How to Get Rid of a Tattoo Scab

How to Get Rid of a Tattoo Scab
Published: May 24, 2011
Updated: Jan 10, 2019
1 minute read
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Pixland/Pixland/Getty Images

Tattoo scabs are expected in the aftermath of getting inked. The piercing sensation of the needle causes the skin to break and bleed -- thus resulting in a temporary scab. The most important rule is not to overly disturb or pick at the healing wound. Doing so can cause additional damage to your skin and even manipulate the tattoo. Get rid of your tattoo scab in a straightforward manner with the following steps.

Keep the tattoo scab covered with galls bandage and adhesive bandages for at least two days after the initial tattooing to allow a scab to form.

Soak the bandaged area in a bath of tepid water. Remove the adhesive bandages and gall bandages. Soak the bandages every time you remove them to prevent the skin or scab from being damaged.

Apply mild soap to your fingers and gently massage the scabbed area. Apply only light pressure. Dip your arm back into the water to rinse the scab off. This step helps to eliminate flaky or semi-attached scabbed skin.

Remove your arm from the water and dab the scabbed area dry with a clean, soft cloth. Do not rub or scrub the area with a washcloth or towel — ever.

Gently massage the scabbed area with a non-petroleum based skin lotion. Reapply covering with a clean bandage. Keeping the tattooed area clean and moisturized will expedite the elimination of the scab to within a few days.

Photo Credits

Pixland/Pixland/Getty Images

Jeffery Keilholtz

Jeffery Keilholtz began writing in 2002. He has worked professionally in the humanities and social sciences and is an expert in dramatic arts and professional politics. Keilholtz is published in publications such as Raw Story and…

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