Updated January 12, 2025
Ready to get new ink? A perfectly normal part of the healing process is a scabbing tattoo. Learn how to properly care for your new tattoo scab the right way!
Getting a new tattoo can be exciting, but it's important to know how to take care of it afterwards. And that means knowing what to expect. And, like it or not, a big part of the healing process of a healthy tattoo is scabbing.
Let's break down the scabbing process of a new tattoo and offer tips for taking care of it afterwards. Although it might not be the most pleasant subject, we'll provide all the guidance you need.
You will discover how to take care of your tattoo when it scabs. You will also learn the right way to wash and moisturize a scabbing tattoo. Additionally, you will receive useful aftercare tips to help your new ink heal. We will also discuss ways to reduce or get rid of the itchy feeling during tattoo healing.
To ensure your tattoo heals properly and looks great, it's important to take proper care, understand the scabbing process, and follow the aftercare tips in this article.
Is Tattoo Scabbing Normal?
Yes, tattoo scabbing is a normal part of the healing process for most people.
During the tattooing process, your skin is punctured repeatedly with a needle.When your skin heals and forms new skin underneath, it may react by creating scabs to protect the open wound.
Scabbing acts as a natural cover to shield the area from infection as fresh skin regenerates. Think of it like a band-aid made from your body. A band-aid made from dried plasma, clotted blood platelets and fibrin. On second thought, let's not think about that.
The scabbing process starts around 48 hours after getting a tattoo. During this time, you might see dry patches and flaking around your tattoo. The skin starts to heal itself by forming a scab to protect the area.
Most tattoos will scab in one way or another, and there are a few key things to keep in mind during this time.
It is vital that you do not pick or remove any scabbing as this can cause damage and pull out the pigment. Your tattoo artist might suggest a certain lotion for you to use while your tattoo heals. It's important to follow their advice. During the first few days of scabbing, you might notice your tattooed skin flaking or peeling.
To keep a fresh tattoo clean and moisturized, apply a thin layer of lotion multiple times a day. This will protect the skin from dirt and germs while keeping it hydrated.
If thick or dry scabs form on your tattoo, make sure to take proper care of them. This will prevent any damage to your tattoo and avoid the risk of bleeding or infection.
When to Be Concerned About Tattoo Scabbing
While light scabbing is a normal part of the tattoo healing process, there are certain signs that may indicate a problem and warrant concern. Here are some red flags to watch out for:
1. Excessive or Thick Scabbing
If the scabs are unusually thick, crusty, or cover a large portion of the tattoo, it could indicate overworked skin or improper aftercare. This might delay healing and impact the tattoo’s appearance.
2. Persistent Redness or Swelling
Mild redness is normal immediately after getting a tattoo, but if the redness doesn’t subside within a few days or worsens, it may signal an infection or an allergic reaction.
3. Oozing or Foul Odor
If your tattoo begins to ooze yellow or green fluid, especially if accompanied by a foul smell, this is a sign of infection and should be addressed by a healthcare professional immediately.
4. Pain or Tenderness
Some tenderness is expected, but severe pain, especially if it worsens instead of improving, could indicate a deeper issue.
5. Scarring or Raised Skin
Scarring can occur if the scabs are picked at or if improper healing techniques are followed. Raised skin or keloids may require medical attention.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek advice from your tattoo artist or a healthcare professional. Prompt action can help prevent complications and ensure your tattoo heals beautifully.
Tattoo Scab Aftercare: Step-by-Step Instructions for Proper Care
Tattoo scabbing is a natural part of the healing process, but proper aftercare is essential to ensure your tattoo heals beautifully and without complications. Follow these streamlined steps to care for your tattoo and avoid issues like scarring or infection.
Step 1: Clean Your Tattoo Gently
Wash your tattoo with warm water and a mild antibacterial soap once or twice a day. Avoid scrubbing, and gently pat the area dry with a clean paper towel or soft cloth to prevent irritation.
Step 2: Moisturize to Maintain Skin Health
After cleaning, apply a thin layer of tattoo-safe, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and support healthy healing. Avoid using too much, as over-moisturizing can soften the scab and hinder the process.
Step 3: Protect Your Tattoo
Wear loose-fitting clothes to avoid friction and irritation. Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight and avoid soaking it in water until it is fully healed to protect the scabs and prevent infection.
