to the skin for longer than necessary because it can turn into thick, unsightly scabs. And, yes, if the area’s unclean for too long, infections are bound to happen.

4. Poor aftercare instructions

This shouldn’t be a problem if you hire a professional tattooist because they’re going to give you aftercare whether you ask for it or not. They’re required by law to do so. Plus, you’re also part of their portfolio (the walking version, that is).

Experienced tattooists will only give you aftercare instructions that have been proven to work with their other clients. That said, when you go the cheap route, you’re more likely to receive dodgy or incomplete instructions from your ‘artist’.

The point of aftercare is to help your tattoo heal as fast as possible. Poor instructions will only lead to infections which can further delay your tattoo’s healing, something I’m sure you’d like to avoid at all costs.

Here’s an infographic outlining how to do proper aftercare:

5. Using expired aftercare products

It’s your tattooist’s responsibility to give you aftercare instructions. But it’s your job to make sure you don’t purchase products that are already expired. Always check your item’s expiration dates.

The downside, however, is not all products have a best-before-date label on them. If unsure, always check the colour, texture and smell to ensure they’re still the same (this is easy to do if you’ve used the product before).

For products, you’ve previously not used before, it will be a bit hard to determine. I highly recommend just getting a new bottle or tube, so you don’t risk your health and your safety.

6. Tattoo re-wrapping

Tattooist putting on cling film on his client’s brand-new tattoo (Photo by Angie Torres)

Most tattooists discourage re-wrapping your brand-new tattoo when you get home. This is because your home is different from a thoroughly disinfected tattoo studio environment.

Tattooists take great care at cleaning their workplace, so you know that when they wrap your tattoo, there’s very little chance that germs and bacteria are going to get trapped inside the film.

However, when you attempt to do the same thing at home, you’re most likely NOT going to be able to eliminate all possible sources of contamination. You’ll have dust, dirt, pet hair, and various other contaminants around you – and it’s highly likely you’ll have more than a few trapped in the film. Couple that with a moist, unhealed tattoo, and you’ll have the perfect recipe for a painful infection!

7. Picking or pulling scabs off

A scabbing tattoo (Photo by Amanda from Flickr)

I know how tempting it is to pull scabs off your new tattoo. Trust me, I’ve done it far too many times on my own wounds. But when it comes to tattoos, you’re going to have to ignore your instinct and try your hardest to NOT pick the scabs. Instead, you need to wait for them to fall off on their own. Otherwise, you risk pulling some ink out of your skin (and thus cause some blank spots on the tattoo).

But how do you get an infection from pulling off scabs?

Well, if you pull off scabs with dirty fingers and fingernails, then chances are, your unhealed tattoo is going to get infected. It’s not like you’ll remember to thoroughly wash your hands before picking off that ugly scab, right? So, better resist the temptation!

8. Bathing in dirty water

Soaking your new tattoo is a big no-no (Photo by Naomi August)

Soaking in the tub after a long hard day at work is so relaxing, but not if your skin’s still raw and oozing some plasma and blood. Submerging your wound in water isn’t a great idea because grime from your body is going to get trapped in that water! The moment all those germs and bacteria come into contact with your unhealed skin – that’s the beginning of an infection.

But what if you really, really need to take a bath?

Nobody’s telling you not to take a bath, just don’t submerge your wound in water. That said, quick showers are great for cleaning your tattoo and, of course, for helping you feel clean after a hard day’s work.

9. Using too much aftercare product

During the course of the healing process, you’re going to be using a number of different aftercare products. For instance, you’ll be using antibacterial, unscented soap to clean the wound a few times per day. Then you’ll be using healing ointment to protect it from the elements and encourage healing at the same time. Once it starts scabbing, moisturising lotions are up next.

The point is that you shouldn’t suffocate your wound with too much ointment or lotion. Because if you do so, then you’ll be blocking out oxygen from entering the skin. A light, thin layer is all you need to apply to do the job.

Check out Hustle Butter, Butter Up, Cetaphil, or Aveeno – any of these products can help moisturise and hydrate both new and old tattoos!

10. Your immune system

Some people are just more prone to infections than others. You can certainly try living a healthy lifestyle to minimise the risks of contracting an infection. But if you’re one of the ‘unlucky’ ones, then you’re most likely bound to get an infection no matter what.

