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Personal Care and Style
Tattoos and Piercing
How to Help Tattoo Scabs Heal Quickly Download Article Protecting your new tattoo so it heals without a hitch Co-authored by Burak Moreno and Jessica Gibson
Last Updated: February 24, 2025 References
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Protecting the Scab
|
Caring for Your Tattoo
|
Tips
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Burak Moreno and by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Burak Moreno is a Professional Tattoo Artist with over 15 years of experience. Burak is based in New York City and is a co-owner and tattoo artist for Fleur Noire Tattoo Parlour in Brooklyn. Born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, he has worked as a tattoo artist throughout Europe. He works on many different styles but mostly does bold lines and strong color. You can find more of his tattoo designs on Instagram @burakmoreno. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 65,253 times.
Although a scab over your tattoo can be alarming, it's usually a normal part of the healing process. Most tattoos scab over after a few days and the scab falls off on its own within a week. To help the scab fall off naturally, protect it from irritation and don't pick it! If your scab looks infected, get medical attention right away so it heals quickly and doesn't damage your tattoo.
Things You Should Know
Wear loose clothing to guard the scabs against sunlight, moisture, and other forms of irritation. Avoid tight clothing that may chafe the scab.
Wash the scabs regularly with warm water and mild soap to keep the scabs clean and help them heal faster.
Spread a thin layer of mild lotion onto the scab 1-2 times a day to keep it moisturized and reduce irritation.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Protecting the Scab
Download Article
1 Give your tattoo at least 2 weeks to heal. Your tattoo is a wound that your body is continuously healing. During the first few days, it's normal to see a mixture of blood and clear fluid on the surface of the tattoo. Over the next several days, your tattoo will peel and become softer. If you keep your skin moisturized, you might not develop scabs.[1]X Trustworthy Source University of Wisconsin HealthIntegrated healthcare system of the University of Wisconsin focused on treating and providing support to patients and public health initiatives Go to source
Don't worry if your tattoo does scab since it's just your body healing itself. The scab will cover your tattoo as the new skin repairs itself and the scab should fall off within a week.
2 Do not pick, scratch, or pull at the scab. A scab is like your body's own bandage that protects the wound underneath as it heals. Since it prevents bacteria from reaching the wound, don't do anything to remove or damage the scab. Once your skin has healed, the scab will fall off on its own.[2]X Trustworthy Source Mayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
If you damage the scab, it will actually take longer for your tattoo to heal and you might ruin the ink.
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3 Wear loose clothing to guard the scab against moisture and irritation. If you cover the scab with clothing, choose loose, breathable fabrics, such as cotton. This allows moisture to evaporate instead of cling to the scab. The soft fabric also feels better against the scab and doesn't scrape or scratch against it.[3]X Trustworthy Source Mayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Tip: If your tattoo is in an awkward spot, such as your wrist, take extra care not to bump or jostle it. Don't allow anything to scrape against the scab as it heals.
4 Limit heavy exercise to prevent bacteria from getting into the scab. Give your tattoo a chance to heal and don't do heavy exercise.[4]X Expert Source Burak MorenoTattoo ArtistExpert Interview If you sweat a lot, you could introduce bacteria to the wound, which might cause an infection and delay healing. Plan on taking 1 week off from exercising to give your body a chance to heal.[5]X Trustworthy Source University of Wisconsin HealthIntegrated healthcare system of the University of Wisconsin focused on treating and providing support to patients and public health initiatives Go to source
If you do exercise and sweat, clean the scab with antibacterial soap and rinse it. Then, pat the scab dry and leave it alone.
5 Avoid soaking the scab in water for a long period of time. If your scab absorbs a lot of water, it's more likely to become infected, so keep it dry. Don't take baths or go swimming until the scab has fallen off on its own.[6]X Expert Source Burak MorenoTattoo ArtistExpert Interview It's fine to briefly rinse the scab when you shower, but gently pat it dry with a soft towel when you get out.[7]X Trustworthy Source Mayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
If you have a thick scab that hasn't fallen off after a few weeks, you can try soaking the scab to encourage the edges to peel.
