How should a tattoo feel after 4 days?

Author: Dr. Clarabelle Rippin DVM  |  Last update: Sunday, January 25, 2026

Prolonged symptoms should be evaluated by your tattoo artist and/or a physician. Days 4-14 — Visible Recovery: As the healing process continues, the top layer of skin peels, flakes, scabs, and itches— similar to the response the body makes as it recovers from a sunburn. This is a normal, healthy recovery process.

What should a tattoo look like after 4 days?

The tattoo will look dull and slightly cloudy. It can also be scaly or look shiny. The dead layer of skin will still be on it but will flake away naturally over a month or two until the skin completely regenerates to normal. The tattoo will only look beautiful and clear once the brand-new skin is at the surface.

Is it normal for a tattoo to hurt 4 days after?

A new tattoo typically remains sore for about 3 to 7 days after the tattooing process. During this time, you may experience tenderness, redness, and some swelling.

Is it normal for a tattoo to feel raised after 4 days?

Raised skin is from scarring or your skin reacting to the ink. IT IS NORMAL, nothing to worry about. But some tattoos will raise more when the skin is dry, or the weather changes the same as when we get ``allergies''. It's just your body reminding you that there is a foreign substance in your skin.

Is it normal for a tattoo to feel warm after 4 days?

Tattoos stay hot for a couple of reasons. The body trying to heal itself and prevent infection And the friction of the needle repeatedly penetrating the skin. The heat from a freshly done tattoo can last anywhere from 1 to a few days depending on what was done, how it was done, and the person it was done on.

Tattoo aftercare tips from a dermatologist| Dr Dray

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.

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.

How to flatten a bumpy tattoo?

Over-the-counter creams or ointments containing ingredients such as hydrocortisone or corticosteroids can be used to alleviate inflammation and itching associated with raised tattoos. These topical treatments may help to flatten the appearance over time.

Is 4 days enough for 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. Individual healing times may vary based on skin type and overall health of the tattoo wearer.

Can a tattoo get infected after 4 days?

How fast can a tattoo get infected? Some infections occur shortly after getting a tattoo. Others develop over time, and you might not notice them until months later.

Can I shower with my tattoo after 4 days?

Do not take a bath and fully submerge your tattoo for 3-4 weeks after getting a tattoo. The larger the tattoo, the longer we recommend you wait to fully submerge your tattoo in water. You should never submerge a new tattoo in water for any length of time directly following a tattoo.

Why is my tattoo still painful after 4 days?

First Few Days: Sore And Oozing

In this early stage, tattoo infections can start small but it's important to monitor if the pain is increasing, the redness or swelling increases which would indicate that it is infected, and recommended to consult a doctor to stop the infection early.

Is it normal for a 4 day old tattoo to peel?

On average, new tattoos begin peeling around day four or five. This will vary from person to person. Some may experience peeling as early as day two and others may not experience it until about a week later. Once the peeling begins, it usually subsides within a week or two.

How to tell if a tattoo is over moisturized?

Signs of an Over-Moisturized Tattoo
  1. The moisturizer you've applied isn't absorbed in the skin. ...
  2. Your skin looks or feels irritated. ...
  3. The tattoo isn't scabbing or the scabs don't fall off.

Why do tattoo lines get thicker?

Natural migration of pigment in the skin is manifested by: lines become visually wider; a small (about a millimeter) shadow may appear near the tattoo lines; there will be less empty space between the lines.

What are the red flags of tattoo healing?

Infections: Excessive redness, swelling, or pus are red flags. Allergic reactions: Persistent itching, rashes, or irritation may indicate a reaction to tattoo ink or products. Prolonged healing: If your tattoo isn't healing within the expected timeframe, consult a medical professional.

How to tell if a new tattoo is too dry?

If you aren't sure whether or not the tattoo is dry, remove the bandage and gently pull at your skin. Your skin will still be sensitive, but you should feel a slight sensation of tightness. Some people describe it as parched skin that feels like it is on the verge of slightly cracking.

Why is my tattoo fading after 3 days?

Don't worry, this is completely natural. It happens because the old skin, damaged during the tattooing process, forms a thin layer over your tattoo and masks its true appearance. In time this old skin will naturally exfoliate itself, revealing your tattoo underneath in all its vibrant glory.

Can too much Aquaphor fade a tattoo?

There hasn't been an official study on how much ink (if any) Aquaphor can remove or fade from a tattoo. In the interest of fairness, plenty of tattoo artists claim that they've never experienced ink loss in their clients that use Aquaphor.

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.

What lotion not to use on a new tattoo?

It is important not to use any scented creams or lotions. Harsh chemicals can irritate the wound and damage the tattooed skin. A person should also avoid using sunscreen on a tattoo until it is fully healed, as this can clog the pores and trap bacteria.

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