It’s essential to take care of your tattoo correctly, given that it is an open wound. The first thing you might be tempted to do when trying to reduce the swelling and pain is grabbed an ice pack. Even though applying ice can help with the skin injury recovery process by numbing any discomfort, there are right and wrong ways to go about doing it.
If you’ve never had a tattoo before, the idea of applying ice may seem foreign. You might have heard that it can help with the pain and swelling, but you’re not quite sure how to go about doing it.
Whether you just got a new tattoo or you’re experiencing some pain and inflammation, you may be wondering if it’s safe to ice it. The answer is yes – you can ice a tattoo! In this blog post, we’ll discuss the benefits of icing tattoos, how to do it safely, and tips for keeping your new ink looking its best.
The Most Common Causes of Tattoo Swelling and Bruising:
Vulnerable Tattoo Location
Swelling is more common in areas where there is a lot of flesh or blood flow close to the surface of the skin. New tattoos are especially prone to swelling if they are under the arm, on the inner area of the leg, on the side of the neck, or on your hands and feet. However, it should be noted that any area of bruising and swelling can occur anywhere on your body [1].
Excess Blood Thinners If you have recently taken any blood thinners such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or other medications prescribed by your doctor, this can put you at a higher risk for bruising and swelling. If you know you will be getting a tattoo, it is best to avoid taking these types of medications for at least a week before your tattoo appointment.
The Tattooing Process Itself
Heavy-handed tattooing during long sessions usually results in more bruising and swelling. Choose an experienced artist to avoid this damage. Also, be sure to take breaks and use an ice pack if needed.
Skin-Numbing Creams and Sprays
You can use a numbing cream or spray to help reduce pain during tattooing. These products contain lidocaine or other numbing agents. They work by temporarily numbing the skin and making the tattooing process more comfortable.
Numbing creams and sprays are available over-the-counter or from your tattoo artist. Be sure to follow the instructions on how to apply them correctly. Do not use too much as it can cause side effects such as lightheadedness, dizziness, and nausea.
Skin Sensitivity
If you are more susceptible to bruising or swelling for medical reasons, or if you have a blood condition, you will experience higher-than-normal swelling and bruising. These can delay the healing process and cause your tattoo to take longer to heal properly. In these cases, it is best to consult with your doctor before getting a tattoo.
If you have diabetes, you should also take extra care when caring for your new tattoo, as diabetes can slow down the healing process. Consult with your doctor or tattoo artist before getting inked if you have any concerns about how your condition may affect the healing of your new tattoo.
While it is not common, some people may experience an allergic reaction to the ink or bacteria present in the tattoo shop. This can cause redness, swelling, and itchiness around the tattooed area. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Do You Have To Ice A New Tattoo?
The short answer is no, you don’t have to ice a tattoo. But there are benefits to icing, especially in the first few days after getting inked. Icing can help reduce swelling and inflammation, which can make your tattoo hurt less. It can also speed up the healing process by keeping your skin healthy and hydrated.
Benefits Of Icing A New Tattoo:
1) Ice Relieves Pain Associated With A New Tattoo
A new tattoo can be quite painful, and ice can help to relieve some of that discomfort. Simply apply a cold compress to the area for a few minutes at a time. This will numb the skin and reduce inflammation. Don’t apply ice directly to your skin, however. Wrap it in a thin towel first. And be sure not to overdo it. Ice can damage your skin if used too much or for too long.
2) Ice Reduces Swelling
Because ice reduces inflammation, it can also help to reduce swelling around your new tattoo. Again, wrap an ice pack in a thin towel and apply it to the area for a few minutes at a time. You should see the swelling start to go down within a day or two [2].
If your swelling doesn’t seem to be going down, or if it gets worse, you should call your tattoo artist or doctor. It could be a sign of an infection.
3) Ice Cools The Skin Down After Getting A Tattoo
Your skin will be quite warm after getting a tattoo. This is normal, but it can be uncomfortable. Applying ice to the area can help to cool your skin down and make you feel more comfortable.
The skin surrounding a tattoo may become warm for the first few hours after getting a new tattoo. Inflammation is accompanied by heat, which can be discomfiting. The discomfort may be relieved by applying ice to the region using an ice bag. Never apply an ice bag directly to the skin; instead, wrap it in a cold compress before applying it to reduce discomfort [3].
