Tattoo healing often causes itching. To ensure its success and avoid infection, be wary not to scratch your tattoo during its healing process. Some individuals experience itching months or years after getting a tattoo due to an allergic reaction to the ink used.
1. Try to get your mind off of it
If you find it difficult to take your mind off something, you must examine why this matter has such a strong hold over you. Once you understand its root cause, adopt methods that allow your attention to move to more productive issues. Alternatively, if the itchy sensation is due to dry or flaking skin, try washing your tattoo gently with a moisturizing balm or ointment; just be careful not to rub too vigorously, as this could cause the skin to shed prematurely and lead to scarring or infection. If this could be an allergic reaction instead, please seek medical advice immediately, as this should also not be ignored, and medical help should be sought immediately.
2. Try to soothe it with cold compresses
While itching is frustrating, it is a sign that your tattoo is healing properly. Itching may be caused by weather changes, tight clothing, or certain medications; however, to protect its complete healing process, it’s best to avoid scratching as this could cause its skin to scab over and become infected. Tattooing creates an open wound on your skin. Once healing begins, there are complex processes under the surface beneath that skin: cells as diverse as an entire city work to stop blood loss, shed dead skin cells, repair broken chains of tissue, and more. While itching is normal, it may also be caused by dry skin or a flare-up of a condition like psoriasis or eczema. If this is the case and your tattoo has itchy spots, try moisturizing with aftercare products explicitly made to treat such problems.
3. Try to avoid scratching it
No matter if your tattoo is fresh or old, scratching it can do lasting damage. While itching may be part of the healing process, grinding can lead to scarring, scabbing, and even loss of pigmentation if done too frequently. Itching can be particularly intense shortly after getting a tattoo but can occur at any stage during healing. Some individuals may be allergic to the ink or skin underneath, with itching often indicating that their reaction has occurred. A moisturizer designed to heal Tattoos may help alleviate itching, although some prefer dry healing. When selecting the moisturizer you use, look for something suitable to heal tattoos, such as HUSH, with its natural moisturizer that reduces itching and swelling while it heals.
4. Try to moisturize it
As your tattoo heals, it may start to itch – this is entirely normal and should subside within several days with proper care and management. Try not to pick or scratch at any scabs that form, and use some soothing ointment on the area as needed to reduce discomfort. Itching is often caused by dry skin. To combat it, moisturize your affected area regularly or even place a cool compress (with an absorbent towel between it and your skin to avoid burns). Tattoo-related itching is normal but may become bothersome. If it persists for more than 24 hours or becomes severe or persistent, seek medical advice immediately to rule out an infection or allergic reaction as the cause. They may prescribe medication like antihistamines, commonly used to reduce itching, that you can buy over-the-counter or through a valid prescription.
