If you’ve ever had a tattoo, one of the most frustrating parts of the healing process and one you have to endure is when your tattoo starts to itch. It’s extremely uncomfortable and requires a lot of patience and a calm mental state. If you give in to it, one scratch or picking off a scab can permanently damage your tattoo’s appearance.

Because of this, professional tattoo artists are very strict about the aftercare steps they share with clients. They make sure that you follow the proper methods during this critical stage of the healing process. For this reason, you must get inked by the best tattoo artists in Buffalo, NY.

If you’re experiencing crazy tattoo itching, don’t scratch it and keep reading. We’ll share with you information on why it happens and what you can do to manage itchy tattoos. Let’s get to it!

Why is my tattoo itchy?

• Peeling skin

Tattoo itching is perfectly normal and is part of the healing process. This happens because you have gone through stress, and your skin is ultimately damaged due to the repeated punctures in the area of your skin. With that, your body reacts to the trauma by developing scabs in an attempt to heal and protect the skin, leaving you with an itchy tattoo area.

• Regrowing of hair

Before getting a tattoo, the artist will shave the desired location and surrounding areas of the canvas, allowing them to see the area clearer and ink you better. When the hair in this area grows, you’ll experience mild itching and discomfort, and especially more frustrating when it grows during the healing process.

• Allergies and skin conditions

In some cases, itching can be a sign of something more severe that may need medical attention. Some people can be allergic to the pigment used in tattoos and can get allergic reactions immediately. You’ll know that you’re experiencing allergic reactions when it’s painfully itchy and has a red and bump hive-like appearance.

Another reason you may be experiencing an itching sensation could be due to pre-existing skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. While this isn’t too dangerous, it’s still important to keep an eye on the wound and consult with your doctor if the itchiness and problem persist for weeks.

How do I manage itchy tattoos?

1. Apply a moisturizer

When you get a tattoo from the best tattoo artists, their biggest advice is to keep your skin moisturized and hydrated by applying moisturizer and creams. This will help replenish the skin with vitamins and minerals, keeping it from drying out.

2. Pat or tap the area

Sometimes, the itchiness can be unbearable, and the best thing you can do is to tap, pat, or slap the area gently. When they scratch the area, your nails can damage your tattoo’s appearance, leaving you with a faded tattoo.

3. Cool the area

A great way to get relief from tattoo itchiness is by applying a cold compress to the area. This helps reduce swelling, inflammation, and itchiness that occur days after you get inked. But make sure you’re using materials that won’t damage your tattoos, like a soft cloth or cold compress.

Conclusion

The number one rule when dealing with itchy tattoos is this: Don’t scratch it! As mentioned earlier, scratching your tattoo can lead to permanent damage, putting your time and money to waste. This is why you should only get inked by the best tattoo artists in Buffalo, NY, so you can get an excellent tattoo experience and learn proper tattoo aftercare tips to help you have a smoother healing process.

Getting a tattoo is a big commitment. This is why you should only get your tattoo done by the best tattoo artists in Buffalo, NY, and you can find them at Lucky Deville Tattoo Co. Are you ready to get inked? Come visit our shop today!