If you’re reading this, chances are you just got a tattoo for the first time and you’re dealing with tattoo scabs. We know that scabs may seem scary, but there is a reason why they form. But, if the scabs start bleeding, then you might be dealing with a serious underlying issue. So, if you’ve noticed your tattoo scabs are bleeding, you’re at the right place.

Getting informed on this issue is essential for your next steps, so make sure to keep reading. In the following paragraphs, we’ll cover everything you need to know about tattoo scabs, bleeding, and how to prevent it or handle it. So, without further ado let’s get started!

Tattoo Scabs: Everything You Need to Know

What Are Scabs?

A tattoo scab or a scab, in general, is a layer of protective tissue that forms on top of damaged skin. Remember when you were little, playing in the park, how every time you fall some sort of crust would form in the place where you’ve injured yourself. That was a scab forming to protect the skin underneath and help it regenerate in a safe environment.

Scabs are, to some extent, a completely normal occurrence. They generally dry out as the skin is healing, and then they simply fall off on their own.

Why Do Scabs Form On Tattoos?

As we mentioned, scabs form on top of damaged or injured skin. Now, tattooing, even though it may not seem so, is damaging the skin, so a fresh tattoo is considered to be an open wound. And, like every other wound and injury, the tattoo needs to heal as well.

It can take weeks before a tattoo heals completely, but the first 7 to 10 days are crucial for skin sealing. That is when the tattoo scabs start forming to ensure the tattooed skin underneath is healing properly and closing the wound simultaneously. You can expect the scabs to start forming by the day or 4 into the tattoo healing.