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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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FAQ's
What causes an itchy tattoo?
An itchy tattoo is a normal part of the healing process. As the skin heals from the trauma of tattooing, it forms scabs and new skin layers that trigger itch sensations. This can also be influenced by hair regrowth on the shaved area. In some cases, itching may also result from allergies to ink pigments or pre‑existing skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
How long should tattoo itchiness last?
Itching usually starts a few days after getting a tattoo and can continue for several weeks while the skin forms scabs and peels. For most people this uncomfortable phase will improve as healing progresses. If itching continues beyond this timeframe or worsens, it could indicate irritation or a complication.
Is it normal for an old tattoo to itch?
Yes. Older tattoos can itch due to dry skin, environmental irritation, or skin reactions long after healing is complete. Chronic itchiness without other symptoms often relates to dryness or external irritation rather than fresh healing alone.
Can scratching an itchy tattoo damage it?
Yes. Scratching a healing tattoo can remove scabs prematurely, distort the ink design, increase the risk of infection, and lead to fading or scarring. Instead of scratching, gently pat, tap, or apply soothing techniques to reduce the urge to scratch.
How can I relieve itching and irritation?
Apply a recommended fragrance‑free moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated, gently cleanse the area with lukewarm water and mild soap, and use cool compresses to reduce inflammation. Loose breathable clothing over the tattooed area also helps minimize friction and irritation.
