Many tattooed people face infections and pimples on tattoos while it’s healing, and there needs to be a proper discussion on this issue in the tattooing community. As the years pass, tattoos are becoming popular among people from all walks of life. They reflect your personality. But their healing process is time-consuming and requires proper care. Even after complete care, you may run into trouble and get pimples on a tattoo. Moreover, the proper guidance for how you can get rid of tattoo pimples and their prevention are also mentioned below.
Generally, pimples on a tattoo are a nuisance, but it is normal, just like how you get pimples on other body parts. They can appear anytime, whether your tattoo is old or new. However, fresh tattoos are more vulnerable to infections than old ones.
This article addressed the major causes and effects of pimples on a tattoo.
Meaning Of Tattoo Pimples
When a newly inked tattoo is exposed to damp and unhygienic conditions, infection, inflammation, and allergic reaction start forming in the tattooed skin region. Eventually, pimples and swollen skin start to appear on the inked skin. This phenomenon is called tattoo pimples.
There can be multiple reasons for the tattoo to develop pimples. Overusing aftercare, the underside of cleansing products, harsh and untidy environmental conditions, and a person’s weak immune system can also lead to tattoo pimples.
How to Get Rid of Tattoo Pimples Quickly
You are not alone in the world who want to know how to get rid of tattoo pimples fast. But the problem is that many people need to be made aware of the reason for this problem in the first place. Pimples usually occur on tattooed skin due to minor skin infections. Sometimes a cut or injury allows bacterial flow on the skin, or intense weather conditions cause allergy. All of these factors combine, sometimes resulting in acne on the tattoo.
Here is how you can fix pimples on tattoos as soon as possible:
- If you want to get rid of pimples on a tattoo fast, avoid touching or bursting the pimples.
- Avoid using any synthetic and chemically intense products and keep the healing natural.
- You would have to reduce the frequent usage of soap, shampoo, cleanser, and water on it.
- If you keep the tattoo clean and let it heal naturally afterward, it’s ensured that the pimples will fade with minimum effect on your tattoo.
- The most beneficial tip is to let the pimple heal by your body’s natural immune system and reduce interaction with these pimples.
- Once you maintain proper hygiene and soothing conditions for tattoo pimples, they will wipe off swiftly, and your tattoo will be vibrant as ever.
Why is My Tattoo Raised and Fix
Another related question is why is my tattoo raised. According to most tattoo experts, if you have a raised tattoo, there are several reasons. Mostly a raised tattoo is divided into two main categories. Fiesta is a healing tattoo; these are usually swollen and raised. Other ones are old and already healed tattoos; they are rarely raised.
Any unfortunate situation, injury, or infection can cause swelling on your skin, leading to a raised tattoo. Each type of raised tattoo demands a separate healing procedure. If your raised tattoo is healing and new, let it run naturally. Keep the skin cleansed; it will flatten and seem normal after healing. If your tattoo is old and yet raised, you should immediately consult a tattoo artist or medical expert. They would properly analyze and let you know what’s the reason for inflammation. Then you can use related aftercare products to heal it.
What’s Tattoo Bubbling
Tattoo bubbling is simply a phenomenon in which a healing tattoo has a layer of scab and becomes moist. Keeping your healing tattoo too much into the water during swimming and showering can turn the dry scab into a moist surface leading to tattoo bubbling. But you don’t have to worry as it has a simple solution to fix.
Cure for Tattoo Bubbling
- If your tattoo is bubbling, you should dry and reduce moisture as fast as you can. Avoid being too harsh, or it might worsen the condition.
- Once you gently remove extra water from the skin, let it stay in its natural condition. Please avoid using any aftercare product on it for a few days.
- Once the scab loses its bubbly appearance and returns to its dried-out condition, you can treat it as your tattooing expert prescribes.
Can You Tattoo Over Acne Skin?
It would help if you never tattooed over acne skin because there are several negative effects. So, can you tattoo over acne? Of course, not! However, it is always advised to consult your tattoo artist, tell them about your acne situation and reschedule the tattooing sessions. Following are some major effects of the tattoo over acne skin:
- If you tattoo with a gun or rotary machine, it can lead to a more severe bacterial infection on the skin since it’s already infected.
