How to Help Tattoo Scabs Heal Quickly

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Protecting your new tattoo so it heals without a hitch
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Although a scab over your tattoo can be alarming, it's usually a normal part of the healing process. Most tattoos scab over after a few days and the scab falls off on its own within a week. To help the scab fall off naturally, protect it from irritation and don't pick it! If your scab looks infected, get medical attention right away so it heals quickly and doesn't damage your tattoo.

Things You Should Know

  • Wear loose clothing to guard the scabs against sunlight, moisture, and other forms of irritation. Avoid tight clothing that may chafe the scab.
  • Wash the scabs regularly with warm water and mild soap to keep the scabs clean and help them heal faster.
  • Spread a thin layer of mild lotion onto the scab 1-2 times a day to keep it moisturized and reduce irritation.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Protecting the Scab

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  1. Your tattoo is a wound that your body is continuously healing. During the first few days, it's normal to see a mixture of blood and clear fluid on the surface of the tattoo. Over the next several days, your tattoo will peel and become softer. If you keep your skin moisturized, you might not develop scabs. [1]
    • Don't worry if your tattoo does scab since it's just your body healing itself. The scab will cover your tattoo as the new skin repairs itself and the scab should fall off within a week.
  2. A scab is like your body's own bandage that protects the wound underneath as it heals. Since it prevents bacteria from reaching the wound, don't do anything to remove or damage the scab. Once your skin has healed, the scab will fall off on its own. [2]
    • If you damage the scab, it will actually take longer for your tattoo to heal and you might ruin the ink.
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  3. If you cover the scab with clothing, choose loose, breathable fabrics, such as cotton. This allows moisture to evaporate instead of cling to the scab. The soft fabric also feels better against the scab and doesn't scrape or scratch against it. [3]

    Tip: If your tattoo is in an awkward spot, such as your wrist, take extra care not to bump or jostle it. Don't allow anything to scrape against the scab as it heals.

  4. Give your tattoo a chance to heal and don't do heavy exercise. [4] If you sweat a lot, you could introduce bacteria to the wound, which might cause an infection and delay healing. Plan on taking 1 week off from exercising to give your body a chance to heal. [5]
    • If you do exercise and sweat, clean the scab with antibacterial soap and rinse it. Then, pat the scab dry and leave it alone.
  5. If your scab absorbs a lot of water, it's more likely to become infected, so keep it dry. Don't take baths or go swimming until the scab has fallen off on its own. [6] It's fine to briefly rinse the scab when you shower, but gently pat it dry with a soft towel when you get out. [7]
    • If you have a thick scab that hasn't fallen off after a few weeks, you can try soaking the scab to encourage the edges to peel.
  6. If your tattoo does scab over after a few days, remember not to pick or scratch. The scab is simply protecting the new skin underneath and it may take a week to fall off. [8]
    • You might pull ink out of the tattoo if you pull off the scab before your skin has healed.
  7. Place a clean cloth on your scab and shower for a few minutes so the scab absorbs water. Remove the cloth and rub antibacterial soap and water between your palms. Then, hold the scab under warm running water while you gently rub the soap over the scab. Do this for a few seconds so the edges of the scab lift up. [9]
    • Try this just once or twice a day for a few seconds since it can fade your tattoo.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Caring for Your Tattoo

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  1. Take off the bandage the day after you get your tattoo. Rinse your skin with cool water and rub a little antibacterial soap between your hands. Gently massage the soapy solution over the scab. Then, rinse it off and pat it completely dry with a soft cloth. [10]
    • Avoid using hot water because it strips moisture from your skin.
  2. Moisturizing the tattoo prevents it from drying out and becoming irritated. Gently rub a very thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer over the tattoo several times throughout the day. [11]
    • Ask your tattoo artist to recommend a moisturizer. Some may suggest a petroleum jelly-based product while others recommend a natural body butter, such as cocoa butter.
  3. [12] Sunlight fades your tattoo's ink, so take extra steps to keep your new tattoo out of direct sunlight for the first few weeks. If you do need to be out in the sunlight, wear clothes that cover the tattoo. [13]
    • After a few weeks, you can rub sunscreen onto your new tattoo if you'll be outdoors. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB damage.
  4. Scabs are usually a minor inconvenience, but if yours becomes painful when you touch it or it feels hot, it might be infected. Contact your doctor, not your tattoo artist, if you have: [14]
    • Oozing thick white, yellow or green fluid
    • Fever
    • Swelling

    Tip: It's important to get medical attention since most infections need to be treated with antibiotics. If the infection spreads, you'll need stronger treatments and it will take longer for the tattoo to heal.

  5. Although an infection can affect a large area of skin around your tattoo, you might notice that just the skin of your tattoo is reacting to the ink. Parts of the tattoo, such as red or black designs, might be itchy, red, or swollen. Ask your tattoo artist to tell you what inks they used for your tattoo and take this information to your doctor since it can help them make a diagnosis. [15]
    • For example, if you have a colorful tattoo, but notice that only the red areas are raised or itchy, you may be allergic to the pigment, dye, or metallic substances in the red ink.
    • If your doctor suspects an allergic reaction, you'll get a prescription for antihistamines. This medication treats rash, redness, and itching.
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      Tips

      • Once your scab naturally falls off, the tattoo will look milky or cloudy. It will become brighter again within a few weeks as the skin finishes healing.
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      • Remember which inks you have an allergic reaction to so you can avoid them in any future tattoos you get.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.uwhealth.org/madison-plastic-surgery/after-care-instructions-for-permanent-cosmetics/makeup-applications/20556
      2. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/tattoos-and-piercings/art-20045067
      3. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/tattoos-and-piercings/art-20045067
      4. ↑ Burak Moreno. Tattoo Artist. Expert Interview. 11 October 2019.
      5. ↑ https://www.uwhealth.org/madison-plastic-surgery/after-care-instructions-for-permanent-cosmetics/makeup-applications/20556
      6. ↑ Burak Moreno. Tattoo Artist. Expert Interview. 11 October 2019.
      7. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/tattoos-and-piercings/art-20045067
      8. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/tattoos-and-piercings/art-20045067
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/tn69gD1A5ds?t=213
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/tn69gD1A5ds?t=187
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/yE5BP3NJ6fw?t=148
      3. ↑ Burak Moreno. Tattoo Artist. Expert Interview. 11 October 2019.
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/yE5BP3NJ6fw?t=157
      5. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/tattoos-and-piercings/art-20045067
      6. ↑ https://www.healthline.com/health/tattoo-allergy#treatment

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