First, determine whether the skin is scabbing or peeling. Sometimes, it can be tricky to tell the two apart but there are key differences. Tattoo scabs will look raised and heavy on the surface of the skin, while a peeling tattoo looks flaky. Not sure if your tattoo is peeling or scabbing? Check out our article on minimizing tattoo peeling to view reference photos and learn more. Some peeling is not uncommon during the tattoo healing process with Saniderm. However, it is not normal for a tattoo to be scabbing under the tattoo bandage.
Why Does your Tattoo Itch and Feel Raised?
Common causes of tattoo raising and itching can be due to skin damage, allergies, certain weather conditions, poor healing, and rough tattoo artist work.
Saniderm and Tattoo Scabbing
Once again, we always advise users to change the first Saniderm bandage within the first 24 hours, take it off, and clean the tattoo like normal. Allow the area air dry for a few minutes before applying a second bandage, which can be left on for up to 7 days. To further prevent scabbing and peeling underneath your Saniderm bandage, you can apply a thin layer of tattoo aftercare such as Sanibalm before applying your second bandage. This step is especially helpful if your tattoo is dry or itchy. If your tattoo is still weeping, Sanibalm is not necessary.
If your tattoo IS scabbing underneath Saniderm, as long as there are no signs of infection or contamination, we recommend leaving the bandage on. Removing Saniderm from a scabbing tattoo may pull the scabs off prematurely, disturbing the ink and resulting in color and detail loss. If you need to remove the bandage from a scabbing tattoo, do so with caution and be sure to check out our guide on how to remove Saniderm. Speak to your tattoo artist for additional questions and concerns.
Looking for more information about proper Saniderm usage? Ask our extensive tattoo knowledge base or check out our entire guide to new tattoo care!
I’m on my 4th day with my saniderm on and my tattoo has scanned up pretty well as well as getting itchy due to said scabbing. Should I keep the saniderm on until the 7th day or remove it on the 5th day as my tattoo artist told me?
Thanks for reaching out
The recommended instructions are to apply at the finish of the tattoo and leave on for 24 hours. This will fill up with plasma. At the 24 hour mark, remove and wash the tattoo. Once dry, apply a second piece that will stay on for up to 6 days for a total healing time of 7 days. If the tattoo weeps into the second piece of film, follow the above instructions at the next 24 hour period and apply a 3rd piece. The third piece would then stay on for 5 days.
If you haven’t changed it at the 24 hour mark then we recommend removing it and continuing with traditional aftercare procedures.
Thank you,
Saniderm Support
I took my second skin off to clean it due to dried blood after 2 days and reapply the second skin given to me by the tattoo artist but it scrunched up before I could apply it smoothly. The placement of the tattoo is on my bra strap and I need to wear a bra the next few days but obviously with scabbing I’m worried about the friction leading to loss of colour. Can I purchase second skin and reapply a day or two after removal or shall I just add ointment. I have very big boobs so the weight of the bra strap is concerning but I can’t not wear one at work
Thanks for reaching out
The recommended instructions are to apply at the finish of the tattoo and leave on for 24 hours. This will fill up with plasma. At the 24 hour mark, remove and wash the tattoo. Once dry, apply a second piece that will stay on for up to 6 days for a total healing time of 7 days. If the tattoo weeps into the second piece of film, follow the above instructions at the next 24 hour period and apply a 3rd piece. The third piece would then stay on for 5 days.
If it is past the 48 hour period it is best to continue with traditional tattoo aftercare.
Thank you,
Saniderm Support