Over the past decades since the beginning of the widespread dissemination of the art of tattoos, the process of applying a picture to the skin is no longer such a symbolic ritual. Previously, great importance was put into a tattoo, and it could tell a lot about a person, but now it is often just one of the types of appearance modification. That is why the issues related to the healing and care of a fresh picture, so concern all its owners.
Sophisticated tattoo art
Along with the change in morals, there was a serious leap in technology that affected the tattoo industry. The equipment and application technology have undergone major changes, but the essence of the process remains the same. Thanks to the introduction of a special paint under the skin to a certain depth, the pattern remains virtually unchanged for a long time.
How is the process of creating a tattoo?
Thin needles of a tattoo machine move synchronously at high speed, penetrating the skin to a depth of 2-8 mm, while the pigment is injected, which is captured by the body's cells and remains in them. Excess paint is removed from the surface and excreted by the body on its own, which can be seen in the first 1-2 after applying the tattoo. A special transparent liquid with a small amount of pigment remains on the skin and a special dressing, which, as experienced tattoo masters claim, is absolutely normal. However, the reaction of the body is manifested in itching, which begins to bother a person at the time of healing of the tattoo.
The first days after tattooing
Caring for a tattoo does not cause much trouble, you must follow a few rules:
- change dressings in a timely manner;
- gently remove with water the natural fluid on the tattoo;
- use healing ointments;
- Do not visit the gym, baths, saunas, tanning salons.
What is the cause of itching?
To answer the question of why the tattoo itches, you will have to understand the causes and mechanism of the itching itself. This process is the removal of the stratum corneum of the skin. The body itself signals us that we need to get rid of dead cells, since their independent rejection takes a longer time and is not particularly effective. A fresh tattoo itches, which indicates an active process of skin healing, when damaged cells of the upper layer of the epithelium are replaced with new ones. However, do not forget that reflexes are not always worth following. If you start scratching a tattoo in the first days of healing, you can tear off the crust that appears on the skin, thereby not only bringing the infection into the wound, but also getting the opportunity to earn ugly scars.
Scratch or not scratch?
When a tattoo itches heavily, it is worth collecting the will into a fist and not succumb to your desires. You must follow all the tips and recommendations of your tattoo master, use special healing ointments and in no case prevent direct sunlight from entering the skin.
The process of complete regeneration of the skin takes 3-4 weeks, but severe itching disappears after 10-14 days from the moment of drawing. All this time you can’t injure the healing area of the body, even if the tattoo itches unbearably hard.
According to the opinions of experienced lovers of the transformation of appearance, the discomfort during healing is a disproportionately small problem compared to the joy of a tattoo made. Some argue that this is even pleasant and exciting, because it is possible to fully experience this process. With proper care, the finished tattoo will not only be what you intended it to be, but also will not change for a long time.
Itching of a healed tattoo: causes and solution
But what if a tattoo that has already healed is scratched? There may be several reasons for this. The most common is infection and skin irritation. Also in this way an allergic reaction can occur. If the tattoo itches, and redness or pimples appear, the best solution would be to visit a dermatologist and an allergist. Not in all cases, your tattoo master may know the causes of itching if the tattoo has already healed. Sometimes a healed tattoo itches after exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The fact is that the paint contains certain chemical compounds of metals that can interact with sunlight. As a rule, paints of black, blue and violet color are perceived by the body much more easily than other bright colors. It is worth noting that it will require much more reverent care for tattoos made using red and orange paint, because the components that make up its composition interact much more actively with ultraviolet light. That is why it is recommended that when exposed to the bright sun, always use a cream with high SPF protection. Thanks to this, it will be possible not only to avoid unpleasant sensations, but also to extend the brightness and durability of the picture. With prolonged exposure to the sun, the outline begins to blur, and the colors become more dull. It is unlikely that lovers of tanning and tattoos will be able to combine both of these hobbies - one will definitely have to be abandoned.
This is the most unfortunate case for self-medication, because no one will tell you for sure why the allergy started and what component of the paint the body reacts to. Before going to the doctor, it will not be superfluous to find out from your master the manufacturer of the tattoo paint. Knowing the composition, it will be much easier for a doctor to determine the cause of irritation. But do not worry, a competent specialist will write a prescription for the necessary medications, and the problem will disappear forever.