6 Give the scab up to a week to fall off on its own. If your tattoo does scab over after a few days, remember not to pick or scratch. The scab is simply protecting the new skin underneath and it may take a week to fall off.[8]X Trustworthy Source Mayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
You might pull ink out of the tattoo if you pull off the scab before your skin has healed.
7 Massage soapy water into your scab if it doesn't fall off within 3 weeks. Place a clean cloth on your scab and shower for a few minutes so the scab absorbs water. Remove the cloth and rub antibacterial soap and water between your palms. Then, hold the scab under warm running water while you gently rub the soap over the scab. Do this for a few seconds so the edges of the scab lift up.[9]XResearch source
Try this just once or twice a day for a few seconds since it can fade your tattoo.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Caring for Your Tattoo
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1 Clean your tattoo with soap and water after you remove the bandage. Take off the bandage the day after you get your tattoo. Rinse your skin with cool water and rub a little antibacterial soap between your hands. Gently massage the soapy solution over the scab. Then, rinse it off and pat it completely dry with a soft cloth.[10]XResearch source
Avoid using hot water because it strips moisture from your skin.
2 Apply a moisturizer to the tattoo 1 to 2 times a day for the first week. Moisturizing the tattoo prevents it from drying out and becoming irritated. Gently rub a very thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer over the tattoo several times throughout the day.[11]XResearch source
Ask your tattoo artist to recommend a moisturizer. Some may suggest a petroleum jelly-based product while others recommend a natural body butter, such as cocoa butter.
3 Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight as it heals.[12]X Expert Source Burak MorenoTattoo ArtistExpert Interview Sunlight fades your tattoo's ink, so take extra steps to keep your new tattoo out of direct sunlight for the first few weeks. If you do need to be out in the sunlight, wear clothes that cover the tattoo.[13]XResearch source
After a few weeks, you can rub sunscreen onto your new tattoo if you'll be outdoors. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB damage.
4 Call your doctor if you notice redness, pain, and other signs of infection. Scabs are usually a minor inconvenience, but if yours becomes painful when you touch it or it feels hot, it might be infected. Contact your doctor, not your tattoo artist, if you have:[14]X Trustworthy Source Mayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Oozing thick white, yellow or green fluid
Fever
Swelling
Tip: It's important to get medical attention since most infections need to be treated with antibiotics. If the infection spreads, you'll need stronger treatments and it will take longer for the tattoo to heal.
5 See your tattoo artist if you think you're allergic to the ink. Although an infection can affect a large area of skin around your tattoo, you might notice that just the skin of your tattoo is reacting to the ink. Parts of the tattoo, such as red or black designs, might be itchy, red, or swollen. Ask your tattoo artist to tell you what inks they used for your tattoo and take this information to your doctor since it can help them make a diagnosis.[15]XResearch source
For example, if you have a colorful tattoo, but notice that only the red areas are raised or itchy, you may be allergic to the pigment, dye, or metallic substances in the red ink.
If your doctor suspects an allergic reaction, you'll get a prescription for antihistamines. This medication treats rash, redness, and itching.
