Can I scratch my tattoo after 10 days?

Author: Bert Lang DDS  |  Last update: Tuesday, August 5, 2025

The scabs naturally fall off after about 10 days, so do not pick at or scratch them. The size of your tattoo can affect how much you scab. Some tattoos might not form noticeable scabs, but it's still important not to scratch to promote faster healing.

Can I scratch my 1 week old tattoo?

Even after it's done peeling on the surface, it's still healing underneath, so you should avoid scratching for 4-6 weeks until it's fully healed. Like, you'll feel that it hurts a lot more than scratching normal skin for a good while until it's really settled in, so try to leave it alone as much as you can!

Is 10 days enough for a tattoo to heal?

The healing time for a tattoo can range from two to four weeks, depending on the size and location of the tattoo.

What happens if I itch my tattoo after a week?

Some of these can cause itching months or years after you get the tattoo. Itchy tattoos are usually treated according to the underlying cause. If your tattoo is new, avoid scratching it as this can lead to infection and may damage the tattoo.

What should my tattoo look like after 10 days?

Typically, the scabbing phase tends to last about a week. After this, your tattoo may begin to peel and flake. And after about 10 days most scabs should have flaked away, although thicker scabs may take a little while longer to go - usually the thicker the scab, the longer it takes to heal.

Tattoo aftercare tips from a dermatologist| Dr Dray

Can a tattoo get infected after 10 days?

Some infections occur shortly after getting a tattoo. Others develop over time, and you might not notice them until months later.

Can I shower 10 days after a tattoo?

You should never submerge a new tattoo in water for any length of time directly following a tattoo. If you're wondering just how long after getting your tattoo you can take a bath: the answer is only after your tattoo has healed completely which typically takes 3 to 4 weeks, and in some cases longer.

Can you lightly scratch a tattoo?

Avoid scratching: Although it may be tempting, scratching can damage the tattooed area and prolong the healing process. Instead, if you must, try patting or very gently tapping the itchy area to alleviate the sensation. Keep the area clean: Wash your tattoo gently with mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water.

How to tell if a tattoo is infected or just healing?

What Does an Infected Tattoo Look Like?
  1. A rash that can be itchy with scaly, raised, or swollen bumps.
  2. Excessive redness or discoloration, where the skin beneath the tattoo becomes darker instead of lightening up as it heals.
  3. Pus that oozes from blisters on the skin.
  4. Open sores that may have crusting.

Can I wash my tattoo after 10 days?

A person should avoid submerging the tattoo in water or getting the tattoo wet during the first 3–6 weeks, except for when washing it. A person can continue using the washing technique above throughout the first week when needed.

When to stop using Aquaphor on a tattoo?

Use the Aquaphor for the first 2-3 days then switch to a regular FRAGRANCE-FREE lotion such as Lubriderm, or any other fragrance-free brand. 5. Fresh tattoos sometimes “weep” during the first couple of days, meaning that plasma and ink form a thin moist coating on the skin. This can be DABBED with a clean paper towel.

Can I touch my tattoo after a week?

Days 5 Through 7

Avoid direct sunlight and keep applying an artist approved ointment or balm to keep your tattoo from drying out. You might notice some scabs or flaking patches, and this is normal. Don't touch them. If you pick or scratch at them, there's a good chance a chunk of your tattoo will come off with them.

What happens if I scratch my new tattoo in my sleep?

Increasing risk of infection: Scratching or picking can introduce bacteria and other contaminants into the wound, increasing the risk of infection. Damaging the skin: Scratching or picking can cause damage to the skin and ink, potentially affecting the appearance of the tattoo.

What cream is good for itchy tattoos?

  • Best Seller. Cortizone 10 Maximum Strength Anti-Itch Cream with Soothing Aloe, 1% Hydrocortisone Creme, 2 oz. 2 Ounce (Pack of 1) (5.9K) ...
  • Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare 5oz Tattoo Balm, Heals + Protects New Tattoos and Rejuvenates Older Tattoos - 100% Vegan Cream No-Petroleum. Tattoo Balm. 5 Ounce (Pack of 1) (32.8K)

Is it normal for a tattoo to scab after a week?

Scabbing and Peeling (Days 4–14)

As your tattoo begins to heal, scabs will naturally form over the inked skin to protect it. These scabs may be thin and light or, in some cases, thicker depending on the tattoo's size and placement.

How long is a tattoo at risk of infection?

Worsening red, itchy bumps at the tattoo site. Redness and swelling: remember that mild redness is to be expected the first two to three days after getting a tattoo. If it progresses, worsens or accelerates three to five days after getting the tattoo, you need to take action due to high likelihood of a skin infection.

How to tell if skin is rejecting a tattoo?

You may notice one or more of the following:
  1. Redness: It becomes darker or spreads instead of lightening and diminishing.
  2. Pain: It continues or worsens instead of subsiding.
  3. Rash of itchy, red, and painful bumps develop within the tattoo.
  4. Fever.
  5. Chills and shivering.
  6. Pus in the tattoo.
  7. Open sore(s) in the tattoo.

Can I itch my tattoo after a week?

The Key Stages Of The Tattoo Healing Process

Flaky Skin (Days 7-14) – After about a week your skin is going to start to peel and flake. This can get incredibly irritating and the temptation to pick at the skin will be strong. Resist this urge and don't pick or pull when the skin starts to hang.

Can I gently rub my tattoo?

Do not rub it. It is common that a new tattoo may be sensitive, red or slightly inflamed.

Can I scratch a 2 week old tattoo?

It's safe to scratch your tattoo once it fully heals, or after 4 weeks. Allow your tattoo to scab, peel, and recover from damage before giving in to any itchiness.

Should I cover my tattoo when I sleep?

Unfortunately, there's no way to control what your body does while you sleep, but keeping your new tattoo covered during the night will help mitigate the risk of causing any injuries by scratching it.

Should I let my tattoo dry out?

You can pat the tattoo gently with a clean paper towel, but you must let the tattoo dry, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes after each cleaning. Any extra moisture trapped by immediately covering the tattoo is an invitation for bacteria to multiply.

How many days should I keep my tattoo covered?

Leaving the bandage on for too long can result in infection, so always change your bandage within the stated timeframe. Most tattoos can be properly healed with 2 applications of the bandage, with each application being left on the skin for 1-2 days, for a 3 or 4 day total.

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