Step 4: Understand the Stages of Healing
Healing occurs in stages, starting with redness and light scabbing (Days 1-7), followed by peeling and scab shedding (Weeks 2-4). In the final maintenance phase, the skin will continue to heal, and the tattoo will regain its vibrancy.
Step 5: Recognize and Address Issues Early
If your tattoo shows signs of infection, such as excessive redness, heat, or pus, contact a doctor immediately. For thick scabs, you can soak the area in warm water to soften the edges, but never force them off before they’re ready.
Final Tip: Patience Is Key
Tattoo healing takes time, usually up to six months for complete recovery. Proper aftercare helps prevent complications and ensures your tattoo looks its best. Treat your tattoo with care, and you’ll enjoy vibrant, long-lasting artwork for years to come.
General Tattoo Aftercare Tips
We've said it before, and we'll say it again. When caring for a healing tattoo, the most critical step is to follow what your tattoo artist has told you.
If you did your research and went to a good tattoo parlor, a professional artist would create your tattoo during a proper session. The tattoo artist is the expert, so ask them about the steps to keep your new tattoo clean and protected.
Remember, treating a tattoo like a wound is important. Provide it with the same care you would for a cut or scrape. To ensure proper healing, you should give it time and take steps to prevent infection. Additionally, it's important to wear a covering to protect the wound.
After getting a new tattoo, you should make sure to keep it out of direct sunlight for at least three weeks. This helps lower the chance of getting an infection.
Do’s and Don’ts of Tattoo Healing and Aftercare
Taking care of your tattoo is essential for a smooth healing process and to preserve the quality of the artwork. Do clean your tattoo gently twice a day with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free antibacterial soap.
Keep it moisturized with a tattoo-safe lotion, but apply only a thin layer to avoid over-saturating the skin. Wear loose, breathable clothing to protect your tattoo from friction, and stay hydrated to support overall skin health. Once your tattoo has healed, apply sunscreen to prevent fading and damage from UV rays.
Don’t pick or scratch at scabs, as this can cause scarring, ink loss, or even infection. Avoid soaking your tattoo in water—stay out of pools, hot tubs, and bathtubs during the healing period. Don’t expose your fresh tattoo to direct sunlight, as it can irritate the skin and fade the ink.
Refrain from using products that contain harsh chemicals, alcohol, or fragrances, which can dry out or irritate your tattoo. Most importantly, if you notice signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or oozing, don’t ignore them—consult your tattoo artist or a healthcare professional immediately.
Following these guidelines will ensure your tattoo heals properly and remains vibrant for years to come.
Stages of Tattoo Healing: From Scabbing to Itching
Healing a tattoo is a process that occurs in distinct stages, each with its own challenges and care requirements. Understanding these stages can help you properly care for your tattoo and ensure it heals beautifully.
1. Inflammation and Oozing (Days 1–3)
The first stage of healing begins immediately after getting a tattoo. Your body treats the tattoo as a wound, and you may notice redness, swelling, and minor inflammation around the area. It’s normal for the tattoo to ooze a clear or slightly ink-tinted fluid during this time, as your skin starts to repair itself. To support healing, gently clean the area twice a day with warm water and mild antibacterial soap, and pat it dry with a clean paper towel.
2. Scabbing and Peeling (Days 4–14)
As your tattoo begins to heal, scabs will naturally form over the inked skin to protect it. These scabs may be thin and light or, in some cases, thicker depending on the tattoo’s size and placement. It’s critical to avoid picking at or scratching the scabs, as doing so can cause ink loss, uneven healing, or infection. During this stage, moisturize the area with a fragrance-free lotion to keep the skin hydrated and promote smooth peeling.
3. Itching and Flaking (Days 7–21)
Itching is a common and frustrating part of the healing process as your tattooed skin regenerates. Resist the urge to scratch, as this can dislodge scabs prematurely and lead to complications. Instead, keep your tattoo clean and moisturized, which will help soothe the itch and keep your skin protected. If a scab accidentally falls off too soon, clean the area gently, pat it dry, and apply a thin layer of moisturizer to maintain hydration and reduce the risk of infection.
By understanding these stages and following proper aftercare, you can navigate the healing process more effectively, ensuring your tattoo heals as intended and retains its vibrant appearance. Let your skin heal at its own pace, and remember to be patient—it’s worth it in the end!
How To Stop Feeling Itchy When Your Tattoo is Scabbing
After getting a tattoo, it's normal to feel some itching, along with scabbing and peeling as it heals. If you experience these symptoms, it's important to let your tattoo heal naturally. Avoid scratching or picking at the scabs. And that means you want to stop the tattoo itch in its tracks.
