Inside: The 48 Hour Tattoo Bubbling Master Guide
So, you just got a new tattoo, congrats! This may have been months in the planning or even a spur of the moment thing, but regardless it is very exciting indeed. There are many different steps to getting a tattoo, and one that is sometimes forgotten about is aftercare.
We’ve all been there when you get hyper-focused on the tattoo itself and don’t even think about the healing process until you’re heading out of the tattoo studio door with your artist chasing after you because you forgot to take your aftercare instructions sheet. Just me?
The 3 Stages Of Getting A Tattoo
It is said that there are 3 stages to getting a tattoo:
- Step one of course is getting the ink done.
- Step 2 is the healing process.
- And Step 3, enjoy your new body art.
If you’ve clicked on this article, it’s safe to assume that you’re in stage 2. This is a very important time during your tattoo’s life.
Think of it as a newborn, if you will. It’s very sensitive and needs extra care until it is strong enough to be safe on its own. In order to ensure that you end up with a healthy tattoo, aftercare is essential. Still, certain issues may arise no matter how hard you try to avoid them, such as Tattoo Bubbling.
If you have yet to have this happen or are in the process of it right now, do not worry! In this article, I’ll be explaining everything from what it is, to why it’s happening, to how to prevent and or fix it! So take a deep breath and read on.
What Is Tattoo Bubbling?
Well, when your tattoo is healing you’ll find that it goes through a period of scabbing over. This is because your tattoo is like a very shallow open wound on your body, and just like when you scrape your knees, it scabs over while it is healing. Tattoo bubbling is when those scabs become larger and more bubbly looking, as well as(and I’m so sorry for this next description), soft with a very gooey-like texture.
Basically, it’s waterlogged.
As scary as this might seem when you first see it, try not to let the panic set in quite yet. It’s actually fairly common and as long as you treat it right away, it won’t cause any harm to you or your tattoo! The keywords there are right away. It’s imperative that you get right on treating tattoo bubbling otherwise you could risk ruining your tattoo, along with outcomes that are even worse such as getting an infection.
Why does your tattoo begin to bubble, you may be wondering? I’ll cover that next.
Why Is My Tattoo Bubbling?
Tattoo Bubbling occurs when you allow your tattoo to become wet or damp for a prolonged period of time. This can happen by getting it wet in the shower and then not drying it off properly. So the water is then absorbed by the protective scabs, making the dry skin swell and bubble. Wet scabs lock in unwanted moisture and can lead to many problems.
This makes the scabbed area all the easier to be pulled off, which is also unfavorable seeing as the scabs act as a protective layer and aid in the healing of your tattoo. When they get pulled off, you can mess up the pigmentation of your ink as well as leave thicker scaring. Having your new tattoo exposed like that will also leave you at a higher risk of infection. Just so you know what you are looking for, here are some common signs of infection:
- Extra painful around the tattoo site
- Red and irritated looking skin
- Any pus or liquid leaking out of your tattoo
- Fever & Chills
So keep a lookout for these while you’re healing!
How To Treat A Bubbling Tattoo
When you see your tattoo in the beginning stages of bubbling, you’ll first and foremost need to dry it out. Do not put on any ointment/lotion for at least 24 hours, even if your aftercare sheet says otherwise. Do not get it wet, or wash it during this time. You may resume doing so after it is dry(and make sure to fully dry it off when you do). Make sure to leave your tattoo uncovered and untouched by clothing, because the bubbling scabs are very easy to pull off. Any friction can lead to that, so avoid it. After doing this for a day, or until you feel as though it is dry and durable again, you may continue on with your regularly scheduled aftercare routines. Just make sure to use only a little amount of ointment or lotion until you are extra healed!
And there you have it. The master guide to Tattoo Bubbling. Though this is information you may not have generally wanted, it’s very good knowledge to have going forward. If not for yourself, then for your fellow tattooed friends around you. I bet you’ll never have an issue with tattoo bubbling again, and if you do see the first signs of it, you’ll know exactly what to do. I hope this article was helpful to you on your healing journey. And remember…as unfun(and sometimes scary) it is right now, it’ll all be well worth it once your art is healed and ready to show off to the world!
More Tattoo Ideas You’ll Love
- 27 Margarita Tattoo Ideas You’ll Need Salt For – Margarita’s are the party drink behind many a good night. They’ve been around for about 80 years and have never gone down in popularity. This drink’s signature look with its own glass and salted rim makes it unmissable, and thus it makes the perfect tattoo! If you’re someone who loves a good time and appreciates even better drinks, then you’ll want to take a look at this list of 27 Margarita Tattoos! Check them out.
- 67 Leopard Tattoo Designs & Meaning – Leopards are one of the most beautiful big cats to roam this earth, and they aren’t just that. These amazing creatures are incredibly fast, strong, and agile. They can even carry the dead weight of their prey up a tree. That is strength! More than this, they hold meanings. Leopards symbolize beauty, strength, and pure power. If you’re someone who relates to the leopard and the qualities it upholds, then you may be in the market for a leopard tattoo. Take a look at this list!
- 71 Simple Water Lily Tattoo Designs & Meanings – Water Lilies are very powerful flowers. Not only are they immensely beautiful, but they also hold many deep symbols. When used as a tattoo, this flower acts as a source of inspiration for the rest of your life. They represent themes like birth, life, and death, as well as purity and resilience. If these things inspire you the way they do me, then click here to take a look at our list of 71 simple water lily tattoo designs as well as an in-depth explanation of its symbolism. Check it out!