Tattoos are a popular form of body art whereby a tattoo artist injects ink, pigment, or dye into a person’s skin. But do you know how long do hand tattoos take to heal?
After deciding to get a tattoo, you’ll likely be eager to flaunt it, but it might take longer than you anticipate for it to heal completely.
Many factors can affect the healing process, it typically takes 2–3 weeks for a tattoo to heal.
We’ll discuss a tattoo’s healing process as well as the best aftercare procedures to keep it hygienic.
How Long Do Hand Tattoos Take to Heal?
Wondering about hand tattoo healing time?
After getting a tattoo, the outer layer of skin (the part you can see) will typically heal within 2 to 3 weeks. The skin beneath a tattoo can take up to 6 months to truly heal, despite the fact that it may appear to be healed and you might be tempted to cut back on the aftercare.
The healing process for skin around larger tattoos is slower, and you can speed it up by not moisturizing, skipping SPF, or using lotion that contains alcohol.
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Hand Tattoo Healing Stages
The stages that tattoos go through are normal and crucial to the healing process. The healing process can be divided into four distinct stages:
1. Oozing and Redness
To protect your tattoo, your tattoo artist will wrap it. When to take it off will be specified, which could be for a few hours or a whole week.
When you take off the bandage, you might notice that your tattoo is bleeding or that the skin around it is extremely red. It’s also normal to see ink coming out of the tattoo, sometimes called “weeping.”
If the redness and oozing don’t go away after a week, you should see your doctor. This will most likely last for a week or so.
2. Itching
As they recover, wounds frequently itch, and a tattoo is essentially a wound.
Your new tattoo probably starts to itch and flake in the first and second week. Resist the urge to scratch it. Applying a light lotion should be helpful. You can also put an ice pack over your clothes to numb the itch.
In the event that it becomes intolerable, speak with your doctor about taking an over-the-counter antihistamine.
3. Peeling
In the second, third, and fourth weeks, your tattoo will probably begin to peel. The body is responding naturally to what it perceives to be injury by sloughing off this skin.
The tattoo won’t fall off on its own. It’s merely a typical step in the procedure. It actually demonstrates how well your tattoo is recovering.
4. Aftercare
Your tattoo will appear vibrant and fully healed after the first month. In the early weeks, aftercare is simple to remember, but continuing it for several months is crucial. By doing this, you can maintain the tattoo’s cleanliness and enhance its appearance.
Factors That May Affect Hand Tattoos Healing
An essential factor that influences the healing process is choosing a reputable tattoo studio that practices good aseptic techniques.
Poor tattoo hygiene can cause infections that slow healing and can lead to severe health issues.
Decide on a tattoo artist who complies with state licensing requirements as a result. The licensing of tattoos is not governed by federal law. However, the National Conference of State Legislatures publish the requirements that are in place in different states.
Due to the potential for additional skin trauma from rough or ineffective techniques, the artist’s skill also has an impact on the healing process.
Additionally, the tattoo’s size and location may affect how quickly it heals. For example, tattoos near joints or areas that flex will take longer to heal than those in areas that do not move as much. Additionally, larger tattoos will take longer to heal than smaller ones.
Healing times can also be impacted by the type of tattooing equipment and ink color. For example, red pigments are more likely to cause delayed hypersensitivity reactions and slow the healing process.
Aftercare Tips for Hand Tattoos
The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommend the following tips for proper hand tattoo aftercare:
- Moisturize with a suitable cream: It is best to use a water-based cream or lotion to moisturize the tattoo and surrounding skin if dry. People should not use petroleum-based products, as they can cause fading.
- Protect the tattoo from the sun: If people expose tattoos to too much sunlight, the ink may fade. People should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. It is advisable to apply it at least 15 minutes before going outside and reapply it every couple of hours.
- Avoid using tanning beds: UV lighting devices, such as sunlamps and tanning beds, can fade tattoos. Additionally, they raise the chance of getting skin cancer. Some people’s tattooed skin may experience a painful reaction when exposed to UV light.
- Do not tattoo over moles: People should select a skin area free of moles when getting a new tattoo. Otherwise, a tattoo might cover up early signs of skin cancer and prevent the person from getting treatment.
- Wash the tattoo: It is important to wash the tattoo regularly and gently with fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, antibacterial soap. Before using a cream, people should also use a paper towel to gently pat the skin dry.
When to Contact a Doctor?
After getting a hand tattoo, some redness and swelling are common. However, people should consult a healthcare professional if they notice any of the following unexpected symptoms:
Infection
It is an indication that the tattoo has become infected if it is more red and painful, has pus, or has open sores. A person should seek immediate medical attention if they have a fever or the chills.
Allergic Reaction
Any time, even years later, someone can experience an allergic reaction to a tattoo.
If the tattooed skin develops lumps, scaly patches, or becomes red, itchy, or swollen, it should be treated by a medical professional.
If a person has a severe reaction in the form of breathing difficulties, dizziness, or rapid heartbeat, they should seek emergency medical attention.
Skin Disease
Tattoos may cause or worsen skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis on the tattooed skin or elsewhere on the body. It is advised to get in touch with a healthcare provider if someone notices any flare-ups or changes in their skin.
Summary: How Long Do Hand Tattoos Take to Heal
So how long does a hand tattoo take to heal?
A hand tattoo will usually take 2–3 weeks to heal. To ensure that their tattoo heals and to prevent complications, people must carefully adhere to the aftercare instructions during this time.
The healing process may be slowed if the tattoo gets infected or experiences too much inflammation. Anyone who is worried about how their tattoo is healing should consult a doctor for advice.
Related Post:
FAQs about Hand Tattoo Healing Time
How to Protect Hand Tattoo at Work?
You can wrap your tattoo in cling wrap for the first few days when you are working.
Do Hand Tattoos Fade Completely?
Hand tattoos fade faster than tattoos on other parts of your body. There is constant cell turnover in that skin because you wash and use your hands so frequently.
How Long Do Tattoos Take to Heal before Swimming?
2 to 4 weeks.
Do Hand Tattoos Take Longer to Heal?
If the tattoo develops an infection or excessive inflammation, it can slow the healing process.
