Tattoo itching can be a nuisance. When your tattoo is still fresh and the itching starts tickling in, you can be frustrated, thinking you are losing your mind and there’s no way out of it. So, why does tattoo itch?
Believe it or not, tattoo itching is normal and mostly attacks when the tattoo starts its healing process. During this time, you should resist the urge to scratch and wait until your skin heals; with time, the itching will stop by itself.
But when the itch becomes painfully unbearable, and the skin develops bumps, there could be another cause that you need to investigate. Here, I will help you figure out some of the reasons why your tattoo might be itching. Stick around to find out more
Why your tattoo is itching – 5 reasons why tattoo itch
Your tattoo is just healing
Tattoos rupture the skin. When old skin peels and new skin regenerates, the result often becomes an irritating itch. The healing phase can last up to 2 weeks, and you might experience mild itching during that time.
Refrain from scratching, scrubbing, or peeling the scabs, and let the healing process take its course. Scratching can damage the tattoo and lead to skin infections. You can use ointments recommended by your tattoo artists to moisturize the area and ease the itch.
You have an infection.
The reason your tattoo is itching might be because of an infection. When the tattoo is drawn on your skin, the two skin layers remain open and susceptible to irritants like germs and bacteria. And if not taken care of properly, the scars can introduce infections and cause serious itching.
Before you get your tattoo done, ensure you find a tattoo artist who sterilizes tattooing equipment before using them to avoid infection. After getting your tattoo, ensure that you follow the proper aftercare instructions from your tattoo artists to reduce the chances of infections until your tattoo heals.
Symptoms of an infected tattoo include fever and chills, redness, bumps, and discharge. If you suspect you are dealing with an infection, see a doctor.
You have an allergic reaction.
Maybe you don’t know it yet, but you could be allergic to the ink. The pigments in ink can sometimes cause adverse allergic reactions when introduced to the skin. This is especially common with red and yellow inks or dyes. Additionally, allergies can be caused by using cheap or contaminated ink and other changes in the body.
An Allergic reaction can develop when the tattoo is brand new or even a few years after your tattoo heals. If you have red rashes, bumps, and itchy and irritated skin, then you might be experiencing an allergic reaction. Steroid ointments can help ease mild allergy symptoms, but if the symptoms persist, seek immediate medical attention.
You have a preexisting medical condition.
If you have a preexisting medical condition that you are or aren’t aware of, you may be a candidate for an itching tattoo. Conditions like eczema or psoriasis can flare up after you get your tattoo, causing red, swollen, and itchy skin.
Before you get your tattoo, consult a dermatologist to find out if you have any underlying medical conditions you don’t know about. The dermatologist can then direct you on how to go about your tattooing based on the diagnosis of your skin.
Your tattoo has been exposed to direct sunlight.
Yes, UV rays can cause your tattoo to develop an allergic reaction, especially if your ink is still fresh. Symptoms may include redness, itchy bumps, blisters, and hives. To prevent this from happening, avoid exposing your brand-new tattoos to the sun. You can bandage the tattooed area for a few hours and then change the bandage according to the instructions by the tattoo artists.
After your tattoo has healed, ensure you wear recommended sunscreen of up to SPF 50 every time before going outside.
Summary
Tattoo itching is mostly a normal occurrence, but to be safe, find a reputable and experienced tattoo artist to work on your skin before getting a tattoo. After getting the tattoo, ensure you take good care of your skin, as the tattoo artist recommends. If you encounter any problem, seek medical attention.