4) Ice Reduces Weeping Of Fluids In A Tattoo
Weeping is a normal part of the healing process for a new tattoo. Your body is trying to expel the ink and other foreign materials from your skin. Applying ice can help to reduce the amount of weeping and make your tattoo heal more quickly.
To minimize weeping (serous drainage), apply an ice bag wrapped in a towel to the area for 20 minutes four times per day during the first week after receiving your tattoo.
5) Ice Reduces Itching With A New Tattoo
If you’ve just gotten a tattoo, you’re probably itching like crazy. And while it’s tempting to scratch, that can damage your new ink. So what’s the best way to relieve the itch? Ice! Just wrap an ice pack in a towel and hold it against your skin for a few minutes. The cold will numb the area and help reduce swelling. It can also help with any pain or soreness you may be feeling. Just be sure not to leave the ice on for too long, as it can cause frostbite.
6) Ice Can Help Reduce Bruising In A New Tattoo
If you’re worried about bruising, ice can also help with that. Just like it reduces swelling, cold temperatures can also help reduce bruising. So if you’ve just gotten a tattoo and are worried about bruising, be sure to ice it for the first few days.
How To Ice Your Tattoo:
Swelling of New Tattoos
Swelling is an inevitable consequence of a new tattoo’s healing, but too much swelling can be detrimental to the process. Swelling indicates that there is more water accumulation in the cells, which prevents the wound from receiving adequate oxygen to heal properly. It makes sense to reach for the nearest ice pack to address this problem, which might also entail increased sensitivity and discomfort [4].
Homemade cold compresses, on the other hand, might contain a variety of germs that might interfere with the healing of our tattoo. Furthermore, putting it directly to the surface of our skin may remove vital scabbing, which begins immediately after our initial wash.
Making a Cold Compress
The process of using a cold compress is simple: you fill a bucket with water and ice, soak a cotton ball in the solution, then apply it to your tattoo. Gently glide the compress over the area for best results [5].
To decrease inflammation and make you feel more comfortable, apply a cold compress to your tattoo. This will provide a cooling effect that will soothe the inflamed area and make you feel better. Apply the cotton for 25 to 30 minutes for enhanced results. Because moisture is not beneficial to new wounds, remove all of the water from the cotton piece before icing your tattoo.
How Often Should You Ice A New Tattoo?
You should ice your new tattoo several times a day for the first few days, especially if it’s in a sensitive area. After that, you can reduce the frequency to once or twice a day until it heals.
And finally, don’t forget to moisturize! A good lotion will help keep your skin healthy and hydrated, which is essential for proper healing. Apply it after you’ve iced your tattoo, and throughout the day as needed.
How Long Should You Ice A Swollen Tattoo?
Icing a tattoo can aid in the healing process by reducing swelling and keeping the skin safe. Nevertheless, when it comes to fresh open wounds such as a tattooed region of the skin, it’s usually a good idea to take more precautions and closely follow what’s going on with your skin. Swelling occurs when blood vessels expand and bring fluids containing white blood cells and healing factors to the wound site. This is a normal part of the inflammatory process in wound healing.
You will experience some minor swelling and bruising around your tattoo immediately after you get inked, but don’t worry – this is normal! It usually lasts for a few days, and you can reduce the inflammation by icing the area. This will also help with any discomfort from the swelling [6].
The swelling in the area should go down substantially within three days after getting a tattoo if you’ve been following post-op treatment instructions and applying ice to the tattoo. If the region becomes severely bloated and continues to do so for an extended period, it’s worth investigating whether the wound has become infested.
Can You Ice An Infected Tattoo?
If you experience any of the following symptoms – pain, pus discharge, extreme swelling, redness around the tattooed area, fever – you might have an infection. To be safe, always consult with your tattoo artist or doctor before continuing aftercare. As for the icing, it is best to avoid putting ice directly on your skin as it can cause further irritation.
Ice will assist in the treatment of an infection, but it will not cure it alone. However, ice used in combination with the correct medication can aid in the healing of a lesion without causing significant damage to the tattoo ink.
Can Ice Ruin A Fresh Tattoo?