On the other hand, some people can live in dirty homes and expose their unhealed tattoos to unsavoury conditions, but they remain unscathed. It’s quite mind-boggling, to be honest.

If you’re not sure which camp you belong to, then it’s best to just do the right thing and start living a healthy lifestyle, if you aren’t already.

11. Pre-existing medical conditions

If you’ve got a pre-existing medical condition that you think may be compromised if you get a tattoo, then you better ask your GP first if a tatt is a good idea. You don’t want to get a spur-of-the-moment tattoo, and suffer the painful consequences later on.

For instance, if you have skin cancer then a tattoo is most likely a terrible idea for you, no matter how small the design is. If you’re pregnant, or at least planning to, then you also may want to hold off on a getting a tattoo right this very minute. Consider waiting until after you give birth or stop breastfeeding.

12. Dirty room / house / work environment

A dirty house is not an ideal place for a brand-new tattoo to heal (Photo by Jonathan Borba)

It’s not just a dirty tattoo parlour you need to worry about. Think about your living conditions, too. After all, you’ll only be spending a couple of hours max at the tattooist, but you’ll spending most of your time at home and at work.

Cleaning up your home is relatively easy than cleaning up your work environment, especially if you work in a factory and you don’t have your own office. Observing proper aftercare is key here, but a dirty environment isn’t going to do you any favours. So, while your tattoo’s still in the process of healing, protect it like you would a newborn baby.

13. Letting others touch the area

There’s nothing wrong with showing off your brand-new skin art. You’re mighty proud of it, especially if it represents something near and dear to you. However, showing off and letting others touch your tattoo are two different things.

Keep your gawking admirers’ at arm’s length, and you’ll be fine. Letting them too close – or worse letting them touch it – should be avoided at all costs. Especially if your skin’s outer layer is still unhealed. You don’t know where their fingers have been – you’re literally leaving your tattoo at their mercy.

14. Exercising right after getting the tattoo

You need to take a gym break after getting a tattoo (Photo by Alora Griffiths)

Light exercise is fine, as long as your tattoo isn’t going to get rubbed and chafed. However, most experts say not to workout within 48 hours of getting tattooed. If you must, go to the gym before getting tattooed. This way, you’ll only be exercise-deprived for slightly over a day.

Also, it matters where your tattoo is. For instance, if you had one on your wrist or your ankle (exposed areas), then exercising should pose no problem. However, if you had a full sleeve done or one on your back or thigh (places which can get rubbed by clothing), then you may need to wait until the tattoo’s fully healed.

Dirty, sweaty clothing that rubs against your tattoo can infect it. Additionally, even if you don’t end up getting infected because you have a strong immune system, you could still experience ink loss which can disfigure your tattoo.  

15. Wearing dirty clothing

You might think this is pretty common sense, but you’ll be surprised. Some people wear dirty clothing from the day before without thinking of the consequences. That dirty piece touches your tattoo, and boom! Instant infection.

Sure, ointments like Aquaphor act like a barrier, but that can still be wiped off easily by your dirty shirt. And sure enough, you’ll have hordes of germs just waiting to get in and infect your tatt!

How to tell if your tattoo is infected: 14 common signs and symptoms

A lot of our readers ask us ‘what does an infected tattoo look like?’ Does it look red, bumpy or raised? Is it itchy? Or is it oozing pus? Here are the most common signs and symptoms of an infected tattoo.

1. Redness

Expect the area to be a bit red for a day or two. It’s still sore from all the needles poking holes into it. But if the redness lasts more than a few days, and there are other symptoms present as well, then you most likely have an infection.

2. Swelling

An obviously swollen tattoo (Photo by Kim Laurenson)

Just like redness, swelling is also normal for new tattoos. However, if you notice the swollen area growing bigger instead of returning to normal, then you may be experiencing the early stages of an infection.

3. Pain

Oh, yeah, pain becomes quite normal once you get into tattoos and tattooing. However, you would expect pain to subside after a few days. If, instead of finally experiencing relief, the pain seems to radiate and grow from not just the tattooed area, then you’ve most likely contracted an infection.

4. Extremely high fever

Feeling feverish after getting your tattoo? Depending on the size you got, it’s most likely normal. Technically, you just came off a puncturing session with your tattooist. Your immune system’s going to be on hyperactive mode to protect you. But if the fever doesn’t wane the following day or two, then you may be down with something.

