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Can Someone With Psoriasis Get A Tattoo

Safe Tattoo Practice With Psoriasis

Billy Hill’s Tattoo TV Episode #137 – Risk of getting tattooed w/ Dermatitis, Eczema, Psoriasis

Consider the fact that psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. This means that the plaques on your skin are caused because your body perceives itself to be foreign and is attacking itself.

Any time you introduce something that is foreign to your body, you risk infection if your body is in a current attack phase, it may be unable to fight the infection.

Knowing that Koebner phenomenon can happen to one in four people with psoriasis, you also must assess whether you want to take the risk of worsening your psoriasis. If the risk is worth it to you, there are steps you should consider when selecting a tattoo parlor.

Following these guidelines will minimize your risk of infection, although they will not reduce your risk of the Koebner phenomenon:

Not All Tattoo Shops Are the Same

Once you have decided you would like to get a tattoo, you should do your research before going in for a tattoo. After all, not all tattoo shops are the same and not all follow guidelines established by OSHA and state law.

If you decide you want to go a specific tattoo parlor, make sure you verify the following about the tattoo parlor:

  • If it is reputable
  • The shop and artists are properly licensed
  • The shop is clean
  • Artists wear gloves during tattooing
  • Artists understand proper sterilization of all tools
  • Ink cups are only used for the one person getting the tattoo and thrown out afterward
  • Fresh needles are used each time

Psoriasis In A Tattoo Shop: Can You Get A Tattoo

Fast forward to a tattoo shop where there may not always be the friendliest or most sensitive people. The short answer to the question of whether you can get a tattoo if you have psoriasis is: It depends on the tattoo artist . However, it’s not the tattoo artists themselves that may turn you away because of your skin affliction it will probably be other patrons that don’t know or understand anything about your skin condition.

The following topics will help you understand more about the world of psoriasis and tattoos, along with the artists that you will have to interact with.

What Can Trigger A Psoriasis Outbreak

If you have psoriasis, it is very important to know what your triggers are for your body. If you don’t know what your body’s triggers are, keep a journal to find out. To help you on your way, above you will find the most common triggers.

Triggers to Psoriasis

Yoga, meditation, relaxation, deep breathing techniques

Injury

Any minor wound, insect bite, razor scrape, etc.

Keep your wounds clean and covered to heal fast.

Medications

Beta blockers, malaria meds, etc.

Always ask your doctor about your present conditions and medications before prescribing new ones.

Dryness

Dry and cracky skin is a perfect breeding ground for an outbreak.

Drink a lot of liquids , and use a quality moisturizer.

Sun Exposure

Too much sun can actually cause an outbreak, and sunburns don’t help.

The trick is to find the balance: 15 minutes of sunlight a day is good for RDA of vitamin D, work your exposure from there.

Illness

Viral, upper respiratory infections and strep throat can affect your immune system and cause an outbreak.

Wash your hands often, exercise, and keep your immune system strong.

Psoriasis can strike during ages 1535 years old.

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Triggering The Immune System

Tattoos cause an immune response typically, this is just some swelling and clouding at the area before it dies down and the tattoo is visible. However, more serious reactions can happen, and usually take the form of:

  • Keloids, a form of scar tissue that forms as the skins attempt to heal the injury.
  • Melanoma, a pigmentation change in the skin that can become dangerous.
  • Infection, due to the breaking of the skin and exposure of the injury to pathogens, including hepatitis B and C. This infection can be severe.
  • Especially to cinnabar pigments used for red and yellow and other ink pigments.

Taking Care Of Your Tattoo

Can I Get a Tattoo If I Have Psoriasis?

It takes about 2 weeks for a tattoos top layer to heal. The tattoo will scab over, and then the scab will eventually fall off. During this time, your tattoo may itch, but avoid scratching it. Scratching it may slow the healing process.

Your tattoo artist should give you specific care instructions, but here are some basic guidelines:

  • Remove the bandage after a couple of hours.
  • Wash and dry your tattoo gently, but dont scrub it.
  • Apply ointment given to you by your tattoo artist.
  • Dont soak your tattoo in water until its healed. This includes soaking in a bathtub, hot tub, or swimming pool.
  • After your tattoo has healed, apply a good unscented moisturizer to your tattoo regularly.

If at any point after the initial healing process time your tattoo burns or becomes red, you should consult a medical professional. This may indicate that the tattoo is infected.

Once you have a tattoo, be sure to avoid exposing it to sunlight for very long. Sunlight will fade or damage your tattoo. Be sure to always cover it with sunscreen.

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Should I Get A Tattoo

Posted Sun 3 Apr 2016 23.16 by nfrancis

1Posted Fri 10 Jun 2016 13.37 by Leahd I have scalp psoriasis and smal patches on my body

Posted Sat 18 Jun 2016 09.53 by Ashleyive had psoriasis since 10, 16 years till now.

Posted Mon 29 Aug 2016 16.04 by Becky

2Posted Wed 31 Aug 2016 00.53 by Mydadpeter

Posted Thu 1 Sep 2016 08.29 by andreahave had p for too many years

Posted Tue 4 Oct 2016 10.53 by AndyPsoriasis for 35 years and Psoriatic Arthritis for 15 years.

