When can I scratch my tattoo

Itching is normal as a tattoo heals, but it is imperative that you do not scratch that itch. (If the itching is accompanied by heat, inflammation, pus, spots or anything that looks worrying - check it out with your tattooist and if necessary, your doctor. Don’t let an infection get the better of your tattoo!)

Your tattoo needs to heal and it needs to be left alone to do this: no scratching, no itching, no picking at scabs or flakes, however maddening the itch - and at about a week in, as scabs and flakes start to come away, it can be torturous!

But it’s not just that you’re risking ruining the design by disturbing the ink, but you’re also risking the tattoo getting infected, which can be really problematic.

Refraining from itching is not an easy task, but it helps if you tackle the problem from three sides at once.

Resist

• Load up on self-control/distraction techniques to resist the urge to itch (see our article Eczema Life Hacks: 15 of the Best Tricks & Tips for Coping With The Itch for some tips!) because prevention is better than cure.
• Use ice packs, knitting, mindfulness, getting stuck into box sets: do whatever works for you to distract yourself.
• Cover over the tattoos with loose, light clothing so they’re out of sight, out of mind.
• Cut your nails to reduce the risk of infection if you do itch unconsciously.
• Wear thin cotton gloves at night if you have to!
• Press or pat the area through clothing rather than scratching or rubbing it.

Avoid

• Steer well clear of aftercare products that could trigger a flare-up, with the itchy-scratchy hell that inevitably follows.
• Remember that not every aftercare product is suitable for every single individual skin: some contain ingredients that might flare you up, even if they come recommended by others.
• Stick to gentle, safe, unperfumed favourites, or patch test any new products carefully a couple of weeks before you get your tattoo. Same applies to any skincare, haircare etc that you’ll use in the period after your tattooing.

Soothe

• Pick out aftercare products that will soothe rather than irritate your new tattoo. Balmonds Skin Salvation and Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream both contain naturally anti-inflammatory herbs to reduce swelling, inflammation and itchiness, and are rich in nutritious oils to support the skin’s natural cycle of repair and regeneration.
• Use our Skin Salvation balm to begin with, but if your tattoo is getting dry, flaky and itchy after the first week apply a small amount of lotion to the area to keep it moisturised.

For more detailed information about getting a tattoo if you have eczema, see our articles Balmonds’ Ultimate Guide To Tattoo Aftercare or Will Eczema Ruin My Tattoo? 

Recommended products

USA customers please click here

Skin Salvation
with hemp & beeswax

Daily Moisturising Cream
with hemp & shea butter

Important Note

If you require medical advice we recommend you always contact your healthcare professional.

If you or someone you are caring for seems very unwell, is getting worse or you think there's something seriously wrong, call for emergency services straight away. For general medical advice, please contact your healthcare professional, this article does not contain or replace medical advice.

Here’s what you need to know about itchy tattoos, which should explain how long yours might itch for.

• Itching is a normal part of the healing process; it generally starts at around day four, as the skin starts to peel, and can take around two weeks to subside.
• If the itching is accompanied by swelling, pain, spots or heat that is getting worse not better, your tattoo could be infected. Get it checked out sooner rather than later, either by your tattoo artist or your doctor. Infections are no joke!
• Itching is normal but different people are affected in different ways. Some might find their skin is healing quickly, with scabs forming and the skin being pulled very tight. This can lead to intense itchiness! If you’re someone who has naturally dry skin you may find the healing process itchier and longer than others.
• Resist the urge to scratch! You don’t want to pull scabs off before they’re ready and risk them pulling away ink as they come away. Scratching can damage the healing tattoo and spoil the design.
• Scratching and itching can also risk infection from dirty hands or fingernails. Any extra damage beyond the trauma caused by the needles can also make the skin more vulnerable to infection.
• If your tattoo is itching, keep it clean and keep it moisturised.
• Keep your fingernails short and clean, in case you’re scratching while asleep.

Recommended products:

Balmonds Skin Salvation
with hemp and beeswax

Balmonds Natural Shampoo & Body Wash

Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream
with shea butter and calendula

Important Note

If you require medical advice we recommend you always contact your healthcare professional.

If you or someone you are caring for seems very unwell, is getting worse or you think there's something seriously wrong, call for emergency services straight away. For general medical advice, please contact your healthcare professional, this article does not contain or replace medical advice.

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