One thing to avoid is using common corticosteroids like hydrocortisone to relieve itching.
These creams can temporarily relieve tattoo itching. However, it may take days or even weeks for you to start feeling better. Frequent use of tanning beds can harm your skin and potentially lead to addiction.
Instead of using topical steroids, we suggest trying Dermeleve®. It's a cream that helps with itching, and it's safe to use often and for a long time. Dermeleve® is made to soothe itchy skin and keep it moisturized. It's great for relieving tattoo itch and discomfort.
"I recently used Dermeleve to relieve itchiness during my tattoo healing process, and it made a huge difference. The cream helped me avoid picking and scratching at my tattoo scabs, which really helped promote smoother healing. I highly recommend Dermeleve to anyone who has recently gotten a tattoo or is planning to get one." - Jeff C.
Another important tip is to avoid touching or scratching your tattoo. Your hands carry bacteria that can cause infections and damage the healing skin. If you scratch or pick at the scabs, they might fall off too soon and make the tattoo look uneven or blotchy.
Instead, focus on keeping your tattoo clean and moisturized.
To do this: .
To ensure proper healing of your tattoo, follow these steps: 1. Wash your tattoo gently with mild soap and lukewarm water twice a day. 2. Pat the area dry using a clean towel. 3. Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion or a tattoo-specific aftercare product. 4
If your tattoo is bubbling, oozing, or excessively red and swollen, it might be infected. In this case, it's important to see a healthcare provider or dermatologist. Doctors can give medicine or suggest how to treat an infected tattoo so it can heal correctly.
Wrap Up
Getting a new tattoo can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Understanding the aftercare for healing is important, but it can feel overwhelming.
Understanding how scabs form after getting a new tattoo is normal. This article provides aftercare tips to help your tattoo heal properly. Taking a few easy steps will help you ensure proper care for your tattoo!
It's crucial to care for your new tattoo properly. Make sure to follow your tattoo artist's instructions on healing and aftercare. To avoid the itchiness, don't scratch or pick at the scabs. Use a long-lasting itch cream like Dermeleve®, which works quickly and doesn't contain steroids.
If you take care of your tattoo and follow these tips, it can heal properly and look great.
FAQs
Q: What is a tattoo scab?
A: A tattoo scab is a thin layer of scabbing that forms over a new tattoo as it heals.
Q: How can I tell if my tattoo is healing properly?
A: A tattoo is healing properly if it goes through the normal tattoo healing process, including scabbing and peeling. It is important to follow your tattoo artist's aftercare instructions and keep an eye out for any signs of infection.
Q: Is it normal for my tattoo to scab?
A: Yes, it is perfectly normal for a tattoo to scab during the healing process. It is a natural part of the tattoo healing and is a sign that the skin is repairing itself.
Q: How long does it take for a tattoo to heal?
A: The healing time for a tattoo can vary depending on various factors, including the size and complexity of the tattoo, as well as individual healing factors. On average, it can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks for a tattoo to fully heal.
Q: Should I pick at the scabs on my tattoo?
A: No, you should never pick at the scabs on your tattoo. Picking at the scabs can cause the scab to fall off prematurely, potentially leading to scarring or loss of color in the tattoo.
Q: What should I do if my tattoo scabbing is thicker than usual?
A: If your tattoo scabbing appears thicker than usual, it may be a sign that your tattoo is healing slower than expected. In this case, it is important to talk to your tattoo artist for guidance and proper care instructions.
Q: Can a tattoo scab cover the whole tattoo?
A: Yes, it is possible for a tattoo scab to cover the entire tattoo. However, it is important to keep in mind that each person's healing process may be different, and some tattoos may scab more than others.
Q: Is it normal for my tattoo to bubble during the healing process?
A: No, it is not normal for a tattoo to bubble during the healing process. If you notice any bubbling or excessive oozing, it could be a sign of an infection, and you should seek medical attention immediately.
Q: Can I go swimming after getting a tattoo?
A: It is generally recommended to avoid swimming or submerging your new tattoo in water until it is fully healed. Water, especially in pools, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water, can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
Q: How should I take care of my new tattoo?
A: To properly take care of your new tattoo, you should follow your tattoo artist's aftercare instructions. This usually involves keeping the tattoo clean, applying ointment or lotion as recommended, and avoiding activities that may cause excessive sweating or friction on the tattoo.