Posted Tue 4 Oct 2016 13.01 by obi1138Hey guys,long time sufferer,even longer drum and metal lover!hoping to meet,chat and find fellow afflicteds….let’s stick together!

Posted Sun 9 Oct 2016 01.41 by KelimarieBeen suffering with psoriasis since the age of 15.

Posted Sun 9 Oct 2016 11.09 by Libby0888

Posted Wed 12 Oct 2016 20.43 by ColePeriodic acute outbreaks of guttate psoriasis. Scalp and plaque psoriasis ongoing.

Posted Wed 12 Oct 2016 20.47 by ColePeriodic acute outbreaks of guttate psoriasis. Scalp and plaque psoriasis ongoing.

Posted Mon 24 Oct 2016 16.26 by Jody T

Posted Tue 1 Nov 2016 21.55 by PippaHey guys I’m 27 and had psoriasis since I was 18

Posted Wed 5 Apr 2017 13.42 by Metarie1985Beauty standard ignorer, unapologetic P sufferer for 10 years, determined to stay positive!

Posted Tue 11 Apr 2017 11.38 by andrewlang100I have psoriasis

Immune Response To Skin Injury

One theory suggests that the phenomenon occurs when the outer and middle layers of the skin are simultaneously injured. When this occurs, the immune system sends defensive cells to the site of the injury to aid in the repair. By doing so, the resulting inflammatory response may inadvertently trigger disease activity in those tissues.

With psoriasis specifically, the immune response triggered by skin injury may activate not only the antibodies that attack foreign organisms, but the autoantibodies that attack normal cells.

The hypothesis is evidenced, in part, by psoriasis flares in people who have undergone radiation therapy and have deep bruising. Although the epidermis may remain uncompromised, the underlying dermis will have sustained enough injury to incite an autoimmune response.

Based on what is known about psoriasis and the Koebner phenomenon, it makes sense, then, that tattoos can incite an autoimmune assault. Tattoo needles puncture both the dermis and epidermis when ink is being injected into your skin, which can trigger the same response as any other skin injury.

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Staying Safe While Getting A Tattoo

If you are concerned, discuss getting a tattoo with your healthcare provider. However, a few tips to consider:

  • Only get your tattoo when your lupus symptoms are under control. That may minimize any potential risks and damage.
  • Make sure that the tattoo artist is a licensed, experienced professional with a good reputation. They will not only give you a better tattoo, they are less likely to cause injury or other issues.
  • Do not go to a tattoo parlor if they do not use sterile equipment, regularly sterilize equipment, or do not swab the area with rubbing alcohol or disinfectant. These can increase the risks of infection.
  • Take care of the tattoo properly. Gently clean the tattoo site with soap and water, use light moisturizer, and cover a new tattoo with fresh gauze.
  • Do not swim or immerse yourself in water for 2 weeks
  • Keep tattoos bandaged for 24 hours after it is done, to prevent infection.

If any unusual symptoms come up, check in with a doctor!

Q: If You Have Psoriasis Can Getting A Tattoo Cause Symptoms To Flare

I have Psoriasis and I used a Groupon for Tattoos… Here’s what happened…

A: The risk for people with psoriasis is what we refer to as the Koebner phenomenon. Psoriasis plaques form at the site of a skin irritation or, in this case, a tattoo. It typically shows up in two to four weeks, but it can also occur months to years later. Not everyone with psoriasis will have this reaction. But if you have ever had a cut or burn that led to a psoriasis flare, then you may react similarly with a tattoo. If psoriasis plaques do develop, see your dermatologist.

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Tattoo Care For Psoriasis

In most situations, it takes about two weeks for the top layer of the tattoo to heal. During that time, the tattoo will scab over. You never want to scratch the skin. If you do, it can cause bigger scabs, ink loss, and even scarring.

When it comes time to clean the skin, always be gentle. Never scrub the skin in an attempt to remove scabs. They will fall off by themselves. Be careful with your new tattoo. Dont directly touch the tattooed area with dirty hands, or you could introduce bacteria into the tattoo. Scratching can delay the healing process. In most situations, avoid coming in contact with the tattooed area.

Before leaving the studio, the artist should provide you with strict care instructions. Make sure to follow them. After a few hours, you can remove the bandage from the tattoo. However, you still need to cover it with clothes when heading outside. You want to avoid any excessive sunlight as that can cause irritation. Sunlight can damage the skin and fade the ink. If you do head outside, make sure to apply sunscreen.

Some artists will send ointment home with you. If you dont get a take-home bag, the artist should provide a few recommendations for creams. You never want to dry out the skin. Well-moisturized skin is healthy and leads to a faster recovery time.

You should always avoid hot tubs and pools until your tattoo is healed. Dont soak in a bathtub. Water can introduce bacteria into the healing tattoo and cause an infection.

Getting Advice On Safety And Healing

A person should also ask and follow the tattoo artists advice on how to prevent infection and promote healing after getting the tattoo.

