How to Handle Accidental Scratching of Your Fresh Tattoo

Scratching prolongs tattoo healing time. When you scratch your new tattoo, you disrupt the healing process by removing scabs, exposing sensitive skin, and potentially causing it to scab over again. Scabs can itch and dry out the skin, but they naturally fall off after about 10 days.

• Scabs form around 3 days after getting a tattoo and should not be picked or scratched.
• The size of your tattoo can affect scab formation, but avoid scratching to promote faster healing.

Scratching increases infection risk. Scratching introduces bacteria from your fingernails into the healing skin, potentially leading to infection. Symptoms of infection include rash, bumps, hot skin, pus, bleeding, pain, or fever.

• Consult your tattoo artist or doctor if you suspect an infection for proper diagnosis and treatment.
• To alleviate mild inflammation, apply a cold pack or aloe vera to the infected area.

Scratches may alter tattoo appearance. Scratching can pull out ink from the healing skin, leading to faded or patchy areas in the tattoo design. It can also cause scarring or pitting, distorting the original design.

• Fading and alterations in the tattoo design may require touch-ups from your tattoo artist, incurring additional costs.

Keep your tattoo clean using soap and water. To minimize the risk of infection, cleanse your tattoo as soon as you notice any abrasion. Gently wash it with antibacterial soap and rinse thoroughly by pouring water over it. Remember to dry your tattoo gently with a clean towel.

• Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo to prevent infection.
• If you're cleaning your tattoo in the shower, avoid direct water streams to protect it from damage. Instead, use your hands to scoop water and pour it over the tattoo.

Apply a recommended healing ointment on your tattoo. If your tattoo artist suggested a specific product for faster recovery, follow their advice. Otherwise, opt for a first-aid cream like A+D First Aid Ointment or Aquaphor Healing Ointment containing vitamins A and D or tea tree oil. Apply a thin layer over the scratch to prevent infection and promote healing.

Regularly check your tattoo for signs of infection or inflammation. Continue normal tattoo care routine while being vigilant for symptoms like increased redness, pain, rashes, or pus. Clean your tattoo 2 to 3 times daily and apply fragrance-free lotion.

• If the scratch forms a scab without unusual symptoms, you're likely safe.
• If signs of infection appear, consult a doctor for antibiotics or prescription creams.

Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer. As your tattoo heals, the surrounding skin may become dry and itchy. To relieve itching, apply a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer. Pat the lotion instead of rubbing to avoid dislodging scabs.

• Many tattoo artists recommend moisturizers like Lubriderm Daily Moisture, Cerave Moisturizing Cream, and Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion.
• Avoid petroleum-based lotions like petroleum jelly, as they may cause tattoo fading.
• While it's tempting to use a lot of lotion, excess can trap moisture under scabs, leading to damage and infection.
• Over-moisturizing can cause scabs to fall off prematurely, risking infection and tattoo damage.

Protect your tattoo while sleeping by wearing gloves. If you find yourself waking up with scratches on your tattoo, shield it during sleep by wearing gloves or wrapping your hands in a soft fabric. This additional layer acts as a barrier, preventing bacteria from your nails from entering your tattoo.

• Keep your nails trimmed short during the healing process to minimize scratches and lower the risk of infection.
• Alternatively, cover your tattoo with breathable fabric while sleeping to prevent scratching. For example, wear long-sleeved clothing.

Gently pat your tattoo to alleviate itching. Although scratching is best avoided, lightly patting your tattoo can ease discomfort with minimal risk to the healing process. Cover your tattoo with a thick, clean cloth or fabric and lightly tap your fingers over it.

• Avoid rubbing the cloth, as this may remove scabs and expose your tattoo to infection.

Relieve tattoo itchiness with a cold compress. Applying an ice pack can help reduce the burning sensation that prompts scratching. To protect your tattoo, place a clean cloth or towel over it before applying the ice pack for several minutes until the itching subsides.

• Alternatively, place a cool, damp cloth on your tattoo for a few minutes. Ensure the cloth isn't overly wet, as excess moisture may affect your tattoo's appearance.

Clean your tattoo 2 to 3 times daily for optimal hygiene. Regularly washing your tattoo with antibacterial soap aids in preventing infections and accelerates healing, reducing itchiness. Rinse your tattoo with soap and pat it dry 2 to 3 times a day.

• Apply a light layer of moisturizer after washing to retain moisture and prevent dryness.
• Avoid soaking your tattoo while it heals; showers are acceptable, but baths or swimming may damage your tattoo and expose it to bacteria.

Maintain hydration. Ensure you drink sufficient water daily to keep your skin hydrated, reducing dryness and itchiness. Consume water-rich fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, spinach, strawberries, apples, and cucumbers to enhance hydration.

• On average, men require approximately 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of water daily for hydration, while women need about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters).

Protect your tattoo from sun exposure with sunscreen. Sunlight can hinder your tattoo's healing process and cause fading as it heals. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher at least 15 minutes before going outside.

• When outdoors, try to cover your tattoo as much as possible.
• Even after your tattoo has healed, continue using sunscreen to preserve its color.

Consider hydrocortisone cream for severe itching. While hydrocortisone cream can alleviate intense itching and irritation, it's not typically recommended for new tattoos. Use it only if other methods fail to relieve itching, as anti-itch creams can interfere with the natural healing process of your tattoo and cause ink fading.

• Once your tattoo has fully healed and is itchy, you can safely use hydrocortisone cream.
• If you're allergic to tattoo ink, you may experience an itchy, red rash. In such cases, take over-the-counter allergy medication to alleviate symptoms.
• Underlying skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis can also cause itching. Consult your doctor for appropriate treatment.

You can scratch your tattoo safely once it's fully healed, typically after 4 weeks. Allow your tattoo to scab, peel, and recover before succumbing to the urge to scratch. The duration of the healing process can vary from 4 weeks to 6 months, depending on factors like tattoo size, placement, ink depth, and individual health conditions.

• Larger tattoos or those in high-friction areas such as elbows or knees usually take longer to heal.