Common Tattoo Problems and How to Fix Them
Introduction
Even with the best aftercare, tattoos are still open wounds — and sometimes, things don’t go perfectly. Redness, scabbing, or irritation can make people worry that something’s wrong. The good news is, most tattoo problems are minor and easy to fix, especially if you catch them early.
At TGC Tattoo in Ho Chi Minh City, we’ve seen it all — from over-moisturized tattoos to mild allergic reactions. Here’s a guide to understanding what might go wrong during the healing process, how to fix it, and when to see your tattoo artist or a doctor.
1. Excessive Redness or Swelling
A little redness or swelling in the first few days is normal. But if it lasts longer than 3–4 days or spreads beyond the tattoo area, it might be a sign of irritation or infection.
Possible causes:
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Tight clothing rubbing against the tattoo
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Over-cleaning with harsh soap
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Mild infection from touching with dirty hands
How to fix it:
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Gently clean twice a day with mild soap and lukewarm water
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Apply a thin layer of tattoo ointment
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Avoid tight clothes and let your tattoo breathe
Seek medical advice if:
The area feels hot, painful, or has red streaks spreading outward — those are early signs of infection.
2. Scabbing or Thick Crusts
Light scabbing is a normal part of healing, but thick, dry, or cracked scabs can pull ink from the skin and leave patchy spots.
Causes:
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Tattoo drying out too much
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Picking or scratching
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Excessive sun exposure or sweating
Fix it:
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Keep the tattoo slightly moisturized with fragrance-free lotion
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Never pick at scabs — let them fall off naturally
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Avoid heavy workouts or hot showers that might loosen scabs too early
3. Oozing, Pus, or Unusual Fluids
A small amount of clear plasma is fine in the first day, but yellow or greenish discharge can indicate infection.
What to do:
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Stop applying any ointment for 24 hours (let the skin breathe)
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Gently wash with mild antibacterial soap
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If the discharge continues, see a healthcare professional
Do not:
Cover it with thick bandages or rewrap it unless instructed by your artist. Trapping moisture can make things worse.
4. Itching and Rash
Itching is part of normal healing, but if your skin develops a rash or tiny red bumps, you may be allergic to your lotion, soap, or even the ink.
How to fix it:
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Switch to a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free moisturizer
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Avoid scratching; tap gently or apply a cool compress
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Ask your tattoo artist for product recommendations
Avoid:
Hydrocortisone or medicated creams unless prescribed — they can fade or damage the ink.
5. Fading or Patchy Colors
Sometimes a tattoo looks faded after healing — often because of normal peeling, over-cleaning, or too much sun.
How to fix it:
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Protect your tattoo with sunscreen (SPF 30+)
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Moisturize regularly
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Schedule a touch-up session once the tattoo is fully healed
At TGC Tattoo, we offer free consultations and advice for all clients to keep their tattoos looking as bold and beautiful as day one.
Final Thoughts
Tattoo healing doesn’t always go perfectly, but with the right care, small issues won’t turn into big problems. The key is to stay clean, stay calm, and don’t overdo it.
If something doesn’t look or feel right, always ask your tattoo artist — we’re here to help you heal confidently and safely.
TGC Tattoo — not the only one, but the best.