Sepsis isn’t too uncommon with tattooing, especially if you chose a scratcher or non-professional to work on your skin. If you experience high fever, shortness of breath, clammy skin, increased heartrate and extreme pain, then you may have sepsis. Don’t self-medicate; go to hospital straight away!

Here’s a useful sepsis infographic to help you out:

Image source: Royal College of Surgeons

5. Extreme tiredness

You shouldn’t be too tired a day or two after getting your tattoo. Unless, of course, you work in a high-pressure job and it’s mentally or physically taxing. But if you feel extremely tired and you’ve got a fever and other symptoms on this list, then you may have inadvertently contracted an infection somewhere along the way.

6. Rashes

Rashes look like tiny pimples on skin. These can be the sign of either an allergy or an infection. However, for allergies, these will only last for a few days. If your rashes look like they’re going to stay for good, and continues to expand outward from the area, then you may be looking at a tattoo infection.

7. Itching

Itching’s pretty normal, especially once the tattoo starts to scab. But not all itches are the same. Some are a sign of healing (especially when tattoo starts to scab) and more severe itchiness are a sign of a more foreboding infection. This is especially true if you experience other symptoms, an infection may be likely.

8. Extreme scabbing  

This tattoo’s got very thick scabs (Photo by Kim Laurenson)

Scabbing is but a normal part of the tattoo healing process. But if you don’t clean your tattoo well, and there’s still dried blood and plasma all over your tatt, then you’re more likely to experience extreme scabbing. Underneath the thick crust, since you didn’t clean up well, then it’s also a great place for germs and bacteria to multiply. Which is, in turn, a great infection starter!

9. Foul odour

Tattoos aren’t supposed to smell bad. If you clean it regularly, that is. One of the quickest ways to tell if a wound is infected is if it stinks. You don’t even need to bring your tattooed body part up to your nose, you can smell it from far away. So, yeah, if your tattoo’s got a foul odour plus some pus oozing out, then it’s definitely a sign of infection.

10. Pus

It’s normal to see plasma and blood coming out of the tiny holes in your skin, but if you see pus, then it’s a sign of an infection. Pus comes in a variety of colours like yellowish white (not clear white), greenish-yellow, and brownish-yellow. It’s thick and it smells, too.

If you’ve got a lot of pus discharge, and you experience high fever along with rashes and inflammation, and the antibiotic your GP gave you isn’t working, you may have a staph infection. If you experience all these symptoms, stop reading and go straight to hospital!

11. Tattoo blister

Tattoos are painful enough, but put a blister on top of it? Well, no, thank you. But if the blister’s already there, don’t even think about popping it out yourself. Just clean the skin as per usual, and apply a super thin layer of healing ointment. Then wait for it to pop on its own. This way, you don’t accidentally ruin the tattoo. Plus, if you impatiently pop it ahead of its time, that’s another break in your skin where harmful pathogens can enter, and of course do its magic on you, a.k.a. infections.

12. Elevated temperature on tattooed area

Sure sign of high fever

Your body’s immune system will direct more blood to the tattooed area to help heal the fresh wound. Thus, it’s normal for a new tattoo to feel warm to the touch. However, if after several days, it still feels abnormally warm, then it’s a sign your body’s fighting off an infection.

13. Bleeding

Bleeding’s entirely normal during the tattooing session, but afterwards? Not so much. You may see a bit of plasma and blood leaking during the first few days, and that’s totally normal. However, if the blood doesn’t let up (like you’re literally bleeding), then you’re maybe looking at a tattoo infection. If you think you’ve lost too much blood, then please go directly to the nearest hospital’s A&E department!

14. Swollen lymph nodes

A swollen lymph node is never a good sign. It’s because when they swell up it’s a sign that an infection has already occurred. Now, there are hundreds of lymph nodes in the human body, but the ones you can actually feel are under the jaw, sides of the neck, armpits, and in your groin area. If you press around these areas and you notice inflammation and tenderness to touch, then your lymph nodes are definitely swollen.  

How to treat an infected tattoo

You’re probably thinking you shouldn’t have to deal with an infected tattoo on your own. And you’re probably right. Especially if the infection’s too far gone and you just know you can’t treat it with a few doses of antibiotics and over-the-counter medicine. In this case, a visit to your GP or even the A&E may be your best bet.

