Tattoos And Psoriasis: Risks, Considerations, & Treatment Tips

The topic of tattoos and psoriasis requires careful thought. While most people get a tattoo without thinking much, people with psoriasis must think twice before doing so. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by thick, scaly patches on the skin. The smallest cut, insect bite, or wound can trigger a flare-up instantly. So, if you have been thinking about getting inked and want to learn how this common inflammatory skin disease may affect your body art, you have come to the correct place. In this article, we will look deep into whether you can get inked over your psoriasis, the potential risks of tattooing, precautions to keep in mind, and more. Scroll down to read more!

Can You Tattoo Over Psoriasis Plaques?

Tattooing over psoriasis may present numerous challenges due to the skin’s unpredictable nature. Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease where the immune system becomes hyperactive, causing the skin cells to increase rapidly. This immune response results in red patches, silvery-white scales, and itchy skin (1). Tattooing requires depositing tattoo inks into the deeper layers of skin. This may aggravate the flare-ups and affect the tattoo’s overall appearance. Though it is possible to get tattoos with psoriasis, one must consider the tattoo’s placement and the risks associated with it before getting one.

Imogen Jones, a YouTuber, talked about her experience with getting inked while dealing with psoriasis. She said, “Today I started with very small psoriasis on one of my tattoos (i).” She further shared, “There is a common misconception that if you have psoriasis or eczema then you cannot get a tattoo, that is not true.”

While tattooing on psoriasis-affected skin is possible, it comes with an increased risk of flare-ups. Check out the next section to know more.

Can Getting A Tattoo Cause Psoriasis Flare-Ups?

In short, yes. Tattoos may trigger psoriasis flare-ups due to the cutaneous trauma caused during the whole tattooing procedure. The immune system responds by exacerbating the existing patches and inducing new scaly psoriasis plaques. In fact, a study conducted on 90 Finnish psoriasis patients found that 30% reported acute flare-ups within the initial weeks of getting tattooed (2). Hence, consult the concerned healthcare professionals before getting inked to reduce the potential risks of tattoos.

It is important to understand the potential risks that come with tattooing on psoriatic skin. Find out more in the next section.

Risks Of Getting A Tattoo If You Have Psoriasis

Getting a tattoo with psoriasis may pose the following risks to one’s skin health:

• May Trigger Koebner Phenomenon: Also known as the isomorphic response, it is the development of skin lesions on previously unaffected skin in response to skin trauma or skin injury (2).
• May Cause Uneven Healing: The tattooed skin area with psoriasis may heal unevenly and affect the tattoo’s appearance.
• May Increase Infection Risk: Psoriatic skin is characterized by a compromised skin barrier that may increase the risk of developing fungal and bacterial infections (1), (3).
• May Trigger Allergic Reactions: Psoriasis-prone skin may react negatively to the pigments present in tattoo ink that may trigger allergic responses (4).

Apart from the above-mentioned risks, be prepared for the possibility of refusal from the tattoo artist. This may be due to a lack of experience or state laws preventing reputable studios from inking on skin conditions, especially psoriatic lesions.

Did You Know?

The Koebner phenomenon was first described by German physician Heinrich Koebner in 1876 after seeing new psoriatic lesions on the healthy skin of patients with psoriasis.

Understanding the risks involved with tattooing psoriatic skin will help you make an informed decision. But taking some precautionary measures before getting inked can reduce the risk of developing these issues in the first place. Check out the next section to know more.

Precautions To Keep In Mind Before Getting A Tattoo

You can take certain precautions before getting inked with psoriasis to minimize the potential risks. Start by consulting a dermatologist to assess your skin health. Choose tattoo locations away from active psoriatic patches and flare-ups. Ensure that optimal hygiene protocol is practiced during the tattoo process to decrease skin infection risk. Lastly, strictly adhere to the aftercare instructions for optimal healing of the tattooed skin and management of psoriasis.

Sena, a blogger, shared her tattoo and psoriasis journey on her blog post. She wrote, “My recommendation to people with psoriasis who want tattoos is…Don’t get tatted when your psoriasis is inflamed badly. This will cause the psoriasis to get worse and possibly ruin your tattoo (waste of money). I decided it was safe for me to get tatted because my psoriasis is at a minimum right now (ii).”

Quick Tip

Check the tattoo shop for an autoclave machine to ensure that the instruments are being properly sterilized.

In some cases, following the proper precautionary measures may still leave you with a psoriasis flare-up after getting tattooed. But fret not. Scroll down to the next section for some simple remedies you can follow.

How To Treat Psoriasis Flare-Ups After Getting A Tattoo

Here are the following ways to alleviate your psoriatic flare-ups and improve your overall skin condition:

• Use Topical Treatments: Apply a thin layer of prescribed or over-the-counter cortisone ointments and creams to soothe the inflamed skin and itching.
• Try Light Therapy: The treatment involves exposing the affected skin to artificial sunlight in an attempt to combat the condition.
• Apply A Moisturizer: Use fragrance-free and alcohol-free moisturizers to prevent excessive dryness, itchiness, and redness.
• Consult A Dermatologist: Seek professional help for proper management of psoriasis and your tattoos.
• Take Oral Medications: You may use doctor-recommended oral retinoids and other medications to also help control the inflammatory process and flare-ups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I inform my tattoo artist about my psoriasis?

Yes, informing your tattoo artist about your psoriasis beforehand can help minimize potential tattoo complications, such as flare-ups, uneven healing, and skin allergies. This information may also help them craft a customized aftercare plan to ensure a properly healing tattoo.

What should a person with psoriasis consider when choosing a professional tattoo parlor or artist?

Vist the tattoo studio and talk to the tattoo artist. Ensure that they follow proper hygiene protocol and sterilization processes such as using gloves during the tattooing procedure, inks one time from an individual cup, and inks with no recalls on them.

Are there specific aftercare steps for tattoos on psoriasis-affected skin?

You may follow the aftercare steps suggested by your dermatologist to ensure optimal healing. Always opt for a psoriasis-friendly cream or ointment to hydrate the affected area and soothe skin irritation and inflammation. Also, avoid swimming and sun exposure for a few weeks after tattooing to avoid infecting the tattoo and slowing down the healing process.

What areas are safest for tattoos if I have psoriasis?

This varies from individual to individual. However, people with psoriasis should choose an area with no skin lesions and psoriasis plaques.

Can psoriasis medications interfere with the tattoo healing process?

Research suggests that the immunosuppressive therapy prescribed for treating psoriasis may weaken the immune system. This may increase the risk of infection during the aftercare process (3). Hence, consult a dermatologist to ensure that it is safe to get a tattoo with psoriasis.

Illustration: Tattoos And Psoriasis: Risks Considerations & Treatment Tips

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

If you want to get inked but do not know how it will affect your psoriasis, then look no further. Check out this video for interesting information about this topic to help you make an informed decision.

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Terri L WattsSkin Care Specialist

   

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