Are you freaking out because you’ve noticed your tattoo is scabbing?
Are you concerned with how this will affect your tattoo?
Don’t worry, having a tattoo scab is pretty normal. It won’t happen all the time but if it does it is nothing to freak out about. Leave the scabs alone and it will eventually fall off on it’s own and your tattoo will complete the healing process.
Just be sure to avoid the following:
- Don’t soak the tattoo in water for long periods of time.
- Don’t scratch/itch the tattooed area (even though you really want to).
- Don’t pick at the scab (that’s a bad habit).
Many people will experience scabbing as they go through the tattoo healing process. Through the various stages the tattoo goes through it is common that a new tattoo will form a scab. As the tattoo is applied onto the skin an open wound is formed. Your bodies natural reaction is to bleed and release plasma onto the area to assist in the healing process.
Don’t pick the scabs
I can’t stress enough to not pick or pull at the scabs that may form as your tattoo is going through the healing process. Scabs are formed on the skin to protect the wound from bacteria while white blood cells work to kill any germs that may break contact with the wound. Eventually, as with any wound you have gotten through your life the scab will crumble and fall off. The healthy and healed skin underneath the skin should reveal your fresh new tattoo.
Time Expectation: There is no way to assess how long a tattoo with scabbing will take to heal as it depends on the size of the scab that has formed.
When you pick off scabs on a new tattoo you can cause color loss and prevent the tattoo from healing properly.
Worried about infection?
Having a tattoo that is scabbing does not mean that your tattoo is infected.
However, tattoos that are infected generally have scabbing, they also have other tells that will allow you to assess what is going on. If you’re tattoo has any of the following you may want to consider seeking a medical professional:
- Leaking bodily fluids/puss
- Hot to the touch
- Painful to the touch
- Red and inflamed
Once again if this is something you are concerned about I would seek out a medical professional’s council.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Neither is this an acceptable alternative for the opinion of a physician. This is merely my experience of getting tattoos and going through the tattoo healing process explained for informational purposes only… By viewing this website you are agreeing to our Medical Disclaimer.
Taking steps to ensure you have a positive tattoo healing process begins with understanding what works from personal experience.
When you get home there are a few things you should do:
- Wash your hands and ensure there is a clean environment to perform tattoo aftercare
- Take the wrap off of your new tattoo
- Get your antibacterial soap and lather a good amount before applying it directly onto the tattoo. Gently rub the tattoo down and remove bodily fluids from the area. When you rub your tattoo only use your hands – do not use a wash cloth, brush or any other device to clean the area as it will irritate the skin and tattoo.
- Rinse the area with luke warm water. Do not soak the tattoo in water for long periods of time.
- Dry the tattoo by gently patting it with your choice of wash cloth or towel and allow it to air dry until the water has been removed from the area.
- Once the area is completely dry, gather your preferred tattoo ointment and apply a small amount of it as a thin layer onto the tattooed area. Do not apply alot onto the area as this can suffocate the skin and cause pimples to form.
- Remember, in the earliest stages of having a new tattoo the most important thing is to keep the area clean and ensure that it does not come into contact with anything that could potentially cause an infection such as sweaty people, a dirty counter, or a commonly used door knob.
I’ve noticed the best tattoo aftercare occurs when I have all my supplies with me at one time and I know they are all effective in what they do. You may consider exploring and testing the use of tattoo aftercare kits for a high quality aftercare experience.
Check out H2Ocean’s Tattoo Aftercare Kit
Remember, it’s nothing to freak out about if you are experiencing some scabbing however it is something to keep an eye on and take care of.
Good luck and happy healing!