But, let’s say you caught your infection right at the beginning. Well, here are a few infected tattoo treatment options you may want to consider:

• Clean the infected area

If you think your tattoo is infected, then it’s best to clean the area so that the infection doesn’t spread out. Wash your hands first, then clean it with lukewarm water and antibacterial soap, then let it air dry for a bit. Apply a thin layer of ointment like Aquaphor or A+D, but NOT Vaseline because that is 100% petroleum jelly. It won’t allow your skin to breathe and can further aggravate the infection.

• Air it out

Your skin needs to breathe too. It’s just a part of the body’s healing process. The only reason your tattooist cut off oxygen supply right after he finishes working on you is to protect the tattoo as you go on home. After that, it’s not advisable to re-wrap it again as that can cause an infection.

• Ice therapy

Might sound counterproductive, but only if you apply ice directly on the wound. Ice actually works great at lessening the itch and the swelling. But you need to cover your tattoo first with clean cloth and only then can you put the ice on top.

• Cover it with a bandage

Bandaging works great if you use material that’s breathable. Cling films (the one tattooists use) aren’t breathable, so they’re not advisable for home use. But if you use something like clean gauze which lets the skin breathe, then it should be fine.

• Take medicine and/or painkillers

Before you attempt to self-medicate, seek your GP’s advice first. They know your situation best. For some people though, an OTC anti-inflammatory pill, oral or topical antibiotic, and painkillers will do wonders. But again, please consult with a licensed physician before taking anything!

• Avoid the sunlight like the plague

Sunlight’s not your fresh tattoo’s friend. The ink could react with the sun and make it fade faster than it’s supposed to (tattoos will eventually fade over time). Don’t even think about putting sunblock lotion on an oozing tattoo as it can get infected that way. However, once sufficient time has passed and the outer layers of your skin has started to heal, then sunblock and moisturising lotions become an essential part of your aftercare routine.

Related article: Does Coconut Oil Fade Tattoos?

Conclusion

Don’t ignore the signs of an infected tattoo. Seek medical help if you’ve tried treating the infection at home and nothing seems to be working. At the very least, listen to what your body is telling you. If you feel off and the tattoo looks worse for the wear, contact your GP straight away.

Well, if you’re reading this post, I suppose you’re one of the unlucky ones, but I sure hope I’m wrong! That said, if you want to find relief for your itchy and bumpy tatt, you know what to do… just scroll down the page for answers.

What causes raised bumps on new tattoos – and how to fix it?

I’ll be honest with you: there are a LOT of possible reasons why tattoos – both old and new – turn into coloured skin bumps. I’ve tried my best to cover all possible reasons, but if you don’t find yours below, please consult with your doctor.

Here are 8 common reasons for bumps on new tattoos:

1. It’s scabbing (which is totally normal in most cases)

(A scabbing tattoo | Photo by Amanda from Flickr)

The moment your skin gets punctured by your tattooist’s needle, your body’s immune system springs into action. It tries to heal and patch the skin right under your tattooist’s nose. But you won’t see the full, crusty scab for another 1-3 days (depends on how big the tattoo is and how well your immune system works).  

That said, when you run your fingertips over the scab, you’ll notice it’s a bit raised. It’s nothing to be alarmed about though. Underneath the ugly exterior is fresh new skin, which will be revealed (or shall we say ‘unveiled’) once the scab falls off.

How to treat?

It’s a waiting game, really. And in most cases, it’s going to be a short one. To come out on top, make sure you DON’T pick at the scabs. If you’re not dry healing, some moisturising lotion will help reduce your discomfort.

Otherwise, you risk pulling the skin off prematurely which can take some of the ink along with it. Plus, you’ll be delaying the healing process and the scabs will start all over again.

Pro tip: Use virgin coconut oil or a moisturising lotion to keep your skin hydrated and less irritated.

2. Your new tattoo may be infected

What a truly horrible way to welcome your new tattoo. But infections do happen, especially if you choose to hire a dodgy tattooist. Fortunately, the tattoo industry in the UK is heavily regulated, which helps combat the risks of bacterial infections.

Yes, professional tattooists do command a higher price, but in my opinion, it’s worth it. You are, after all, talking about getting inked permanently – you don’t want to tempt fate by hiring an inexperienced, amateur, wannabe ‘artist’.

So, what are the signs you’ve got a tattoo infection?

