An itching tattoo can be frustrating, and the fact that you cannot scratch it can be more frustrating. Imagine having that uncomfortable, stubborn itch all the time, during the day and night, disturbing your mind. It is simply nerve-wracking.
Though annoying, tattoo itchiness is normal, especially if it’s still brand new; the skin is trying to heal itself and must go through the itching process before it completely heals. So how do you stop tattoos from itching?
This article will cover the possible causes of tattoo itching and how to stop tattoo itching. Continue to read to find out more.
What causes tattoo itching?
The following are the causes of an itching tattoo:
It could be a normal healing process
A few days after getting your tattoo, the skin naturally starts to heal by shedding scabs and dead skin, thus causing itching. The itching process can take about one or two weeks and then subside. During this time, avoid touching, scratching, and scrubbing the skin at all costs.
Scratching can lead to infections and damage to your tattoo.
It could be hair regrowing.
Before tattooing your skin, the tattoo artists will first shave the area around where the tattoo is to be drawn to prevent the needle from getting caught in the hair. When the hairs start to regrow, they can cause itching and irritation.
It could be allergies.
Some people are allergic to the ink used in tattooing, and the allergic reaction might develop when the tattoo is still new or long after the tattoo has healed. The toxic chemicals like aluminum, calcium, and iron in the ink pigments can be the main trigger for allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin.
Allergic reactions include redness, flaking, itching, clear fluid oozing from the tattoo, bumps on the skin, and blisters. Allergic reactions are usually mild and can subside on their own after some time, but if it gets serious, see a doctor immediately.
Life-threatening symptoms of an allergic reaction include trouble breathing, a fast heartbeat, severe swelling, hives, and dizziness.
It could be an infection.
Tattoo drawing breaks the skin layers leaving them open and exposed to needle, ink, and air. These three may cause infections, especially if they are not clean. Unsterilized tattoo instruments and contaminated ink can cause diseases by inviting germs and bacteria to the skin.
Symptoms of infections include abnormal redness, itchy bumps, discharge, rashes, fever, and chills. If you have the mentioned symptoms, it’s time to consult with a doctor and find out how you can stop the infection.
How to stop tattoo itching
Stopping the itchiness depends on what’s causing it. For example, a person experiencing an allergic reaction should seek medical attention, and someone with an infected tattoo should also seek medical attention.
Follow the proper tattoo aftercare instructions to prevent infection and reduce the itch until your skin is completely healed.
Below is how to ease tattoo itchiness.
- No matter how itchy it becomes, avoid scratching at all costs
- Apply the appropriate ointment as recommended by the trained tattoo artist.
- Avoid exposing the tattoo to UV rays and heat.
- Avoid harsh products on the tattooed area, and use mild soap and water for cleaning.
- Compress the itching spot with a cool washcloth to calm the irritation.
- Before your tattoo heals completely, avoid swimming and taking long baths.
- Don’t pick at peeling skin; let the skin shade off by itself.
- Avoid scrubbing the tattooed area with a washcloth until it heals completely.
For other conditions that cause itching, it is best to consult a doctor to know how best you can manage it. Avoid buying over-the-counter medications to ease your itching, as it can worsen. Always consult an experienced professional before you use anything.
Summary
An itchy tattoo is a normal thing that raises no cause for alarm in most cases. However, if the itching worsens and the symptoms increase, seek medical attention immediately. Above all, the first step to stopping your tattoo from itching is never to scratch your tattoo, no matter what.
