Is It Normal For Tattoos To Bleed?

You might have a few questions if this is your first time getting a new tattoo. Many people wonder about how to care for their skin and fresh ink. Tattooing can cause trauma to the skin, but with the proper care, your body will quickly recover. Sometimes, it is normal for the area to bleed for a few days. Bleeding can be a scary experience, but you need to stay calm and use extra precautions. Here are a few things you need to know about a bleeding tattoo.

Is It Normal For A Tattoo To Bleed?

When a little ink bleeds from your new tattoo, you should not panic. This process is very common. During the tattooing session, the ink will settle into the deepest layers of your skin. Sometimes, the ink does not penetrate the layers, staying on the surface. Many times, the ink will remain contained in the scabs. However, there are times when you will spot some ink bleeding. If you notice this with your skin, it is a good sign that the tattoo is on the right path to recovery.

Not all tattoos will bleed. If you sit for longer pieces, your body will start responding to the trauma. Often, the tattoos will begin to bleed after the session has finished. Typically, the blood will clot around the wound. The tattoo can release ink, plasma, or blood from the skin.

It is important to know that the amount of bleeding will also depend on the body part tattooed. Some areas are more prone to heavier bleeding. Everyone also has different experiences. For example, if you drank alcohol before the session or took blood-thinning medication, you are more likely to bleed after a tattoo.

What To Do If My Tattoo Is Bleeding?

Now that you know a little blood is normal, what should you do if you see some bleeding? First, you will want to clean the tattoo gently. You can use warm water and mild soap. With that, you want to avoid rubbing the area harshly. Sometimes, that can ruin the new tattoo and cause scarring. After cleaning, you can apply a thick layer of lotion to keep the area moisturized. By doing that, you can keep your skin hydrated and prevent it from drying out.

You might also want to sleep in a different position on your bed. Remember not to put pressure on the newly tattooed skin. You may want to prop yourself up with pillows to keep yourself from sleeping on the tattoo, which can cause it to bleed.

You could see a lot of blood in the first 48 to 72 hours. During this time, your body goes through a process known as weeping. The body attempts to clean irritants and bacteria from the wound to help it begin the scabbing stage. It is important not to panic at this point. Your tattoo is not losing any valuable ink and is starting on the road to recovery. Give your skin some time to heal from the tattooing process.

Sometimes, your tattoo could continue to bleed after 72 hours. In that situation, the problem might be attributed to the actions of a heavy-handed tattoo artist. If they are too rough on your skin, you might be at risk of scarring. Always make sure to research your artist before scheduling a session. Some bleeding is normal, but an untrained artist can cause serious skin damage, leading to several more days of bleeding.

What Else Can You Expect After Getting a Tattoo?

After you have finished your tattooing process, you may notice other skin issues. You can take a few steps to prevent these problems from damaging your tattoo.

Scabbing

Many people wonder whether scabbing is normal. Yes, it is very common, and it is a sign that your skin is healing. You will want to avoid scratching your skin. If you scratch the scabs, there is a higher chance that you can damage the ink. Allow the scabs to fall off your skin naturally.

Ink Bleeding

As previously mentioned, ink bleeding is also normal. After the session, your body will start eliminating the ink from the skin. Sometimes, too much ink gets injected into the skin layers, resulting in more ink bleeding.

Redness

You might notice a lot of swelling and redness on your skin. Many times, the skin may have experienced some trauma during the session. In those situations, your skin will need a few days to return to normal.

Pimples

Some people will notice a few pimples growing on their skin. You might want to limit the use of moisturizers. If you have too much moisturizer on the skin, it can block the pore and cause pimples.

Bleeding Is Normal

When you are unsure what to expect with your tattoo, bleeding can be a big concern. However, it is entirely normal for tattoos to bleed. Usually, in a few days, your skin will scab. That means your skin is starting to heal. No matter what you do, you will want to keep the area clean and never rub on the skin. It is always important to follow all the aftercare instructions of your artist. If you want to get a new tattoo in the Philadelphia area, contact Oracle Tattoo Gallery. Our highly trained and experienced artists are ready to help you choose an exceptional style or design for your next tattoo. You can schedule an appointment by calling 215-638-1601.