An itchy tattoo is a common occurrence, especially with new tattoos. The skin will naturally heal itself after injury, and a tattoo is no different. This healing process will usually cause itching. Aside from the normal healing process, other possible causes for an itchy tattoo include eczema and an allergic reaction.
Itching is a normal part of the healing process; it generally starts at around day four, as the skin starts to peel, and can take around two weeks to subside. If the itching is accompanied by swelling, pain, spots or heat that is getting worse not better, your tattoo could be infected.
It's just healing
Yep, just like an itchy scab or dry skin, sometimes tattoos itch while they heal. Your new body art should heal up within a week or two. While it's healing, use only gentle moisturizers recommended by your tattoo artist.
Itching is normal as a tattoo heals, but it is imperative that you do not scratch that itch. (If the itching is accompanied by heat, inflammation, pus, spots or anything that looks worrying - check it out with your tattooist and if necessary, your doctor. Don't let an infection get the better of your tattoo!)
It's extremely important to not pick, scratch, or peel your tattoo! If you do you will lift the scab and pull the ink out leaving your tattoo with missing ink and scars. If your tattoo is itchy you can lightly slap it or apply an ice pack. -Your skin will peel and flake as it heals, some of which will be color tinted.
You should start moisturizing your new tattoo right away and not stop for some time. Love says there's an immediate need to keep a new tattoo moisturized: Moisturizing helps to prevent scabbing and promote healing. "During the healing process, you should moisturize your tattoo three to six times a day," Ladna says.
Over-moisturising can lead to inflamed tattoos and potentially infection. Excess moisture can clog your skin's pores which prevents it from breathing, something that's important for your skin to heal. This can lead to breakouts on the skin that can damage the tattoo.
A great way to get relief from tattoo itchiness is by applying a cold compress to the area. This helps reduce swelling, inflammation, and itchiness that occur days after you get inked. But make sure you're using materials that won't damage your tattoos, like a soft cloth or cold compress.
The main reason most people's tattoos start to itch is because they've let their skin get too dry, meaning any peeling skin will stiffen up and start to tickle the sensitive tattooed area. Apply a thin layer of moisturizer whenever your tattoo starts to look/feel dry; this should keep the itching to a minimum.
After a week, the redness and swelling should have subsided. At this point, the skin should begin to scab and flake. The itchiness may persist, but the tattoo should gradually appear more vibrant as it continues to heal.
Continue to apply ointments or creams that the tattoo artist recommends. The itching should subside within 1–2 weeks. If the itching persists or gets worse, see a doctor.
Tattoos technically start healing right away but it takes about four months for your tattoo to fully heal. The outer layers of your skin will heal in about two to four weeks, while the deeper layers where the ink sits will take about 4 months to heal.
One of the most common problems associated with tattooing is allergic reactions to the tattoo pigments. Itching, bumps, or rashes can occur days, months, or even years after the initial tattoo. These reactions need to be treated with a topical steroid ointment.
"Tattoos create thousands of microscopic holes in the skin in order to deposit the tattoo pigment; in doing so, the skin is now open and is predisposed to various infections, including with bacteria such as Staph Aureus." As Palm points out, an allergy to certain inks is another common reason for itchy tattoos.
Around weeks two to three, the amount of itching may increase. It's advised you do not scratch or itch the tattooed area, as this could interfere with the recovery process. Learn **When a tattoo is fully healed**.
Don't peel, pick, or scratch the skin: Ugh, it's so tempting, but everyone has to resist scratching or rubbing their tattooed areas. Hibler suggests using a soothing lotion, such as Sarna Anti-Itch Lotion and CeraVe Itch Relief Moisturizing Lotion, or applying ice packs to reduce the itching sensation.
Until the surface of the tattoo is healed (at a minimum of two to three weeks), wash the area gently 2-3 times per day. After cleaning the tattoo during this two to three week period, gently apply a thin coat of a lotion-based care product. We recommend After Inked tattoo moisturizer and aftercare lotion.
Don't be afraid to moisturize your skin for too many days: there is usually no time limit within which you should stop using tattooed skin care products.
So what product should you use? You may have heard some rumours that Bepanthen shouldn't be used on new tattoos, but this absolutely isn't the case. Bepanthen is by far one of the most highly recommended tattoo aftercare products and is the go-to ointment for most tattoo artists and studios.
When you over moisturize your tattoo, you can actually delay the healing process. Excess moisture in the skin creates the perfect environment for bacteria and germ growth, so one of the key signs is irritated, inflamed skin. Another key sign of over moisturizing is clogged skin.
A lot of tattoo artists recommend sleeping with the wrap that was put on. Others recommend re-wrapping, or just applying healing ointment and keeping the tattoo clean. The important thing is avoiding infection.