First, determine whether the skin is scabbing or peeling. Sometimes, it can be tricky to tell the two apart but there are key differences. Tattoo scabs will look raised and heavy on the surface of the skin, while a peeling tattoo looks flaky. Not sure if your tattoo is peeling or scabbing? Check out our article on minimizing tattoo peeling to view reference photos and learn more. Some peeling is not uncommon during the tattoo healing process with Saniderm. However, it is not normal for a tattoo to be scabbing under the tattoo bandage.
Why Does your Tattoo Itch and Feel Raised?
Common causes of tattoo raising and itching can be due to skin damage, allergies, certain weather conditions, poor healing, and rough tattoo artist work.
Saniderm and Tattoo Scabbing
Once again, we always advise users to change the first Saniderm bandage within the first 24 hours, take it off, and clean the tattoo like normal. Allow the area air dry for a few minutes before applying a second bandage, which can be left on for up to 7 days. To further prevent scabbing and peeling underneath your Saniderm bandage, you can apply a thin layer of tattoo aftercare such as Sanibalm before applying your second bandage. This step is especially helpful if your tattoo is dry or itchy. If your tattoo is still weeping, Sanibalm is not necessary.
If your tattoo IS scabbing underneath Saniderm, as long as there are no signs of infection or contamination, we recommend leaving the bandage on. Removing Saniderm from a scabbing tattoo may pull the scabs off prematurely, disturbing the ink and resulting in color and detail loss. If you need to remove the bandage from a scabbing tattoo, do so with caution and be sure to check out our guide on how to remove Saniderm. Speak to your tattoo artist for additional questions and concerns.
Looking for more information about proper Saniderm usage? Ask our extensive tattoo knowledge base or check out our entire guide to new tattoo care!
