Why is my 10 day old tattoo itchy?

Author: Ryder Flatley  |  Last update: Thursday, June 19, 2025

Allergic Reactions The area around your tattoo might itch or swell, or you could get a rash. It can happen right after you get the tattoo, or years later. If it's mild -- itchy skin and a few bumps -- treat it with a steroid cream. If your reaction is worse or if doesn't go away in a couple of weeks, call your doctor.

Is it normal for a tattoo to itch after 2 weeks?

Infection: Signs of infection, such as persistent itching, redness, swelling, or discharge, require immediate medical attention. Your healthcare provider can prescribe antibiotics or other medications to treat the infection.

How long does a tattoo last to get itchy?

Scratching could also interfere with the ink placement and distort the tattoo, ruining the artwork. Continue to apply ointments or creams that the tattoo artist recommends. The itching should subside within 1–2 weeks. If the itching persists or gets worse, see a doctor.

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 Deal With a ITCHY NEW TATTOO

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.

What does a tattoo ink allergy look like?

If you're having an allergic reaction to your tattoo, you might get a rash that's red, bumpy, or itchy. These symptoms can crop up in the days after you first get your tattoo or can appear months or years later. You can most likely treat the area with a steroid ointment.

Can you put hydrocortisone on a week old tattoo?

Do not use: Sunscreen, tanning lotion, fragranced oils, Aloe Vera, A&D or cortisone cream until your tattoo is fully healed. Lotions containing these ingredients should also be avoided.

How do you know if tattoo ink is bad?

Separation: Especially when it comes to inks with natural powder pigments, some separation of the pigments from the liquid is normal. In fact, at Quantum we say, “Best when shaken…just like a martini.” However, when the separation becomes so severe that shaking doesn't fix it, the ink has likely gone bad.

Does Benadryl help with an itchy tattoo?

Antihistamines can be used to manage minor skin reactions after getting a tattoo, such as itching or swelling. However, they should not be used as a preventive measure before getting a tattoo, as they can potentially increase bleeding.

Does tattoo goo help with itching?

Natural Relief

We know healing tattoos or piercings can be uncomfortable. That's why we include the natural, itch-relieving ingredient panthenol in our Tattoo Goo Lotion, and all of our piercing products are alcohol-free.

What are the stages of a tattoo healing?

While there's some variability to the healing process, generally, there are three broad stages of tattoo healing:
  • Inflammation (Days 1-3) ...
  • Visible recovery (Days 4-14) ...
  • Invisible recovery (Days 14-30) ...
  • On the day. ...
  • 1-48 hours. ...
  • 48hrs – 14 days. ...
  • The sun. ...
  • Scented soap.

When should I stop Moisturising tattoo?

How long do you moisturize a new tattoo? The length of your aftercare routine is usually dependent on the size of your tattoo, and this can be anywhere between 2 weeks to 3 months. Most professional tattoo artists will recommend moisturizing the fresh ink once or twice each day to give it the best chance of healing.

How to unclog pores on a tattoo?

Over-the-Counter Treatments. Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid-based creams can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. However, it's crucial to select products specifically formulated for tattooed skin to avoid any adverse effects.

What happens if I put too much lotion on my new tattoo?

Regularly moisturizing your new tattoo prevents scabbing and can even promote the healing process. However, too much moisture could create problems—like irritation and infection—putting a damper on your body modification journey.

Why is my tattoo itchy after 2 weeks?

Allergic Reactions

The area around your tattoo might itch or swell, or you could get a rash. It can happen right after you get the tattoo, or years later. If it's mild -- itchy skin and a few bumps -- treat it with a steroid cream. If your reaction is worse or if doesn't go away in a couple of weeks, call your doctor.

Does itchy mean healing?

Itching is a natural part of the healing process and can occur as new tissue forms and nerves become more active. However, excessive scratching can disrupt healing and increase infection risk. Try using gentle methods like cold compresses or moisturizers to relieve itching.

Can I rub my new tattoo if it itches?

Scratching – While it may seem obvious, scratching that peeling, itchy new ink is never a good idea. Patting, slapping, peeling and rubbing also falls into the “no, no” category. To help soothe the annoying itch, use Tattoo Goo lotion with Panthenol—which should take the itching away and speed up the healing process.

What happens if you put too much Aquaphor on a tattoo?

A thin layer is strongly suggested, too much aquaphor can pull out the ink and damage the quality of the tattoo, which results in a higher chance the tattoo will need a touch-up.

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.

How long after a tattoo can you shower normally?

You can shower 3-4 hours after getting a tattoo, if you have a Saniderm bandage on, however, if you have a plastic wrap wait 24 hours to unwrap your tattoo and shower. In either case, shower in cold or lukewarm water and avoid prolonged soaking or submerging your tattoo in water for 3-4 weeks.

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