Symptoms of Healing
Itching and swelling are typical symptoms as your skin heals from its new tattoo. Applying lotion or ointment may help soothe itchy skin by reducing irritation. Choose fragrance-free and colorant-free products for maximum benefit.
The Itching Process
Itching is a sign that your body is undergoing an incredible healing process. Cells work together to stop bleeding, defend against infection, and regenerate new tissue.
Factors Affecting Itchiness and Tattoo Healing
1. Changes in Your Diet
Diet plays a significant role in skin health and tattoo healing. A diet high in processed and sugar-filled foods can hinder recovery while consuming vitamins A, C, and E and zinc can support healing and improve the result. Allergies to tattoo ink can also occur, and itchy raised spots on specific colors may indicate an allergic reaction.
2. Changes in Your Lifestyle
Resist the urge to scratch your tattoo when it becomes itchy, as marking can interfere with the healing process and potentially damage the design. Instead, try patting or tapping the area, taking warm water baths (after the tattoo has healed), using lidocaine-containing itch relief lotions, or consulting with your tattoo artist for recommendations. Weather fluctuations and preexisting skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema can trigger itching reactions.
3. Allergies
If your tattoo is itchy without signs of infection, it could be due to an allergy to the ink. Tattoo pigments contain dyes that may cause allergic reactions, resulting in symptoms such as hives and itching. Antihistamines can help alleviate allergy-related itching, but it’s best to use moisturizing creams or ointments specifically formulated for Tattoos to avoid itching and speed up healing time.
4. Infections
Tattooed areas may become infected due to bacteria on the skin. Avoid scratching or using irritating lotions/ointments, as these can further aggravate the infection. People with psoriasis may experience worsened symptoms due to tattooing. Viral infections can occur if unsterilized equipment or pigments are used during tattooing.
