Accidentally ripped scab off tattoo?

Question

I got a tattoo almost 2 weeks ago (12 days) and the skin is itchy. I wasn't really thinking and absentmindedly scratched it, ripping off one of the scabs in the process. It didn't hurt or bleed, but the ink on that part of the skin looks faded compared to other parts. Did I ruin it, or is it still healing and will be ok in a couple more weeks?

Answer 1

This happens to many folk, most cases it heals fine. Since there's no blood etc I would say worst case scenario - it's a faded patch but it's nothing to worry about, you go back and get a touch up. You won't know this until it fully heals tho so keep cleaning it and looking after it.

Answer 2

Scabbing is a sign that you aren't washing your tattoo well enough. Its a common thing, but that doesn't mean its good or normal for your tattoo.

Because of this you will need a touch up. You have also raised your risk of infection a bit, but as long as you keep it clean and moisturized it should be fine.

Answer 3

Ah, that happens. Many tattoo artists will offer a touch up when it's all healed up, so no worries. This is commonly known as "ink falling/chunking out," and it happens to the best of us! Even if YOU hadn't done it, you may still have taken off your clothes too quickly, or bumped it against something and there goes a scab! The scabbing is actually a result of too much ink in one place, anyway. Even if it had fallen off naturally, it still may have looked faded in that spot.