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If you’ve ever had a tattoo, you’ll be all too familiar with the feeling of the itchy and scratchy tattoo period that we all have to endure. It’s an uncomfortable sensation that requires a
high amount of patience, as one scratch or picking off a scabbed tattoo could permanently damage the design and make it appear faded.
Tattoo aftercare is one of the most critical stages of the tattooing process. It can be the difference between a beautiful, brand new piece of ink and a damaged and prematurely faded
design. That is one of the reasons you need to take into consideration while looking for the best tattoo artists to get inked.
This article will take a deeper dive into the itchy tattoo sensation, why it arises in the first place, and what you can do to get rid of it.
WHY DO TATTOOS ITCH?
TICKLY PEELING SKIN
So why do tattoos itch in the first place? Are you doing something wrong? Well,
first off, it’s important to note that tattoo itching is a perfectly normal part of the
healing process. Don’t forget, your skin has just gone through some pretty severe
stress, and your skin has essentially been damaged via repeated punctures in the
same area.
The way your body reacts is to scab up over the area in an attempt to protect and
heal the skin, and for the vast majority of us, this leaves us with an itchy tattoo.
It’s perfectly normal for the skin to feel tickly and start to peel after a few days and for up to a few weeks.
ALLERGIC REACTIONS
Of course, sometimes there are situations when an itching tattoo is a sign of something more serious, which may need medical attention—one of those issues being an allergic reaction to the pigment used in the tattoo ink. Strangely, an allergic reaction can occur right away or up to several years after your tattoo is finished.
If your tattoo feels excessively itchy or has red and bump hive-like features, you should seek medical advice.
When we get a tattoo, most artists shave the desired location of the tattoo and the surrounding area. That way, they can do a better job as they can see their “canvas” more easily. When your hairs regrow, it can cause mild itching and discomfort, but this discomfort is increased when you account for the wounded skin in the tattooed area.
SKIN CONDITIONS
An overly itchy and scratchy tattoo could also arise due to pre-existing medical conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. This can cause discomfort in the tattooed area will more than likely lead to increased levels of itchiness.
While this is not an immediate cause for concern, you should keep a close eye on the wound and consult a medical professional’s advice if the problem persists for more than a week.
WHAT TO DO WHEN THE TATTOO ITCHES?
APPLY A MOISTURIZER
When you get a really itchy and scratchy tattoo, one of the best things you can do is apply a moisturizer to the area. This replenishes the skin with all of the necessary vitamins and minerals for repair whilst hydrating the dried out area.
Most of the time, itchiness occurs due to a dried-out scab, which can lead to flaky skin peeling off the tattoo. Check-in with your artist for their personal recommendations on the best tattoo cream. They will usually suggest going for a fragrance-free, unscented option so that it does not damage the tattoo in any way.
The worst thing you can do to a new tattoo is to scratch it directly with your fingernails or any other sharp object. If you remove the scabs too soon, you will almost definitely leave yourself with a faded/damaged tattoo.
Instead of scratching, try to pat, tap, or slap the itchy area.
TAKE A BATH
A great way to subside the itchy feeling is to take a relaxing hot bath, but be
warned! This is only advised for tattoos that are at least one month old, as
submerging a new tattoo in water is a surefire way to damage it.
Sometimes the best way to get over an itchy tattoo feeling is to distract yourself with something fun so you can take your mind off it. Get outside, play some sports, turn on your favorite reality TV guilty pleasure. You have the excuse of telling yourself it’s for a good reason, so use it!
Just make sure you don’t lapse your concentration and accidentally scratch off and damage your new ink.
COOL THE INKED AREA
Last but not least, some people get relief by applying a cold compress to their new tattoos. This helps to ease itching while reducing the inflammation that occurs in the days following the tattooing.
As always, ensure you aren’t using any materials that may stick to the tattoo so that you don’t damage it.
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CONSULTATION WITH ONE OF OUR
TATTOO ARTISTS PLEASE FEEL FREE TO
CONTACT US.
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FAQ's
What makes some tattoo locations more painful than others?
Pain varies depending on how close the tattoo site is to bone, how many nerve endings are present, and how thick the skin and fat are in that area. Thin skin with many nerves or little cushioning from fat tends to cause more intense sensations during tattooing.
Why are rib cage tattoos often considered extremely painful?
The rib cage is over a large area of bone with very little fat between the skin and ribs. Breathing also causes constant movement, which can add to discomfort and perceived pain during tattooing.
Do tattoos closer to bone hurt more than others?
Yes. Tattooing over bone or joints generally feels more painful because the needle vibrations transfer directly to nerve endings without the buffer of fat or muscle, increasing sensitivity.
Are there less painful places to get a tattoo if I’m concerned about pain?
Less painful areas often have more muscle and fat or fewer nerve endings such as the outer thigh, upper arm, or forearm. These spots are generally more comfortable for many people, especially first‑timers.
Does tattoo pain differ between men and women?
Pain experience is subjective and can differ individually. Some research suggests biological differences, such as skin thickness and nerve sensitivity, can influence perceived pain, but individual tolerance and placement are usually more significant factors than gender alone.
