Help! All this blood, ink, and plasma is coming out of my new tattoo!

Is something seriously wrong? No, not at all. It's normal for your new tattoo to bleed a little, and for some ink and wound fluid to seep out during the first two to three days. However, if this lasts much longer than three days (your tattoo keeps bleeding and you're losing a lot of blood), then contact your artist or doctor. Don't worry, this doesn't happen very often.

In the text below, we have listed what you should pay attention to if you have just gotten a new tattoo.

How long can my tattoo keep 'leaking'?

On average, this is between twelve and 24 hours. However, it's different for everyone: some people barely lose any blood, ink, or wound fluid, while others lose a bit more.

Fortunately, your body is smart enough to do everything it can to stop the bleeding quickly. Want to read how that works? Then read our article about the healing process of your tattoo. Once the bleeding has stopped, a nice scab will form on your tattoo - a natural bandage.

TIP! Wash the blood, ink, and wound fluid from your tattoo during the first few days. This prevents it from drying out and forming unsightly scabs.

Your tattoo bleeds longer and more severely than normal. These could be the causes:

• The use of painkillers such as ibuprofen
• Drinking alcohol just before or after getting your tattoo
• Exercising or moving too much with your new tattoo

Painkillers and alcohol can thin your blood, which makes your blood clot more slowly.
We have written an extensive blog about alcohol and tattoos. Read it here.

If you start exercising or simply move too much with your fresh tattoo, you disrupt the healing process.

A shame, because it's not necessary. Read more about it in our blog how long after can you exercise with your new tattoo.

PLEASE NOTE: If your tattoo continues to bleed for a long time or doesn't close, contact your artist or your doctor. It could be that your tattoo is infected, and you need to nip that in the bud.

Your tattoo is infected if it feels warm, swells a lot, or continues to bleed. Always pay attention to this and don't take any risks! An untreated infection can have major consequences for your health. So, take action in time to prevent worse and keep it minor.

How do I prevent my tattoo from getting infected?

Just use good products. If you regularly clean and properly moisturize your tattoo, you're already well on your way. The photo above is then more of an exception than a rule.

Our blogs on cleaning your tattoo and moisturizing your tattoo will help you do this properly and thus prevent infection.

Which product can I best use then?

For cleaning your tattoo, for example, use TattooMed's tattoo soap: the Cleansing Gel.

Not only does it clean your tattoo very well, but you also forget the pain of tattooing. This product is mild for your skin and has an antibacterial effect. This gel also reduces itching and burning. And: 100% vegan!

📅 This blog first appeared on February 25, 2020 and was last updated on March 8, 2024

Questions about tattoo care?
Feel free to browse our tattoo aftercare blogs. Do you have questions or just want more information? Feel free to contact us.