A new tattoo itches because it's healing. The skin is repairing itself after the needle, and itching is a normal part of that, usually when it starts to dry and flake. Don't scratch it: scratching can damage the skin and distort the tattoo. Keep it clean and lightly moisturized, and let the flakes come off on their own. Itching with spreading redness, worsening pain, pus or fever can mean infection, and an itchy, raised rash in one ink color can be an allergic reaction. See a doctor for either.
Why do new tattoos itch?
Healthline (medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, RN) explains that a new tattoo is a wound: the skin is inflamed while it fights off infection and repairs itself, and some itching is normal as it heals. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says the same: redness, swelling, soreness and a little clear fluid are normal at first, and as the skin heals it can itch and flake.
The itch usually shows up with the dry, tight, flaky stage. The day-by-day healing timeline shows when that happens, and tattoo flaking: what's normal covers the flakes.
How to stop a tattoo itching without scratching
- Don't scratch, pick or peel. Healthline warns that scratching can damage the skin and distort the tattoo.
- Keep it lightly moisturized. If the skin feels tight and dry, a thin layer helps. With Kavai, that's 1 to 2 pumps, 3 to 4 times a day while it heals, or whenever the skin feels tight.
- Keep it clean. Wash new ink gently with mild unscented soap and warm water, pat dry, and let it air dry before anything goes on.
- Skip anti-itch creams on a new tattoo. Healthline says over-the-counter creams and ointments can get in the way of healing. Hydrocortisone is an option for an itchy older tattoo.
- Ask before using a cold compress. Healthline says cool compresses can ease itching, but check with your doctor first on a recent tattoo.
- Don't soak it. No baths, pools or oatmeal baths until it has healed. See swimming after a tattoo.
- Keep tight clothing off it.
Use a thin layer. Too much of any product can leave a healing tattoo soggy. See waterlogged tattoo for what that looks like.
What Elle sees with Kavai
Elle Wright, a tattoo artist at Empowered Tattoo in Asheville, NC, has used Kavai as the only aftercare for every client she tattoos for over three years. She tells me most of her clients don't get that itch while their new tattoo heals with Kavai.
Why does my tattoo itch more at night?
Itching often feels worse at night, tattoo or not. Harvard Health explains that the body's daily rhythm brings more blood flow to the skin at night, a feeling of warmth, and lower levels of the body's own anti-inflammatory hormones. The same tips apply at night: keep it lightly moisturized and don't scratch.
Red, itchy bumps on a tattoo
The AAD lists a rash of itchy, red, painful bumps in the tattoo as a possible sign of infection, along with:
- redness that gets darker or spreads instead of fading
- pain that keeps going or gets worse
- fever, chills or shivering
- pus or open sores
The AAD says to see your doctor or a board-certified dermatologist right away if you notice any of these.
Is my tattoo raised and itchy because of the ink?
It can be. The AAD says an allergic reaction to tattoo ink usually shows up in one color. Red is often the culprit, but any color can do it. Signs include itching, redness, swelling, small pimple-like bumps and raised, scaly patches in that one color. It can happen right away or weeks, years or even decades later.
Douglas Powell, MD, a dermatologist at University of Utah Health, says a tattoo should be flat, flush with the skin and not itchy. If a tattooed area becomes raised, inflamed or keeps itching, he says it may be an allergic reaction that needs medical attention.
For a mild reaction, the AAD suggests telling your tattoo artist, and seeing a board-certified dermatologist if it lasts longer than 1 or 2 weeks. Trouble breathing, a racing heart, chest tightness, dizziness, intense swelling or hives means get medical care right away.
My tattoo is still itchy after a month
Some light itching as the last flakes come off can be normal. If the tattoo looks healed but keeps itching, or the itch comes with raised bumps or a rash, talk to your artist or a dermatologist. The AAD notes that some people also get an itchy rash of tiny bumps on their tattoo when the sun hits it. See tattoo sun protection.
Kavai for healing tattoos
I made Kavai for healing tattoos and for the years after. It has three ingredients: organic cold-pressed sesame oil, vetiver essential oil and a small amount of steam-distilled citrus oil. No water, no preservatives and no petroleum. It absorbs fast and isn't greasy.
Kavai doesn't clog pores. That's what I've seen in over 20 years of blending, and what my reviews say, including from customers with acne-prone skin. A 2018 review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (Lin et al.) describes sesame oil's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and a possible effect on skin barrier repair.
Once your tattoo has healed, use it daily or as needed, on dry skin or after a shower.
Kavai is vegan, and Kiwi Glow is Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free.
It comes in an airless pump. Air and fingers never touch the oil inside, so it stays fresh and clean from the first pump to the last, and every press gives the same small amount. No dipping into tubs and jars.
Sesame is one of the FDA's major food allergens. If you're allergic to sesame or citrus, don't use Kavai. If you're not sure, patch test on a small area of healed skin first.
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See the full guide: Tattoo aftercare guide: the best oil for tattoos and how to heal well
Itchy tattoo FAQ
Is it normal for a new tattoo to itch?
Yes. Itching is a normal part of healing, usually when the tattoo starts to dry and flake.
Why is my tattoo flaking and itchy?
That's the healing stage where the top layer dries and comes off. Keep it lightly moisturized, don't pick the flakes, and let them fall off on their own.
Can I scratch my tattoo if it itches?
No. Scratching can damage the skin and distort the tattoo. Moisturize instead, and keep tight clothes off it.
Can I put anti-itch cream on a new tattoo?
Healthline advises against over-the-counter creams and ointments on a new tattoo because they can get in the way of healing. On an older tattoo, hydrocortisone is an option.
Why does my tattoo itch more at night?
Harvard Health says nighttime changes in blood flow, warmth and the body's anti-inflammatory hormones can make itching worse at night.
When is an itchy tattoo a problem?
See a doctor if the itch comes with spreading redness, worsening pain, pus, open sores, fever or chills, or if a raised, itchy rash shows up in one ink color.