Will my tattoo be ok if I accidentally scratch it?

Author: Imelda Bogisich Sr.  |  Last update: Thursday, March 27, 2025

Scratching can extend the tattoo's healing time. As it heals, it's natural for scabs to form over your tattoo to protect the vulnerable skin from infection. If you scratch your tattoo, you might remove the scabs, expose the sensitive skin, and disrupt the healing process by forcing your skin to scab over again.

Will scrapes mess up tattoos?

Minor Cuts or Scrapes: If the wound is superficial and does not penetrate deeply into the skin, it may not significantly impact the tattoo. However, the area might need time to heal, and the tattoo's appearance could be temporarily altered due to swelling or redness.

Is it okay if I accidentally touch my tattoo?

It's pretty, your skin is raised, and your first instinct is to touch it! However, touching your brand new tattoo immediately adds bacteria to a fresh wound. Please try to remember not to touch your fresh tattoo as soon as we're done 😁❤️ #tattootok #tattooreel #funnytattooreel #funny #tattoo #tattoogate #bacteria''.

What happens if a new tattoo gets rubbed?

You may disrupt the healing proccess a bit by aggravating the skin, but nothing is going to happen to your ink. Just keep the skin moisturized and clean and you'll be fine.

Will my tattoo mess up if I scratch it?

Can scratching a fresh tattoo cause damage? Yes, scratching a fresh tattoo can affect the ink and potentially scar you. The number one thing to do is just leave it alone. Yes, scratching a new tattoo can lead to damaging it in some way, or it can actually lead to infection.

Will a SCRATCH RUIN Your Tattoo? "This happened to me & its never been the same"

What to do if I accidentally scratched my tattoo?

Scratching your tattoo can extend the time it takes for your tattoo to heal, increase the risk of infection, or alter the appearance of your tattoo. If you scratch your tattoo, wash it with antibacterial soap and pat it dry. Then, apply an aftercare cream like A+D First Aid Ointment or Aquaphor Healing Ointment.

Does scratching a tattoo cause blowout?

It's also important to avoid scratching the area, according to Nesheva. “Avoid stretching and pulling the tattooed skin,” says Nesheva. “Stretching and pulling can promote spreading of the ink beyond tattoo lines, which can create the blowout effect.

How fragile is a new tattoo?

Your new tattoo is fragile and sensitive to UV rays. Sun exposure can cause fading and interfere with healing. Avoid direct sunlight for the first two to four weeks, and cover your tattoo with loose clothing if you need to be outdoors.

Can I lightly rub my tattoo?

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

Is it OK for my clothes to touch my tattoo?

Is it OK to wear clothes over a new tattoo? Yes, but try not to after the few initial days after application. If you do, make sure you change your clothes frequently. In our experience, tattoos can weep onto the clothes and if you don't change them, it can cause infection.

Can you sleep with a new tattoo uncovered?

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.

How do you scratch a tattoo without damaging it?

The worst thing you can do with a new tattoo is to scratch it directly with your fingernails or any other sharp object. If you remove the scabs too soon, you will almost definitely leave yourself with a faded/damaged tattoo. Instead of scratching, try to pat, tap, or slap the itchy area.

What happens if you scratch off a tattoo scab?

Plus, scabs can be itchy, which can tempt people to scratch or pick at the healing skin. Again, removing the scab prematurely could damage skin and remove color from the new tattoo or distort the shape.

Will scratching my tattoo mess it up?

Scratching your tattoo can have a number of undersireable consequences. It may introduce bacteria, increase the risk of infection, cause scabbing, delay the healing process, and even affect the final appearance of your tattoo. Always resist the urge to scratch and follow proper aftercare guidelines.

Should I let my tattoo dry out and peel?

If scabs develop, they can remove the color beneath them if prematurely removed. It's important that they're allowed to dry out completely, and not get waterlogged at any time. The scab will eventually fall off on its own, and the tattoo should be fine if no deep cracks have formed.

When to stop washing a tattoo twice a day?

Until the surface of the tattoo is healed (at a minimum of two to three weeks), wash the area gently 2-3 times per day. After cleaning the tattoo during this two to three week period, gently apply a thin coat of a lotion-based care product. We recommend After Inked tattoo moisturizer and aftercare lotion.

What stage of tattoo is itchy?

Stage Two (Days 7-14) – Itching and flaking begins, and this continues until layers of dead skin and scabs have fallen off. 3. Stage Three (Days 15-30) – Tattoo looks fully healed but may look slightly cloudy for a few weeks. Deeper layers of skin are still repairing, so continue to look after your tattoo.

Is it better to keep a tattoo covered or uncovered?

Your first night sleeping, your artist might recommend you re-wrap the tattoo with plastic wrap (like Saran Wrap) to sleep without the tattoo sticking to your sheets. This is generally for larger or solid-color tattoos. If your artist did not recommend re-wrapping, just let the tattoo stay exposed to air overnight.

How do I know if my new tattoo is ruined?

  • How do I know if my tattoo is infected?
  • The tattoo is red and swollen for a long period of time.
  • You have a rash or bumpy skin around your tattoo.
  • The tattoo is still oozing plasma after a couple of days.
  • You feel unwell and feverish.
  • Infection is treatable.

Can scratching a tattoo cause it to raise?

Healed tattoos, even ones that are years old, can feel itchy seemingly out of nowhere. And when you scratch them, they can often feel raised, like the ink is trying to jump out of your skin.

Do fine line tattoos age well?

Aftercare & Aging

Fine line tattoos are applied with less ink. While the ink is still embedded in the second layer of skin, the single needle does not penetrate as deeply or deposit as much ink. As a result, it is common for fine line tattoos to fade with age.

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