Why Can’t You Scratch a Tattoo? What You Must Know

Published March 28, 2025

Getting a tattoo is exciting, but healing can be tough, especially when it starts itching like crazy. Why can’t you scratch a tattoo?

The truth is, scratching can ruin your new ink, slow healing, and even cause infections. A healing tattoo is like an open wound; touching it too much can lead to serious problems.

Whether it’s a fresh tattoo or an old one acting up, there are better ways to deal with the itch. This guide will cover the causes, treatments, and when to see a doctor so you can keep your tattoo looking amazing.

Can I Scratch My Tattoo?

Why Scratching Is a Bad Idea

Getting a tattoo is exciting, but healing can test your patience. The itch is real, but why can’t you scratch a tattoo?  Scratching can rip open healing skin, cause infections, and even pull out ink, ruining the design you love. It may feel good, but the regret lasts much longer.

Imagine spending money and enduring pain, only to mess it up with a few scratches. Instead, find safe ways to ease the itch and let your tattoo heal properly.

What Happens If You Scratch Too Much?

We get it. Sometimes, the itch is unbearable. But why can’t you scratch a new tattoo? Too much scratching can cause scabs to come off too soon, leaving patchy ink and scars. A healing tattoo is like a fresh wound; treating it with care is crucial.

If you scratch too much, you might need a costly touch-up or, worse, deal with an infection. No one wants their dream tattoo to look faded or distorted. Stay strong, avoid scratching, and let your skin heal beautifully.

Why Does My Tattoo Itch?

Normal Healing Process

Congratulations, if your tattoo itches, it means your skin is healing. What about scratching a healing tattoo? The new skin forms over the tattoo area, and that is what makes it itch. 

Your body is working hard to improve, which can be very annoying. It is comparable to sunburn, one of those in peeling and itching. Trust the process, and encourage yourself that a little discomfort now means amazing ink for life.

Infection Risks

Not all itches indicate discomfort; sometimes, an itch on your tattoo can signal a problem. Excessive scratching can open the healing skin to bacteria from the hands, resulting in redness, swelling, and even pus. Rather, the health aspect of scratching a tattoo pertains to infection, which travels deep, interfering with the healing process and guaranteeing the tattoo will never be the same. See your doctor if your tattoo seems hot, very painful, and gives off an odd odor.

Allergic Reactions to Ink

Have you heard that some people have a tattoo ink allergy? Yes, those who get inked may experience itching, redness, or bump formation after tattooing. In some cases, the cause behind that skin reaction can be attributed to using certain colors, particularly red and yellow. 

So why can you not scratch a healing tattoo in this case? Scratching only worsens the reaction by making it spread even more. When it gets too irritating, a visit to your tattoo artist or dermatologist can give you the best resolution.

Preexisting Skin Conditions

The condition of one’s skin might make a tattoo itch even more. Sensitive skin, eczema, or psoriasis: may itch more; skin diseases after the inking process make healing less easy. Then why can’t one scratch off a tattoo? Inflammation may be caused, as well as scarring or even fading of the ink unevenly. If one already has skin conditions, it is always better to consult an artist before inking and to keep the skin moisturizer to minimize irritation.

Safe Ways to Relieve Tattoo Itching

Gently Patting Instead of Scratching

When an itch arises, resist the urge to scratch at all costs. Instead, tap. Light tapping will relieve the itch without compromising your skin. This artifact protects the tattoo while offering immediate partial release from that infuriating itch. Think gently rubbing your eye; it provides momentary relief without inflicting damage.

Using Moisturizers or Ointments

Tattoo dryness equals tattoo itchiness. Hydrate your ink with a fragrance-free lotion or tattoo aftercare ointment to ease irritation. Too much moisture, however, can trap bacteria, so don’t apply too much. A couple of thin applications during the day should provide itch relief while allowing the skin to breathe.

Cool Compresses for Relief

Whenever your tattoo itches, a cold compress or ice pack (wrapped in a clean cloth) can be an incredibly helpful remedy. The cool temperature numbs that particular area and helps to ease off irritation without causing discomfort. It is a safe and easy way to relieve while your tattoo gets healed. Just be careful not to soak your tattoo in any water; it must remain dry in order to heal well.

Oatmeal Baths for Older Tattoos

If you have gone past the stage of fresh healing but the tattoo is still itching, oatmeal can certainly do the trick. Oatmeal is known to have soothing properties, so it will help calm any skin irritation. However, make sure that the tattoo is completely healed; a soaked tattoo will just slow its healing process.

When to See a Doctor

Signs of Infection

There is a slight itch which is quite normal when you get a tattoo. Very severe irritation, swelling, or even pus is not normal. If you see any red, swollen area or serous discharge coming from your tattoo, then you are probably suffering from an infection. Don’t wait, go to a hospital urgently. A simple antibiotic might even save your tattoo and prevent further complications.

Severe Allergic Reactions

If your tattoo develops hives, blisters, or severe itching that doesn’t go away, it may be an allergic reaction. Allergies to ink can manifest either immediately or even years later. Consult a doctor before it worsens; when in doubt, do something.

Prolonged Itching or Unusual Symptoms

If the tattoo is still itching even after months, or if the ink is being raised and bumpy, something could be wrong. Some tattoos may run into problems even years later due to sun exposure or skin conditions. If in doubt, get advice from a dermatologist or your tattoo artist to keep your ink looking fresh and working fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it bad to scratch a tattoo?

Scratching a tattoo can damage the healing skin and cause scarring. It can also introduce bacteria, leading to infection.

What happens if a new tattoo gets rubbed?

Rubbing a new tattoo can cause irritation and slow down the healing process. Too much friction can also fade or distort the ink.

What happens if you scratch your tattoo while it’s peeling?

Scratching during peeling can pull off scabs too soon, leaving patchy ink and scars. It can also make the healing take longer.

Can scratching a tattoo cause it to raise?

Yes, scratching can make a tattoo swell or become raised due to irritation. This can also lead to long-term texture changes in the skin.

Why does my tattoo get bumpy when I scratch it?

Your tattoo gets bumpy because the skin is still sensitive and healing. Scratching can trigger inflammation or an allergic reaction.

Final Thoughts

It is vitally important to resist the temptation to scratch a healing tattoo, lest its beauty, and your skin, be compromised. That infuriating itch is much easier to handle if you can distract it with tapping or soothing lotion. 

If you love to scratch that itch but have to be careful with your tattoo, Nailing It in Delray Beach, Florida, has got you covered. Their ASMR back-scratching services provide ultimate bliss, allowing you the pleasure of that scratch without damaging the ink.

Author Julie Fortuna

Julie Fortuna is an author for Nail It and a passionate ASMR enthusiast. Her interest in ASMR goes beyond being a mere hobby; it’s a wellspring of inspiration that influences her writing.