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The Lowdown on Tattoo Bubbling: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Understanding Tattoo Bubbling

As your new tattoo begins to heal, you may notice a common issue: tattoo bubbling. This occurs when the healing skin absorbs too much moisture, leading to raised, goopy scabs that can fall off easily and damage your tattoo. Moreover, it increases the risk of infection.

What Triggers Tattoo Bubbling?

Healthy scabs are crusty and will slough off on their own after a couple of weeks. However, when excess moisture accumulates, these scabs don’t heal correctly, resulting in tattoo bubbling. This often happens when your new tattoo isn’t thoroughly dried after getting wet, or when lotion or ointments trap water inside the scabs.

Fixing Tattoo Bubbling

Preventing tattoo bubbling is easier than treating it. If you’re already experiencing symptoms, don’t panic! Here are some tips to get your tattoo back on track:

• Stop Moisture: Cease applying lotion or ointment to your tattoo.
• No Touching: Avoid touching or picking at your scab, as even slight friction can peel it off.
• Air Time: Give your scab fresh air to help it dry out again. This process can take several days, so be patient.
• Start Slow: Once your scab has thoroughly dried, resume your standard aftercare ritual, but avoid overdoing it.
• Clean Up: If you apply too much lotion, gently dab it off with a clean paper towel. Don’t rub it off, as this can irritate the wound.

Will Tattoo Bubbling Go Away?

The time it takes for tattoo bubbling to heal depends on the affected area’s size. Small scabs can recover within a few hours, while larger areas may take a few days. Be patient and avoid picking, as this can increase healing time and infection risk.

Tattoo Bubbling vs. Infection

Typical tattoo bubbling has a goopy or gluey texture. These super-saturated scabs can fall off easily, leaving your skin vulnerable to infection. If you experience symptoms like fever, shivering, painful rash, lesions, or pus, seek medical attention.

Does Tattoo Bubbling Ruin Tattoos?

Scab bubbling can damage your tattoo, especially if wet scabs slough off your skin, taking ink with them. However, if the scab dries out before falling off, your tattoo will likely be okay. Remember, don’t touch or rub a bubbling tattoo – leave it alone until it’s totally dry.

Preventing Tattoo Bubbling

To avoid tattoo bubbling, follow these tips:

• Gently Dab Excess Lotion: Use a clean paper towel to remove excess lotion.
• Avoid Water: Try not to get your tattoo wet when showering.
• Opt for Tattoo-Friendly Products: Choose products that won’t damage your healing skin.
• Don’t Over-Lotion: Apply a small amount of lotion or ointment to your tattoo.
• Careful Washing: Wash your tattoo several times a day with gentle soap.
• Avoid Swimming: Wait at least 2 weeks (or up to a month) before swimming in pools, lakes, or oceans.
• Thoroughly Dry: Pat the area with clean paper towels until there’s no moisture left.

The Bottom Line

Scabs are normal during the healing process, but tattoo bubbling can lead to damage and infection. By following correct aftercare steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can minimize the risk of complications. If you experience infection symptoms or severe skin reactions, consult a healthcare professional.