Is Tattoo Scabbing Bad?
We’re all familiar with the concept of tattoo scabbing and wound scabbing. Tattoo scabbing is a healthy and normal part of the tattoo healing process. Picking or scratching at your scab can delay the healing process, ruin the longevity of the tattoo, or cause scarring. So it’s best to avoid picking at it as much as possible.
So, if scabbing is natural and our bodies do it on their own, it must be a good thing, right? Lately, however, you’ve been hearing about wet healing in order to prevent scabs and now you’re confused. So, is tattoo scabbing a good way to allow your tattoo to heal?
Not-so-New Information
In 1500 BC, the Egyptians discovered that wounds healed faster and more efficiently if they were kept moist versus if they were left to dry and scab. By applying honey (antibacterial properties), lint (absorbent properties), and grease (barrier), they found that the wound would retain its moist form and the body’s natural fluids—the plasma—would heal the damaged area powerfully.
With medical advances, we are now able to fully understand the depths of what the ancient Egyptians were witnessing. We now know that scabs form when the wound is able to dry out. They work as a crude defense mechanism, by creating an exoskeleton-like substance over the afflicted area. However, this isn’t always for the best.
Is Tattoo Scabbing Bad?
Although scabbing is a natural process, it isn’t always the best option. When a wound scabs it can delay the healing process. Tattoo scabbing creates a barricade of desiccated, dead skin cells. This barrier makes it harder for new, healthy skin cells to form and complete the healing process.
Another unwanted side effect of scabbing is that a scab can trap inflammatory tissue and bacteria. This, in turn, can lead to prolonged wound healing and increase your chance of infection.
How Saniderm Helps
Saniderm creates the perfect environment for healing by keeping the wound moist. It also allows the wound to breathe while protecting it from external contaminants such as bacteria, dirt, and dander.
To find out more about how Saniderm works to mitigate scabbing and peeling, check out this article. Or, view our entire guide to tattoo care in our knowledge base!