Tattoos are popular body art in which a tattooist injects pigment or dye under a person’s skin. The healing of a tattoo can be affected by many factors, but it usually takes 2-4 weeks.
The initial healing can take a few weeks, even though the whole healing process may last several months.
During this period, it’s essential to follow the fitting aftercare instructions. Avoid or limit activities that may negatively impact recovery.
This article will examine the healing process of tattoos and the factors that can affect it. Also, we will provide some aftercare tips.
The Healing Process
Healing is unique to each person and tattoo. According to most sources, tattoos heal in about two weeks.
It may take as long as four weeks to recover the skin. Certain complications can delay the healing process.
Week One
After a few days, you should notice the tattoo is less painful and red. The tattoo may appear duller. This is not cause for alarm but a sign of the tattoo healing.
Sometimes people notice scabbing as the skin heals. Picking the scabs can cause scarring. People may start to feel itchy at this stage. It is essential to keep it intact.
Peeling occurs as the skin removes damaged cells. The skin will begin to peel a few days after the tattoo.
When washing a tattoo, some people may experience skin flaking or peeling. Cleanse the tattoo and moisturize it 1-2 times a day.
You are more likely to experience an allergic reaction and infection in the first few days and weeks after tattooing.
The third and fourth weeks
At this point, most of the scabs or peeling skin will have disappeared. If the skin feels dry, people should moisturize it to hydrate it.
It is important to note that the outermost layers of skin are the fastest to regenerate. Lower layers of skin can take up to several months to heal.
Sources that can affect healing
A reputable studio with an excellent aseptic technique is essential to healing.
Unhygienic tattoos can cause infections, slowing healing and leading to serious health problems.
In older research, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has noted that people may contract infections by visiting unlicensed establishmentsTrusted source and contaminated printer inkTrusted source.
According to a study conducted in 2016 by Trusted Source, 0.5-6% of people could experience infection after tattoos. You can reduce your disease risk by choosing a reputable studio and following the aftercare instructions.
Therefore, selecting a tattooist that adheres to the state licensing laws is essential. The federal law does not address tattoo licensing. The National Conference of State Legislatures does publish requirements in each state.
Artists’ skills can also influence the healing time, as poor or rough techniques can cause more skin trauma.
Size and location can also affect healing. Tattoos near joints or other areas of flexibility will heal slower than tattoos in less active areas. Also, more extensive tattoos take longer to heal.
The type of tattooing tool and the color of the ink used can also influence healing time. Red pigments, for example, are more likely to cause hypersensitivity reactions that take longer and delay healing.
How long until people can perform certain activities
Sunlight and ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause tattoos to fade and can also cause them to scab, which can hinder healing. While the tattoo is healing, people should avoid sunbathing or other forms of sun exposure.
Tattoos are open wounds and, therefore, susceptible to infection. Tattoo artists usually recommend that people refrain from certain activities until the wound has healed completely.
This can include exercising, which may cause the tattoo to move and sweat, or immersing the tattoo in water, such as bathing or swimming.
Water can cause severe infections in people who have just gotten a new tattoo, including strains flesh eating bacteriaTrusted Source.
Aftercare tips
To ensure that tattoos heal properly, the American Academy of Dermatology Association suggests the following tips:
Moisturize the tattoo with a suitable lotion: If your skin is dry, it’s best to use a cream or ointment that contains water. Petroleum-based products can cause tattoos to fade.
Protect tattoos from the sun. Tattoos can fade when exposed to excessive sunlighSourcely a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF 30. Apply it 15 minutes before going out and reapply every two hours.
Avoid tanning beds. UV light devices such as tanning beds and sunlamps can fade tattoos. Also, they increase the risk of skin carcinoma. Some people can experience a painful reaction to UV light on their tattooed skin.
Do Not Tattoo Over Moles: People should select an area on their skin with no moles. A tattoo can hide early signs of skin cancer, which could lead to delays in treatment.
Washing the tattoo is very important. Use a fragrance-free, antibacterial, hypoallergenic soap to wash it gently. Before applying cream, people should lightly pat dry the skin with a towel.
When should you contact a doctor?
After getting a tattoo, it is common to see some swelling and redness. People should seek medical advice if they experience any of these unexpected symptoms.
Infection
It indicates that the tattoo has become infected if it becomes more painful and red or contains pus. A person with a temperature should see a doctor immediately.
Allergic reactions
Even years after a tattoo is applied, people can still develop an allergy to it.
You should consult a professional if the skin is swollen, scaly, lumpy, or itchy.
A person who experiences a severe reaction, such as breathing difficulty or dizziness, should seek immediate medical attention.
Skin disease
Tattoos can trigger or worsen skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema on tattooed skin or anywhere else. It is essential to consult a doctor if you notice any changes or flare-ups in your skin.
Inks have a variety of effects
The color of tattoo ink comprises metals, chemicals, and other substances. Red tattoo ink, for example, may contain mercury sulfur, while blue ink is cobalt aluminum oxide.
The pigments in tattoo ink may cause different reactions.
Possible reactions include:
The tattoo will have a granuloma or red raised bumps.
lichenoid reactions, or itchy skin patches, as in lichen planus.
Pseudolymphomatous reactions involving nodules or plaques of purple or red color.