- The precision in skills of a tattoo artist is highly affected when you use a tattooing machine over acne skin since it has bumps and swelling.
- Even if you get a tattoo over acne, the final result would be less impressive after healing the tattoo on healthy skin. It would have blurriness and imperfect designs.
- Professional medical experts even advise you not to get a touch-up on old tattoos if they have acne or infection.
- Using a 2.5-5% Benzoyl peroxide solution by prescription of a medical doctor before a week of appointment helps you reduce the effect of acne on the skin.
Easy Treatment Of Tattoo Pimples
Treatment of tattoo pimples and skin infections mainly depends upon various factors. The person’s age, habits, routines, skin type, and many other aspects are essential in treating tattoo pimples. Following are some guidelines and suggestions given by experts:
- If the tattoo pimple are newer, wash the tattooed skin region with lukewarm water and antibacterial soap
- Prohibit usage of healing products that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide on new pimples
- If the tattoo pimples are old, use a skin cleanser to clean the skin, you can use benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid products for healing.
- You can also switch to natural products instead of synthetic chemicals to treat tattoo pimples.
- Use a green tea face mask, zinc and essential oil supplements, aloe vera gel, and tea tree oil on the tattoo pimples for natural treatment.
How To Get Rid Of Pimples on Tattoos
After getting pimples on a tattoo, it is necessary to find the best remedies to treat the pimples in a way that does not cause damage to the tattoo. Here we have listed some important points that will help you to get rid of tattoo pimples effectively.
Carefully cleanse the area
Cleaning and moisturizing the tattoo are key factors in fighting against pimples. The pimples may appear due to clogged pores on the tattoo. Carefully clean the area with antibacterial soap to remove oil and dust particles from the pores. After that, moisturize the area with fragrance-free moisturizer to keep the infectious area hydrated.
Avoid acne-fighting products
Do not use any acne-fighting products during pimple breakouts on a tattoo. These products contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These chemical components may heal your pimples to some extent but cause serious damage to the tattoo. As a result, you will be ended up with a spotty, faded, and patchy tattoo.
Don’t pick your pimples
The open wound will be created on the top of the tattoo by squeezing and picking the pimples. It will create severe infection and leads to more pimples in that area. In addition to that, the healing process also delays due to bacterial infection. You should avoid popping or picking the blemishes around the tattoo.
Use fragrance-free products
To moisturize your tattooed skin, always use those ointments that are free of any fragrances and additives. But avoid over-moisturizing as it will cause more damage to the area, cause inflammation, and delay the healing process. Moreover, it is suitable to keep the area dry and let it heal naturally.
Wear cotton clothes
You should wear loose and lightweight clothes when your tattoo is covered with pimples. Try to wear clothes made up of 100% cotton. Do not wear tight clothes as it will cause irritation and facilitate the bacteria’s growth on the tattooed area. Moreover, your clothes should be clean so you may not become vulnerable to any other infection.
Soaping and scrubbing
Avoid scrubbing, as it will cause more damage to the skin. Try to rub the soap and other products in a smooth circular motion. Keep your showers minimum and use soft washcloths. This will help you get rid of the tattoo pimples more rapidly.
Causes of Tattoo Pimples
Pimples on tattoos may appear due to several reasons. Some of the most common causes of tattoo pimples are discussed here to help you discover the reason for your problem.
Exposure to the sun
Increased exposure to the sun can cause blisters, rashes, and pimples on your tattoo. The incisions made on the skin during tattoo making are not healed properly. Therefore, during bad weather, high exposure to UV rays from the sun may delay the healing process and lead to pimples on the tattoo.
Clogged pores and acne problem
Acne is mostly developed when the sebaceous gland in the skin produces excess sebum. The sebum moisturizes the skin. But when produced in excess amounts, it can trap dirt particles and bacteria and clog the skin pores. Fresh tattoos become highly prone to pimples when interacting with these infectious agents. In addition to that, you can also get pimples on your tattoo if you already have acne issues.
Extreme changes in blood chemistry
Increased adrenaline levels lead to high blood pressure and a change in your body temperature. The internal disturbance in your blood chemistry leads to harmful effects on your external appearance. All these changes in your body disturb the tattoo’s healing process and lead to a pimple breakout.