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Expert Q&A
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Tips
Once your scab naturally falls off, the tattoo will look milky or cloudy. It will become brighter again within a few weeks as the skin finishes healing. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1
Remember which inks you have an allergic reaction to so you can avoid them in any future tattoos you get. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
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Co-authored by: Burak Moreno Tattoo Artist This article was co-authored by Burak Moreno and by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Burak Moreno is a Professional Tattoo Artist with over 15 years of experience. Burak is based in New York City and is a co-owner and tattoo artist for Fleur Noire Tattoo Parlour in Brooklyn. Born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, he has worked as a tattoo artist throughout Europe. He works on many different styles but mostly does bold lines and strong color. You can find more of his tattoo designs on Instagram @burakmoreno. This article has been viewed 65,253 times. 3 votes - 100% Co-authors: 6Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 65,253 Categories: Tattoos and Piercing In other languages Spanish Portuguese
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Burak Moreno Tattoo Artist Co-authors: 6Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 65,253100% of readers found this article helpful. 3 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote
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Download Article Protecting your new tattoo so it heals without a hitch Co-authored by Burak Moreno and Jessica Gibson 
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Co-authored by: Burak Moreno Tattoo Artist This article was co-authored by Burak Moreno and by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Burak Moreno is a Professional Tattoo Artist with over 15 years of experience. Burak is based in New York City and is a co-owner and tattoo artist for Fleur Noire Tattoo Parlour in Brooklyn. Born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, he has worked as a tattoo artist throughout Europe. He works on many different styles but mostly does bold lines and strong color. You can find more of his tattoo designs on Instagram @burakmoreno. This article has been viewed 65,253 times. 3 votes - 100% Co-authors: 6 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 65,253 Categories: Tattoos and Piercing In other languages Spanish Portuguese 
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1 Give your tattoo at least 2 weeks to heal. Your tattoo is a wound that your body is continuously healing. During the first few days, it's normal to see a mixture of blood and clear fluid on the surface of the tattoo. Over the next several days, your tattoo will peel and become softer. If you keep your skin moisturized, you might not develop scabs.[1] 
2 Do not pick, scratch, or pull at the scab. A scab is like your body's own bandage that protects the wound underneath as it heals. Since it prevents bacteria from reaching the wound, don't do anything to remove or damage the scab. Once your skin has healed, the scab will fall off on its own.[2] 
3 Wear loose clothing to guard the scab against moisture and irritation. If you cover the scab with clothing, choose loose, breathable fabrics, such as cotton. This allows moisture to evaporate instead of cling to the scab. The soft fabric also feels better against the scab and doesn't scrape or scratch against it.[3] 
4 Limit heavy exercise to prevent bacteria from getting into the scab. Give your tattoo a chance to heal and don't do heavy exercise.[4] If you sweat a lot, you could introduce bacteria to the wound, which might cause an infection and delay healing. Plan on taking 1 week off from exercising to give your body a chance to heal.[5] 
5 Avoid soaking the scab in water for a long period of time. If your scab absorbs a lot of water, it's more likely to become infected, so keep it dry. Don't take baths or go swimming until the scab has fallen off on its own.[6] It's fine to briefly rinse the scab when you shower, but gently pat it dry with a soft towel when you get out.[7] 
6 Give the scab up to a week to fall off on its own. If your tattoo does scab over after a few days, remember not to pick or scratch. The scab is simply protecting the new skin underneath and it may take a week to fall off.[8] 
7 Massage soapy water into your scab if it doesn't fall off within 3 weeks. Place a clean cloth on your scab and shower for a few minutes so the scab absorbs water. Remove the cloth and rub antibacterial soap and water between your palms. Then, hold the scab under warm running water while you gently rub the soap over the scab. Do this for a few seconds so the edges of the scab lift up.[9] 
1 Clean your tattoo with soap and water after you remove the bandage. Take off the bandage the day after you get your tattoo. Rinse your skin with cool water and rub a little antibacterial soap between your hands. Gently massage the soapy solution over the scab. Then, rinse it off and pat it completely dry with a soft cloth.[10] 
2 Apply a moisturizer to the tattoo 1 to 2 times a day for the first week. Moisturizing the tattoo prevents it from drying out and becoming irritated. Gently rub a very thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer over the tattoo several times throughout the day.[11] 
3 Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight as it heals.[12] Sunlight fades your tattoo's ink, so take extra steps to keep your new tattoo out of direct sunlight for the first few weeks. If you do need to be out in the sunlight, wear clothes that cover the tattoo.[13] 
4 Call your doctor if you notice redness, pain, and other signs of infection. Scabs are usually a minor inconvenience, but if yours becomes painful when you touch it or it feels hot, it might be infected. Contact your doctor, not your tattoo artist, if you have:[14] 
5 See your tattoo artist if you think you're allergic to the ink. Although an infection can affect a large area of skin around your tattoo, you might notice that just the skin of your tattoo is reacting to the ink. Parts of the tattoo, such as red or black designs, might be itchy, red, or swollen. Ask your tattoo artist to tell you what inks they used for your tattoo and take this information to your doctor since it can help them make a diagnosis.[15] 
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