Here's Why Your Tattoos Are Getting Itchy (& How To Stop It)

Dramatic changes in the weather can have a really big impact on your body, and yes, that goes for tattoos, too. For starters, as the American Academy of Dermatology Association website notes, the sun can wreak havoc on your tattoos. And as Byrdie points out, a rise in temperature and humidity can cause your piece of body art to swell, which "causes a slight stretching of the skin, which also results in an itch." On the flip side, Byrdie explains that the colder months can dry your skin out, which can also lead to irritated tats.

As external changes can make your tattoos feel uncomfortable, internal bodily changes may irritate them too. As Skin Artists writes, "A rise in blood pressure, increased adrenaline, a change in body temperature—all of these things can affect your tattoo." If you've been in a stressful situation or are feeling anxious for a long period of time, you may just have the culprit.

And if you've been diagnosed with any preexisting skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, WebMD notes that a "tattoo can cause flare-ups of your condition, including bumps, itching, and rash." If you have a skin condition, the outlet suggests consulting your dermatologist before sitting down in the tattoo artist's chair.