Excess use of ointments
Our skin requires proper care that can be provided by applying different skin-care products. However, excess use of ointments on tattoos provides a suitable environment for the bacteria to grow on the epidermis. This also leads to inflammation and pimples around and on the tattoo.
Moisture
It is advised to keep the new tattoo dry during the healing process. We all know it is mandatory to moisturize the skin, but if you over-moisturize the tattoo area, it becomes more prone to bacterial infection. This will lead to the tattoo’s discoloration and contribute to acne and pimples.
Immune system
Tattoos can trigger the immune system of your body. The tattoo ink is considered a foreign particle, and the body starts its action against it. This can cause skin irritation, bumps, redness of the skin, and pimples. Moreover, if you get a tattoo in unhygienic conditions, then it can also cause bacterial infection on the tattoo.
Allergic reactions
The ink of the tattoo may cause an allergic reaction in your body. Your skin may be allergic to the components used in ink. This leads to skin inflammation and redness of the skin. Moreover, wearing tight clothes or covering the area with dirty bandages may trigger an allergic reaction. All these factors collectively cause pimples on a tattoo.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Although it is best to see a dermatologist, there are some things you can do to treat pimples on your tattoo. First, make sure to keep the area clean and dry. Wash your tattoo twice a day with antibacterial soap and warm water—Pat the area and dry afterward. You can also apply an antiseptic ointment or cream to the area to help reduce inflammation. If the pimples are severe, it’s best to see a dermatologist for possible prescription medication.
1. Use mild soap and warm water to cleanse the area twice a day.
2. Pat the area dry after washing.
3. Apply a thin layer of antiseptic ointment or cream to reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
4. Avoid picking or scratching at the pimples.
5. Try using hydrocortisone cream to reduce redness and inflammation.
6. See a dermatologist if the pimples are severe and won’t go away with home treatments.
1. Keep the area moisturized with a gentle lotion or cream.
2. Choose an experienced and reputable tattoo artist who works with sterile equipment and clean needles.
3. Clean the area with antibacterial soap before and after getting your tattoo.
4. Avoid applying any lotions or creams with fragrance or alcohol to the area until it has completely sealed.
5. Wear loose clothing while your tattoo is healing, and avoid contact with rough surfaces.
6. Use only natural, fragrance-free soaps, and lotions on the area.
7. Avoid touching or scratching the tattoo to prevent irritation.
8. Make sure to follow your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions.
Practicing good skin care habits is the best way to avoid getting pimples on your tattoo. Cleanse your skin regularly with a gentle, non-irritating cleanser, and use a light moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. Make sure to use sunscreen when outdoors to protect your tattoo from the sun’s harmful rays. Also, avoid picking at or scratching your tattoo, which can lead to infection and scarring.
Before using, any remedy, consult with your doctor
Applying a warm compress: Soak a clean cloth in warm water and apply it to the tattooed area for 10 minutes at a time.
Tea tree oil: Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and apply them to the affected area.
Aloe Vera: Apply aloe vera gel to the affected area to reduce redness and inflammation.
Witch hazel: Apply witch hazel to the affected area to reduce irritation and inflammation.
Apple cider vinegar: Mix apple cider vinegar and water and apply to the affected area with a cotton ball.
Cleanse the area with a mild, non-abrasive soap.
Apply a spot treatment containing benzoyl peroxide.
Use a mild hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation and redness.
Moisturize the area with a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
Avoid picking or scratching the area to prevent spreading and further irritation.
You should seek medical attention immediately if you have a severe reaction to a tattoo, such as a rash, swelling, difficulty breathing, or any other symptom. Your doctor may recommend medications or other treatments to help you manage the reaction. It is important to inform your tattoo artist of the reaction and follow any aftercare instructions they give you.
Conclusion
Pimples on a tattoo are normal and can easily heal through the body’s natural defense system. Do not let the pimples or blemishes destroy your tattoo, making it patchy and faded. However, if you efficiently follow the aftercare, the chances of getting pimples are near zero. But if you do not take proper precautionary measures, you must face this problem. Anyhow, if you get pimples, use proper methods to get rid of pimples on the tattoo.
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