Tattoo healing

[redbird]

I think this is progress: I just reached for my belly, and caught myself in time to say "don't scratch" (and not scratch). I say "I think" because, through my clothes, I'm not sure if that was the fish or a spot just below it.

I hadn't counted on the area still feeling tender two days later, nor on that tenderness being particularly noticeable whenever I use those muscles in a significant way, such as walking. I'll consider the gym tomorrow, depending how it feels. (More precisely, I'll consider whether it's worth even packing gym clothes.)

Comments

[elynne.livejournal.com]

It will probably itch more soonish, in which case tattooists advise: give the area a good strong slap. The sting of the pain helps the itch decrease. Other people may think it looks odd to be occasionally slapping yourself in an odd location... but hey, it works! ;)

[kip-w.livejournal.com]

When I have an itch I may not scratch (like a rash), I find there is relief in scratching next to it. The function of scratching is to introduce sensory noise that overwhelms the itchy feeling, and scratching next door to the itch often does that just as well. For me. Of course, if you know a reason not to do this, then continue to exercise free will and personal judgment...