The answer is no, ice will not ruin a tattoo. However, it can cause the tattoo to fade if it is applied directly to the skin for extended periods. It’s important to keep your tattoo clean and dry during the healing process, so if you’re going to use ice, make sure to wrap it in a thin towel first.
If you’re experiencing pain or swelling after getting a tattoo, icing the area can help alleviate some of the discomforts. Just be sure to listen to your body and don’t overdo it. too much ice can numb the skin and delay healing. Ice is most effective when used in short intervals throughout the day.
What Else Can You Do To Reduce Tattoo Swelling:
Don’t Take Hot Showers
If you can’t stand the cold, take lukewarm showers instead of hot ones. The temperature change might be drastic, but it will help reduce the swelling. Just make sure the water isn’t too hot or it could make the swelling worse.
You should also avoid soaking in a hot tub or taking long baths. Any activity that will raise your body temperature is a no-go when you have a new tattoo. So, no saunas or steam rooms either! Stick to cooler activities like swimming in a pool (but don’t go overboard with laps) or taking a gentle walk outdoors.
Avoid Pressure On The Tattooed Area
For the first few days, try to avoid putting pressure on the tattooed area. This means no working out, no carrying heavy objects, and no sex. Anything that would make you sweat a lot or put unnecessary strain on the tattooed area is a no-go.
If your job requires physical labor, you might need to take a few days off until the swelling goes down. And if you can’t avoid it, be sure to wear loose clothing that won’t rub against the tattoo.
Don’t forget to keep your new ink clean! Gently wash the tattooed area with soap and water a few times a day. Pat it dry with a clean towel and applies a thin layer of tattoo ointment or lotion. And last but not least, make sure to keep it out of the sun! Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your new tattoo from sunburn.
Apply Cold Compress
Ice can then be used after the first washing. Remember to follow the comprehensive instructions to ensure that you perform this procedure safely. Ice is often used to numb the area before tattooing, as well as immediately afterward to reduce swelling. It can also be useful for reducing swelling several hours or days after getting a tattoo.
Follow A Good Tattoo Aftercare Routine
Tattoo aftercare is essential for keeping your tattoo healthy and preventing infection. After you get a tattoo, the artist will usually cover it with a thin layer of petroleum jelly or an antibacterial ointment. They may also wrap it in plastic or gauze.
You should leave the bandage on for at least a few hours, but no more than 12. When you remove it, gently wash the tattooed area with soap and water. Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion or ointment and re-bandage the tattoo if necessary.
Repeat this process for the next few days, until the tattooed area is healed.
Don’t Consume Blood Thinners
You should also avoid consuming alcohol, blood thinners, and other medications that can cause excessive bleeding. These medications include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. If you’re not sure whether a medication will thin your blood, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Excessive bleeding can make it difficult for the tattoo artist to work on the tattooed area and can also cause the ink to spread outside of the lines of the tattoo. So, it’s best to avoid anything that could potentially make you bleed more.
FAQ:
- Why can’t you put ice on a tattoo?
The simple answer is that ice can damage the skin and cause the tattoo to heal improperly. However, there are more specific reasons why you should avoid putting ice on a tattoo.
When you get a tattoo, the artist creates a small wound on your skin. This wound needs time to heal properly so that the tattoo looks its best. During the healing process, your body forms a protective layer of scab tissue over the wound.
If you put ice on a fresh tattoo, it can cause the scab tissue to harden and become brittle. This can lead to cracking and peeling of the scab, which can damage the tattoo underneath. In some cases, this can even cause portions of the tattoo to fall off entirely.
In addition, ice can cause the tattooed area to become inflamed and swollen. This can make it difficult for the tattoo to heal properly and can even lead to an infection.
So, what should you do if your tattoo starts to hurt? It’s important to remember that pain is a normal part of the healing process. If your tattoo is sore or tender, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You can also apply a topical ointment or cream to help soothe the skin.
- Does the cold ruin tattoos?
Any visible tattoo can rapidly be burnt. The sun’s rays bounce off of white snow in the winter, causing tattoos on the neck and face to fade rapidly. Getting a tattoo in the winter is no more difficult than getting one during the summer [7]. You can put sunscreen on your tattoo during the summer to prevent it from fading. You should also avoid exposing your tattoo to sunlight for long periods, as this can cause it to fade.
