We all love our precious tattoos. We don’t want anything to happen to them. Let’s say you are taking proper care of your new tattoo, everything was fine but all of a sudden you notice some white little bumps in your tattoo. Of course, you would get annoyed as you did pretty much everything you think you could do to take care of the tattoo. But now these white little bumps are popping out and you are freaking out a bit. So, what are these white bumps? Can they ruin your beloved tattoo?
New tattoos are quite sensitive. It is normal to freak out if some weird little bumps introduce themselves all of a sudden. Are there signs of tattoo infection or some other underlying issue? That is precisely what I will be elaborating in today’s article.
Key Takeaways
- White bumps are small little itchy bumps that may appear over your tattoo or around the tattoo.
- White bumps mainly occur due to tattooed skin becoming irritated.
- Reasons, why you may get white bumps in your tattoo, are irritation, acne, allergy, infection, and applying excessive lotion.
- To avoid getting these white bumps you should avoid anything that causes allergy, apply soothing ointment, moderate moisturization, and maintain a healthy diet plan.
White Bumps In Tattoo: What Is It?
The tattooing procedure basically creates a wound on your skin to deposit the tattoo ink deep into the dermis layer of your skin. This wound is not like your regular skin wound. Tattoo wound makes the skin supersensitive and the skin can get easily irritated because of that but it is all part of the healing process. However, what is not natural is the skin negatively reacting to certain products or clothing fabrics that never caused issues in the past. This is all part of the natural tattooing process that your skin will eventually overcome.
Regardless of the reason, your tattooed skin may get irritated, and it may react by making those small little bumps over the tattoo or around the tattoo. Most of the time these bumps are nothing to worry about. Still, you should consult with your tattoo artist to figure out how to go about it.
5 Reasons Why You May Get White Bumps In Tattoo
Wondering why these annoying white bumps are popping out? I got you covered. In this portion, I have listed all the possible reasons why you may get white bumps in your tattoo.
1. Irritation
The relationship between skin irritation and a new tattoo goes a long way. Because of the tattooing procedure, the tattooed area becomes very sensitive and it gets unexpected skin reactions very easily. You may have been using a certain lotion for years and have been lying on the same bed and bed sheet for months without any issues. But your tattooed skin may show signs of skin irritation from laying on the same old bed sheet and using the same old lotion you have been using. It may feel a bit weird but after getting the tattoo your tattooed skin may react to various components that never caused you any issues in the past. And the white bumps could be a sign that your tattooed area is irritated.
How to fix: Try to pinpoint exactly what is causing this skin irritation. If it is a lotion then stop using it, if it is your bed sheet then change it. Take your time and figure out the culprit or culprits that are irritating your lovely tattoo and eliminate it.
2. Acne
Acne or good old regular pimples on tattoos; you can hardly find anyone who didn’t have pimple issues in their teen years or has skin conditions or acne-prone skin. Because of the change in your skin, foreign matter (ink) getting injected into your skin may create some weird reactions which could result in tattoo pimples. That is right, your body will try to get rid of the tattoo ink and may not know how to properly react to it. So your body might create some acne or pimples on tattoos as a result. These are simple tattoo pimples and nothing to worry about.
How to fix: Do not try to pop those bumps. Remember this is not your regular skin, it is your newly tattooed skin which is still very sensitive. You may wash the area and apply healing ointment. Those acne or pimples will go away on their own. To speed up the process you can eat plenty of vegetables, and fruits and drink plenty of water, it will fasten the pimple removal process.
3. Allergy
As I said your tattooed skin will be very sensitive. If you have an allergic reaction to something while wearing a new tattoo, then things might get more complicated. Allergic reactions are not always the same. Sometimes itchiness, skin appearing red, rash, and etch could occur during the allergic reaction. And sometimes you may get white little bumps on your tattooed skin which could be itchy too.
How to fix: Figure out what you are allergic to. You can talk to a healthcare professional as they may give you some tests to pinpoint exactly what is causing your allergies. You could also consult your tattoo artist since they will be able to tell you what you might need to do from experience. After finding out, avoid that element for now, as long as your tattoo is not completely healed.
4. Infection
Guess what is the worst thing that could happen to your tattoo? You guessed it right, a tattoo infection. A tattoo infection can be unpredictable as it could happen because of various reasons and the reaction to the infection could be different as well. Sometimes the tattooed area gets swollen and sometimes you may get white bumps on the tattoo.
How to fix: First you should see a doctor and take antibiotics if necessary. Then consult with your artisans regarding how should you take care of your tattoo. Usually cleaning the tattoo twice a day, applying healing ointment, and keeping it in a breathable condition is recommended.
5. Applying excessive lotion
Lotions or moisturizers are great for your new tattoo. But too much of anything can do more harm than good. If you keep applying excessive amounts of lotion repeatedly then it could block pores on your tattooed skin. Blocked pores could result in white bumps. You have to remember that moisturizing is a part of the aftercare. Too much off lotion would not only block your pores but also prevent the tattoo from getting fresh air. If the tattooed area does not stay in a breathable condition or environment then it would get delayed healing. This issue may cause the tattooed area to have small white bumps on it.
How to fix: If you notice white bumps because of lotion then just do not use lotion for a day or two. Then slowly start using like once a day. After a few days, you can use it twice. Remember to use a very small amount of lotion and apply it evenly over the tattoo. And try to go for a water-based lotion that has a thin texture.
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4 Ways to Avoid Getting White Bumps in Tattoo
Want to avoid getting white itchy annoying bumps in your tattoo? Then follow the ways I have recommended below:
1. Avoid anything that causes allergy
It is normal to have allergic reactions to some things that cause itchy skin. However, triggering an allergic reaction while wearing a new tattoo could cause some white bumps to pop out in your tattoo. So, from the beginning, try your best to any component that you are allergic to.
2. Apply soothing ointment
Irritated skin can be one of the prime reasons why you may get white bumps on your tattoo. So, apply a soothing ointment that reduces skin irritation, inflammation, pain, and itching. It would reduce the chance of getting white bumps by a lot and also ensure that skin infection does not occur over the tattoo.
3. Moderate moisturization
Apply a moderate amount of moisturizer or lotion. Too much of products can clog the pores on your tattooed skin and cause white bumps. You want to keep your skin moist enough to get rid of dead skin cells and promote healthy skin.
4. Maintain a healthy diet plan
Maintaining a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water can improve your immune system. And a strong immune system has a better chance to prevent any acne or pimple issues from appearing. So maintaining a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water can prevent white bumps from popping out in your tattoo.
As with everything else related to the tattoo process, always trust what your tattoo artist will say and follow their aftercare instruction as closely as possible.
FAQs
Can white bumps ruin my tattoo?
No, as long as you do not poke or pick on your white bumps your tattoo will be fine.
How long will the white bumps last on the tattoo?
There is no fixed amount of time, but usually, these white bumps can last from 4 to 5 days in general. After that, the bumps will go away on their own.
Can I scratch over the white bump?
No, scratching over the white bumps may cause infection and further complicate the situation.
Final Thoughts
White bumps on tattoos are annoying because they can cause itching and flaky skin. But because they are usually over your new tattoo you can’t really scratch it. Scratching over the white bump that is on your new tattoo could cause an infection and delay tattoo healing. So avoid scratching and apply some soothing ointment to ease the itchiness and skin irritation. So, find out the reason why white bumps are occurring and immediately stop the reason for it happening. Apply a moderate amount of moisturization, eat healthy food and drink plenty of water, avoid components that cause allergic reactions and irritated skin. And if anything adverse happens, talk to your tattoo artist about it and they will tell you what might be wrong.
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