A person with psoriasis may wish to ask their doctor or dermatologist about getting a tattoo before going ahead. They will be able to take the individuals symptoms into consideration and offer specialist advice on safety precautions, warning signs, and aftercare.

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Could I Get Flares In New Spots

Your tattoo artist will want to put the tattoo in a place where your skin is healthy and clear. In some states, they canât tattoo skin with any sort of rash, lesion, or pimple. For example, in Oregon, tattooing is forbidden on people with open lesions or rashes of any kind. Check the rules for tattooing in your state to see if they say anything about skin conditions, including psoriasis.

Sometimes people with psoriasis symptoms in one place will get new spots after the skin is injured. These spots can happen in places that are unusual for you to have signs of psoriasis. Thereâs even a special name for this. Itâs called the Koebner phenomenon, after the person who first described it in the 1800s.

Doctors also call this phenomenon in which plaques spread to new places after injury isomorphic psoriasis. It can happen after a tattoo. It happens in up to a third of people with psoriasis.

For example, thereâs a case report of a 27-year-old man with scalp psoriasis who got many more scaly plaques 2 weeks after getting his first tattoos on his arms and back. The red spots showed up in places where the tattoos were. But they also showed up on other parts of his skin.

Q: Is Getting A Tattoo Safe For Someone With Psoriasis

Top 29+ Should Someone With Psoriasis Get A Tattoo

A: When somebody gets a tattoo, the artist inserts permanent ink of assorted colors into the skin with small punctures of a needle. Complications are relatively rare, but having an underlying disorder that affects the skin like psoriasis can raise the risk of having an immunological response to the ink. It may also prolong the healing time following the procedure. If you’re prone to skin allergies, consider getting patch tested before tattooing to see how your skin might react to the ink. Keep in mind that patch test results are not a guarantee of how your skin will react to a tattoo.

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Things You Didnt Realize Were Affected By Psoriasis

Most of us dont think twice about the things we do – you want to get a tattoo? You go and get one! You like fancy pedicures? Appointment for 1, please! But when youre living with a chronic condition, all the things that most of us take for granted, come at a price. Here are 4 things you probably didnt realize were affected by psoriasis.

Tattoos The Immune System And Lupus

Are tattoos safe for people with lupus. Lets turn to the research.

A 2019 study on tattoos in people with lupus found no increase in SDI scores or lupus symptoms.

In total, 147 people participated in the study. 65 of the 147 had a tattoo. No participants experienced acute complications. The median time between the tattoo and the flare-up was 9 months.

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Things To Know About Tattoos If You Have Psoriasis

A medical expert answers common questions about the dos, donts, and risks of getting a tattoo if you have the autoimmune disease.

Alejandro Moreno de Carlos/Stocksy

If you have psoriasis, it doesnt mean you cant get a tattoo. But there are things you should know before getting one to reduce your risk of psoriasis symptom flares, skin lesions, and other complications.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that leads to a buildup of extra cells on the skins surface. Thick, scaly patches called plaques can develop, causing itchiness, burning, or soreness of the skin. People with psoriasis may think a tattoo will hide their condition, but tattoos likely wont conceal patches and could in fact cause skin irritation or a worsening of symptoms.

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Many patients want to hide certain skin-related conditions, so its a good question to ask your doctor if a tattoo could make your condition worse, says Edward Prodanovic, MD, an assistant professor of dermatology at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk.

Here Dr. Prodanovic answers some common questions about the dos and donts of getting tattoos, especially if youre one of the 7.5 million Americans living with psoriasis.

Set Yourself Up For Success

Will Psoriasis Affect my Tattoo

If you have psoriasis, the chances are that you already live with it every day and know how to work around it. As such, you should do the same thing before getting your new tattoo done, as well. Set yourself up for success by doing things like changing your sheets often, moisturizing your dry skin regularly, and avoiding situations and allergens that give you flare-ups.

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Woman Horrified As Severe Psoriasis Destroys Her Tattoo

A woman has been left devastated after severe and quick-spreading psoriasis covered her entire body and turned the rose tattoo on her arm into an unrecognisable, blurry mess.

When Kelly OHanlon, 35, first noticed her scalp was itchy and flaky, she thought it was simply dandruff, so she started using a specialist shampoo.

But when that made little difference, she saw her GP and was diagnosed with psoriasis an incurable condition which sees the skin become covered in crusty patches.

Over the next few years, Kelly who has two children tried all sorts of treatments, including topical creams and UVB light therapy, but nothing controlled the condition for long.

I went from having a patch of psoriasis the size of a 50p to my legs, arms, stomach and even face being covered in red, sore patches, says Kelly.

The tattoo on my arm, which I got in 2017 and have always loved, was particularly affected. One day it was there, and the next it had disappeared into a blurred, distorted mess.

The initial patch on Kellys scalp began to get grow and get incredibly itchy, but Kelly admits she never expected the condition to spread as quickly as it did.

Over the next three months, Kellys symptoms worsened until her hairline and the skin behind her ears were also covered in crusty patches.

In September 2011, she was officially diagnosed with plaque psoriasis the most common form of the condition and given some prescription-strength coal tar shampoo.

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