Well, in most cases, it starts with either a rash or an angry red bump around the new tattoo. Swelling, thick discharge, and pus are common signs, too. Oh, and if your tattoo’s starting to smell really nasty, it might be a sign of necrosis or tissue death.

According to this study by Drs. Dieckmann, Boone and Dahouk, the most common causes of bacterial infections were:

• Unhygienic conditions
• Non-sterile tattooing equipment
• Needle sharing
• Ink contamination
• Traditional Samoan tattooing

Which then resulted in infections like:

• Cellulitis
• Abscesses
• Erythema
• Tissue necrosis
• Septic shock
• Toxic shock syndrome

How to treat an infected tattoo?

Antibiotics and proper aftercare can usually treat minor infections. But if you start getting a fever along with chills and sweats, then PLEASE present yourself to the emergency ward or A&E department!

3. Your new skin art is swelling

(Fresh tattoo that’s swelling up a little | Photo by Simon Hammond)

Swelling isn’t entirely uncommon in new tattoos. More often than not, it’s the result of your body’s immune system at work. It’s an initial reaction designed to protect your skin – the blood vessels widen to ease blood flow so that the healing process can begin.

Some parts of the body are also more prone to swelling like the ankles and feet. Getting inked in these areas when you spend hours standing up can lead to intense swelling.

Also, tattoos done by heavy-handed tattooists can often lead to more bruising and swelling. This is because more pressure is applied to the skin which ultimately leads to your body responding by swelling up.

Swelling caused by a tattoo allergic reaction or even an infection is a different matter altogether. Please refer to the section above for possible solutions to your specific problem.

How to treat a swelling tattoo?

If swelling occurs during the first few days, don’t panic. It is but your body’s normal reaction to getting stung by needles thousands of times. You can try icing the area to find some relief or perhaps try elevating your legs if your tattoo’s on the lower side of your body.

However, if the swelling doesn’t subside after a few days, your new tattoo might be infected. Contact your GP if you think you’ve contracted an infection!

4. You’ve got a pre-existing or undiscovered skin condition

Ah, skin conditions – there’s a myriad of them. Not too surprising really, considering the genetic makeup that makes all of us unique. Some conditions you probably already know about – or even have – like acne, dermatitis and eczema. 

Some skin conditions are visible, others not so much. A professional tattoo artist will inspect your skin before doing anything with it. So, if your skin’s acting up after getting the tattoo, it’s probably caused by the tattoo (new reaction). Or, it’s been there all along (dormant) but was triggered by the ink insertion.

What’s the remedy?

First, you need to know what condition is causing the reaction. If you have dermatitis, you’re probably allergic to the ink or the needles or even your tattooist’s gloves. Some skin disorders are pretty fickle and can be triggered by the smallest things. For skin issues, it’s best to speak with a dermatologist.

5. You’ve got some scarring going on

As long as tattoo ink is inserted at the right skin layer (the dermis), there should be no scarring. However, if your tattooist’s a bit heavy-handed or inexperienced, they might puncture your skin too deeply. Instead of the dermis, they’ll go deep into the hypodermis or the fatty layer. Doing so can cause tattoo scarring.

What happens with scarring is that your skin attempts to repair the damage. But instead of regular skin cells, your body produces collagen to patch up the wound (which is what your tattoo technical is). Collagen is tougher and thicker than normal skin tissue, this is why when your tattoo scars underneath, it raises the skin by quite a bit.

Keloids are another possible side effect of a tattoo done poorly. Some people are more prone to this type of scarring than others. If you frequently get keloids, you should speak with your tattooist first; many of them don’t tattoo on keloid-prone individuals.

How to fix?

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for scarred, bumpy tattoos. You can attempt to have the tattoo redone via touch-up, but you risk getting even more scarring this way. You can apply lotions and creams to hydrate and soften the skin, or even cover it up with makeup, but none of these are permanent solutions. 

6. You’re having an allergic reaction

Oh, welp. Tough luck! An allergic reaction can be anything from super mild to extremely severe. If your reaction falls on the mild side of things (maybe just a slight swelling), then good for you. Otherwise, go to the hospital nearest you, which is the case with this patient who went straight from the tattooist to hospital in just 5 hours!

The most common cause of allergic reaction is tattoo ink. If you go to a reputable studio, they’d most likely use hypoallergenic ink that has little to no common allergens in it. However, some coloured inks (usually red) use ingredients that can cause skin irritations, which often leads to raised tattoos.

