How To Handle Tattoo Bubbling

If you just got a great new tattoo, you want to make sure to take care of it as it heals. You’ll quickly notice that your tattoo will scab as it heals. In some cases the scabbing is minor. In other cases, there is more scabbing. Either way is fine as it is dependent on your skin and its reaction to the process as well as the application. The scab has the important job of protecting your stunning tattoo as it heals. However, this is the time when bubbling can occur.

How to Know if You Have Tattoo Bubbling Going On

During bubbling, parts of the scab soften. You definitely do not want this to happen. When the scab softens, it comes off the skin very easily. Just lighting touching it can be the cause of the scab coming off.

How Does Tattoo Bubbling Happen

Bubbling happens when water is trapped within the scab. The reason water becomes trapped is due to lotion being applied to the tattoo before the scab is dry. The mind may think that applying lotion right after the shower is the smart thing to do. However, you have to give the tattoo time to dry first, or the lotion causes the water to stay trapped within the scab.

How to Avoid Bubbling

When you received your tattoo and aftercare instructions from your tattoo artist, you are typically instructed to apply lotion on the tattoo as it heals. Though, the artist may not have told you to avoid doing so right after your shower. You do need lotion but it is best to wait for 15-20 minutes so that the scab can dry. Also, do not apply too much lotion. Apply a thin layer to the area. Waiting until the tattoo is dry, and not over applying the lotion is how you prevent tattoo bubbling. If you want to hurry the drying process, you may do so by lighting patting the area with a soft cloth.

What To Do When Tattoo Bubbling Occurs

• Avoid touching the scab. Even a light touch can cause parts of the scab to come off.
• Let the area dry until the scab is solid and hard again.
• Avoid putting more lotion on again for 24 hours after it has dried.

Possible Negative Results of Bubbling

If the scab gets so wet and soft that it starts to fall off, it can remove some of the ink with it. Your tattoo could end up being blotchy once it’s healed. The scab falling off too early can also result in infection. The scab protects the area and when it’s removed too soon, you lose that protection. If it does happen, make sure that you’re very careful so that the scab does not fall off. Avoid touching it and don’t allow fabrics near it, leaving it alone until it’s completely dry.

Bubbling is an undesired effect that can potentially come from a tattoo as it heals. Though everybody reacts differently during the tattoo healing process, it is always best and suggested to be prepared and maintain. The best way to do both is by using a specialized kit like H2Ocean’s Ultimate Tattoo Care kit. This 3-step kit uses all natural ingredients to cleanse and nourish a healing tattoo, helping to preserve it for years to come.