Avoiding the Itch

(Originally written April 1, 2024)

I have two five-day-old tattoos.

One in the ditch of my left elbow, the other near my left wrist. As of this afternoon, they have officially reached the itchy phase.

The itchy phase is exactly what it sounds like, my tattoos have healed enough that the scabs are now beginning to crack, which causes the tattoo to be incredibly itchy.

Now, in theory, this phase doesn’t sound so bad, but the reality is that the itchy sensation does not go away until all of the scabbing flakes off the tattoo, which can take up to a week (maybe more, depending on the tattoo and person). That means for the next week or so, 24 hours a day, my left arm will itch like a colony of ants is picking at my flesh, and I am not to scratch myself.

You see, with a new tattoo, there are only three rules: keep it clean, keep it dry, and don’t touch it.

Not touching is the hardest part, especially when the itchy phase settles in. Fortunately, I’ve been through this many times before, almost 50 times now at this point. So I’m well prepared for the battle up ahead.

Nonetheless, it is still a battle I must face.

At this point in my ongoing tattoo journey, my most significant struggle is the psychological side of always being aware of the itch.

I can control myself not to scratch my new tattoos, but the idea hovers in my mind like a ghost in a shitty haunted house. There are no jump scares or surprises anymore, I’ve been through this amusement park sideshow many a times, but the ghosts still lingers.

The thought of the itch doesn’t fade.

It bounces around my skull, ping-ponging off the walls in an attempt to get me to cede to my most animal instincts and just tear at my healing flesh. But I know I must abstain, and so I do, for I want my new tattoos to look amazing. And not attacking myself is a surefire way to ensure the healing process goes smoothly. 

My only reprieve during this trying time is a slight dab of unscented lotion and my evening shower. The location helps soothe the skin and reduce the amount of irritation I’m experiencing due to the itch. But it’s important to not overdo it and potentially wash out my new ink with lotion (it will fade the ink and make the tattoo dull if overdone).

Showers, on the other hand, are an incredible oasis. The hot water soothes the itch away, and if I’m lucky, a bit of gentle washing will sluff off the scabs and skin, making the itch less and less. 

For now, though, I welcome the itch, knowing full well that it means I’m halfway through healing my body. This body is covered in inky symbols and messages of my life, my loves, my memories and my humours, this body is healing.

I am healing myself through art.