- Is it ok to put an ice pack on a new tattoo?
Applying an ice pack to a new tattoo can help reduce swelling, bruising, and pain. It is important to wrap the ice pack in a thin towel or cloth so that it does not come into direct contact with the skin and cause further irritation. Apply the ice pack for no more than 15 minutes at a time.
If you are experiencing excessive swelling, pain, or bleeding, it is important to consult your tattoo artist or doctor. They will be able to advise you on the best course of treatment. Remember to always listen to your body and if something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.
- How soon after a tattoo can you shower?
You should wait at least 24 hours before showering or bathing. This gives your skin time to start healing and protects your new tattoo from bacteria and other contaminants. If you must shower sooner, make carefully wash the area with mild soap and pat it dry afterward. Do not use a loofah, rough towel, or anything else that might scrape or irritate the skin. You should also avoid hot showers, as they can further damage the skin.
- How long does a tattoo take to heal?
Most tattoos will take about two to four weeks to heal. During this time, it is important to keep the tattoo clean and dry. You should avoid exposing the tattoo to the sun or water for at least two weeks. After that, you can slowly start to introduce these elements back into your life. Just be sure to listen to your body and the tattoo artist’s instructions.
If you experience any redness, swelling, or itching after getting a tattoo, it is important to contact your tattoo artist or doctor right away. These could be signs of an infection.
- Does Ibuprofen reduce tattoo swelling?
There is no definitive answer to this question as everyone’s pain tolerance is different. That being said, many tattoo artists will recommend taking Ibuprofen before and after getting a tattoo to help reduce swelling.
If you do decide to take Ibuprofen, make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Dehydration can exacerbate the side effects of Ibuprofen, such as stomach pain and ulcers [8].
- Can I use Vaseline on my tattoo?
Vaseline is often used to help heal tattoos, however, it is not recommended for the initial healing process as it can trap bacteria and dirt.
Many tattoo artists will recommend a more natural ointment, such as coconut oil or shea butter. You can also purchase a tattoo aftercare kit that contains everything you need for the initial healing process.
- When can I wear clothes over my tattoo?
You should wait until your tattoo is fully healed before covering it up with clothes. Depending on the size and location of your tattoo, this could take anywhere from two weeks to a month.
If you absolutely must cover up your tattoo before it’s healed, make sure to use a sterile adhesive bandage or wrap. Never use plastic wrap, as it can stick to the tattoo and pull off the ink when you remove it.
Once your tattoo is healed, you can cover it with clothing whenever you want. Just be careful not to rub or scratch the area, as this could cause the tattoo to fade.
- Is Aquaphor good for tattoos?
Aquaphor is frequently advised as a component of a tattoo aftercare plan. It has anti-inflammatory and hydrating qualities that can aid the healing process and make it more pleasant. You might want to consider utilizing Aquaphor if you’re getting some new ink or just got a tattoo [9].
- What soap is good for tattoos?
The short answer is yes, but there are some things to keep in mind:
- First, only use ice for the first few days after getting your tattoo. After that, switch to using a cool, damp cloth;
- Second, don’t put the ice directly on your skin. Wrap it in a thin towel first. And third, don’t overdo it. Ice for no more than 15 minutes at a time;
If you follow these simple guidelines, icing can help reduce swelling and pain in the early days of healing. Just be sure to listen to your body and stop if it starts to hurt. And of course, always consult with your tattoo artist before trying any at-home treatments.
Useful Video: Dealing with PIMPLES, IRRITATION, RASHES & INFECTION on a NEW TATTOO
References:
- https://tatring.com/getting-tattooed/My-New-Tattoo-Is-Very-Swollen-Red-and-Bruised-Is-this-Normal
- https://tattify.com/icing-a-tattoo/
- https://inkartbykate.com/can-you-ice-a-tattoo/
- https://tattify.com/icing-a-tattoo/
- https://tattoosboygirl.com/how-to-reduce-tattoo-swelling-easily/
- https://inkartbykate.com/can-you-ice-a-tattoo/
- https://www.accuweather.com/en/health-wellness/caring-for-your-tattoo-during-the-winter/646205
- https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx
- https://www.healthline.com/health/body-modification/aquaphor-tattoo