What does scratching a tattoo do

However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Fellow tattooed folks, I've got a question for you. Do ever get very itchy, seemingly for no reason at all? When you scratch, do you feel like your tattoos are raised — like they're trying to jump out of your skin?

It happens to me all the time, and it's a sensation that's difficult to explain to people who don't have tattoos or, as I like to call them, blank canvases. Thankfully for us, we're not losing our minds or doing anything wrong — for the most part, itchy tattoos are normal. Tattoos can be classified as a skin injury, even though they might not look like what you picture a skin injury to be like a deep cut or burn or scrape.

That said, too many scabs can be a problem. In the one to two hours immediately after your session, your wound oozed both ink and plasma a component of blood that appears as a clear, golden-colored fluid.

This fluid also contains some of the ink that was deposited below your skin by the artist when they were doing your design. When plasma mixes with the air, it hardens. Scabs are the result of your plasma, ink, and the air combining together on the outside of your freshly inked tattoo. You can keep scabs from forming by thoroughly and regularly washing your tattoo. Using a tattoo-industry-endorsed, anti-bacterial wash within one to two hours should gently wash away all plasma fluid.

This will keep away the scabs, but you'll need to replace your body's healing fluids with approved aftercare lotions. This is my first tattoo and it itches so much! I just pat it whenever it itches and sometimes scratches it gently with a cloth above it.

The itchiness is insane and I can't wait for it to heal. I scratched my tattoo and it now looks distrorted. Is this something that a good artist can fix with a touch op? A few days after getting a tat over my hand.. This isn't my first tattoo but tap on my new tattoo and it won't stop itching what else where is there to do.

I just got a tattoo last week. The only thing helps me is this thick, clear wrap thing he put over it. I just gently scratch on top of it. Other times, I just fan the arm that the tattoo is on.

My tattoo itches so bad I've scratched my other arm and it helps. I also scratched around if but not on it. I find that when a tattoo is crazy itchy, it has to do with it drying out. I usually apply a non-fragrance moisturizer times a day especially during the dry winter months to keep it from being too itchy. Similarly, eczema can flare up as a result of dry skin or exposure to a new soap.

If you suspect an existing skin condition is behind your itchy tattoo, call your dermatologist. Sarcoidosis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation. If you have sarcoidosis, your tat could swell or feel super itchy even years after you get inked. Weird as it sounds, MRI scans can mess with tattoos.

In rare cases, MRIs cause tattoos to burn, itch, or swell. Fortunately, the reaction usually resolves quickly on its own. Unexplained itching and irritation can trigger our worst fears. Avoid putting over-the-counter OTC creams, ointments, or meds on fresh tattoos. Slathering goop on new ink can slow the healing process.

New ink typically takes a couple of weeks to heal, so check with your doctor before using compresses or applying pressure to fresh tattoos. Stick with hypoallergenic, fragrance-free creams for itchy skin. If your old ink is acting up, feel free to use thick creams like oatmeal-based lotion or cocoa butter.

If your tattoo is still new, consult with your artist. Some tattoo artists recommend avoiding specific ingredients, and they know their inks best. Use colloidal oatmeal , an oat powder that dissolves in water. If you have a diagnosed skin condition like eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis, talk to your doctor about prescription creams. If you have sarcoidosis, your doc will probably prescribe immunosuppressants to keep your inflammation and itchiness in check. Only use products that are fragrance free for sensitive skin such as Lubriderm, Eucerin, Cetaphil, etc.

With clean hands apply a small amount of lotion times per day. If you notice a sensitivity to your soap or lotion please contact us so we can offer alternatives. Fresh tattoos go through many normal healing stages which may include:.

Do not panic, this is not your tattoo falling out, this is simply excess ink being sloughed off from the surface of the skin. This will make your tattoo look cloudy and lighter than it did previously. This is ok as your body is doing its job to heal itself. You will notice the color vibrancy will return. 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. This is ok. Avoid swimming, soaking, or bathing while your tattoo is healing. Quick showers are ok but do not allow the water to run over your tattoo for very long. Prolonged exposure to water will draw the ink out.