On the other hand, if you had your friend do a stick and poke tattoo at home, then you suddenly have a whole host of possible irritants and allergens to look into. For instance, how clean was the living room/bedroom/kitchen where the tattoo was done? Was a clean needle used?  What kind of ink was used (not pen ink, I hope!)?

Read here: How long do stick and poke tattoos last?

How to fix?

Some symptoms may go away after a few hours, without you needing to do anything. In many cases, a topical steroid ointment or antihistamine can do wonders, and provide relief straight away. But before doing anything, get your tattooist’s opinion first. You don’t want to apply anything that can damage the ink in the long run.

For truly severe allergic reactions, like progressive swelling, burning pain, vomiting, and other horrible symptoms, seek treatment straight away!

7. The weather’s changed, and it hates your tattoo

Your beloved tattoo rarely gets a break, doesn’t it? Even the weather can cause undesirable reactions. Whether it’s hot or freezing outside, it doesn’t matter, someone’s tattoo is bound to get a reaction.

You just need to wait and see which end of the weather spectrum your new ink will react to. Once you determine that, try not to breach the offending temperatures unless you specifically want your tattoo to bump up!

Here’s what happens to skin when seasons change:

Summer

Temperatures and humidity levels rise during summer. This makes your skin swell and stretch a little bit, which can cause your tattoo to itch. If you’re going out into the sun, cover up your tattoo. If the area is going to be exposed, apply sunscreen with high sun protection factor (SPF).

Banana Boat’s SunComfort Sunscreen is easy to apply. Just spray it on your tattoo (and other sun-exposed body parts), rub it in, and you’ll be protected from the harmful rays of the sun!

This is a great sunscreen for both new and old tattoos! (click image to buy)

Winter

When temperatures fall, the skin tends to dry up. And your tattoo can develop a rash and itch like no one’s business; this may be due to the ink reacting with the cold. This is where a handy moisturising lotion comes in.

How to treat?

Move to another part of the world? Just kidding. If you’re getting reactions during summer, perhaps try to minimise your exposure to the sun. If it’s unavoidable, make sure your tattoo is well protected (see our recommended sunscreen above). For those afflicted by cold temperatures, staying warm indoors may provide some relief for your bumpy and raised tattoo.

8. It’s just the way your body is

Everyone’s body chemistry is different. It’s part of what makes each one of us unique, what makes us truly individuals. However, from a tattoo standpoint, this can cause all sorts of problems.

Now, there’s no exact formula to how your skin will react to a brand-new tattoo, but here’s a good one to start with:

Tattoo ink + tattooist’s skill + genetics + body chemistry = your body’s unique reaction to the tattooing process

Don’t forget, the tattoo ink inserted in your skin is literally a foreign object. Your body may not immediately play nice with it, and it’s showing its displeasure by causing all sorts of bumps and raises in your skin.

How to fix?

Well, this one’s tough. The tattoo ink’s already inside you. The tattooist’s skill (or lack of it) has been applied. And you can’t very well fix your genes or your body chemistry. If your raised tattoo shows no sign of going back to normal and is causing you pain or discomfort, please speak to your GP immediately.

Why am I still getting bumps and raises on old and fully healed tattoos?

Raised new tattoos aren’t all that surprising. I mean, you can expect some swelling to happen at some point after getting the tattoo. But when it happens a few months or even years down the line, well, I might be concerned too.

For instance, Alan d’Eon says in his video that his tattoo gets itchy during the month of July. Apparently, this seasonal itch has been bothering him for the past 6 years! Here’s a screengrab from his Youtube video:

That can’t be too comfortable. He says it’s not scarring, and the tattoo is completely normal the rest of the year. Nobody knows what’s going on, but I personally think it’s just his body’s unique reaction to the tattoo.

Note: If you do have some theories, please feel free to comment on the video. Let’s help the poor guy get some relief!

Now, here’s the thing – that tattoo ink in your skin, no matter how long it’s been there, it’s still considered a foreign object by your body. This means that over time as your environment and your body chemistry change, that ink may cause adverse – and delayed – reactions to your body.

Found the solution for your raised tattoos?

In most cases, bumpy and raised tattoos are no cause for concern. But if your condition doesn’t improve in the next few days, something might be going on. Listen to what your body’s telling you. If need be, speak to your tattooist or your GP.