DischargeĪny inflammation that’s accompanied by oozing could be a sign of an infection. Scratching can make matters worse, and even distort the fresh ink. It may be a sign of:ĭo your best to avoid scratching the area. While some itchiness is expected with a healing tattoo, excessive itchiness isn’t. (If you see inflammation in an older, healed tattoo, this could be a symptom of a rare condition called sarcoidosis.) Excessive itchiness Inflammatory skin conditions could be a cause, as well as allergic reactions to tattoo pigment. If your tattoo and surrounding skin is excessively swollen, red, and peeling, this could indicate a few possible issues. If you have an inflammatory skin condition, getting a tattoo can also trigger a flare-up of your condition, which often looks like red patches. Red patches of skin could indicate an allergic reaction to tattoo ink. If you notice any, see a healthcare provider. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms. While peeling is a normal part of tattoo healing, there are signs that could indicate your new ink isn’t healing correctly. Signs that a tattoo isn’t healing correctly Once your skin has completed the natural peeling process, your colors should look fresh again. Rather, it’s attributed to the dead skin cells that have accumulated on top of your tattoo. This has nothing to do with the ink itself. You may also notice that your tattoo ink looks a little “dull” after your session. You might also have scabs that peel off on their own into the second week of the healing process. This part comes after the initial bandaging required after you first get your tattoo done. Most tattoos usually start peeling by the end of the first week. It’s important to follow your tattoo artist’s instructions and report any unusual symptoms.

Without proper aftercare techniques, though, a fresh tattoo wound is extremely vulnerable to an infection and other issues within the first 2 weeks. These are known as the epidermis and dermis, respectively.Īs your skin cells do their job of healing, you’ll likely see exfoliation in action in the form of the dead skin cells peeling off, so new ones may be rejuvenated. In all, the healing process can take a few weeks.ĭuring the tattooing process, needles penetrate both your upper and middle layers of skin. Your tattoo artist has just created a wound in your skin that must heal in order for your tattoo to look as it should. The pain and time that comes with getting a tattoo is just the beginning.

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