Can I Have A Tattoo With Eczema
Tattoos seem to be appealing than ever, giving the wrong perception that getting inked is safe for everyone. However, tattoos and eczema can stay together. It is not a safe idea if you are currently having a flare-up or if you have an allergy to the inked used. Any worry about getting a tattoo when you are diagnosed with eczema should be addressed with your dermatologist before handing it to the tattoo parlor.
I have tattoos myself and didnt have any bad reactions. It is important to look at the conditioning of your skin before making a decision however. I chose a location that never had any bad flare ups and researched the topic as much as possible!
Eczema is a chronic condition, but signs and symptoms can be dormant. Certain symptoms such as itchiness redness can mean that a flare-up is coming. If this is the case, you may want to reschedule your tattoo appointment and hold off until your flare-up is coming. If this is the case, you may want to reschedule your tattoo appointment and hold off until your flare-up has completely passed.
Eat For Healthier Skin
Beyond beverages, many people dont consider that what they consume and dont consume has a big impact on skin health, which invariably will have an impact on your skins ability to properly accept a tattoo. Avoid foods that can dry out your skin, those that are salty, sugary, and contain refined carbohydrates.
Instead, consume fish that is high in the essential fatty acid omega-3. Also add nuts to your diet, especially brazil nuts and almonds, those that are rich in Vitamin-E and selenium which is a powerful antioxidant that works alongside Vitamin-E and C . Vitamin-E is also prevalent in avocado so feel free to ask for extra guacamole when heading out for tacos.
Lastly, consume plenty of Vitamin-C to support your immune system while promoting healthy skin through collagen production. While you can supplement accordingly theres nothing like natural foods to deliver what you need and achieve healthier skin. Vitamin-C rich foods include dark green leafy veggies, sweet potatoes, red and green peppers, tomatoes, and more.
Eating for a better tattoo -whod a thunk it!?
Dont Scratch The Tattoo
While it seems like an obvious thing, many people usually do it, which brings them a lot of pain. When you scratch your tattoo area, you will aggravate eczema, and also ruin your tattoo in the process. Additionally, scratching your skin will also make you develop painful scars that will prolong your healing period. Therefore, it would be best to avoid scratching your skin to get the best result from your tattoo, which ensures that you heal fast enough.
Recommended Reading: Fine Line Tattoo San Diego
Questions To Ask Before Getting A Tattoo
Before getting a tattoo, a person should ask the tattoo artist about their sanitation techniques and how they keep their equipment clean.
For example, every tattoo parlor should have a machine called an autoclave that sterilizes instruments at ultra-high heats. Staff should always wear gloves during this procedure.
Also, the artist should place tattoo inks in a single-use cup and throw them away after completing a tattoo.
A person may also wish to ask to observe how the tattoo artist prepares the instruments before getting a tattoo. They do not have to agree to this step, but if they do, it can provide peace of mind for some people.
It may also be worth asking which brand and colors of ink the tattoo artist will be using. Then, a person can check whether there are any active recalls on the product.
Skin Reactions Caused By Tattoos:
If youre having a skin reaction, heres what may be happening with your skin and what you can do to prevent it.
- Skin Rashes:
You can develop an allergic reaction at any time. It can happen:
- Immediately
- Weeks or years later
Some people develop an allergic reaction after having medical treatment. This reaction is most likely to occur if you:
- Start anti retroviral treatment for HIV
- Have joint-replacement surgery
Signs of skin rashes may include:
- Itchiness
- Chills and shivering
- Open sores in the tattoo
Medical help is recommended and also talk to your tattoo artist if anything you can apply to diminish the infection.
- Sun allergy:
After getting a tattoo, some people may also develop a sun allergy on their inked skin. This reaction can happen each and every time the skin is exposed in the sunlight.
Signs of a sun allergy appear within a few minutes of the sun hitting your tattoo or hours later. You may notice any of the following symptoms:
- Swelling and redness around a tattoo
- Itchy rash
- Blisters or hives
You can prevent your skin from the sun by applying sunscreen lotion of SPF-30 just 15 minutes prior to heading out in the sun and staying in shady areas while stepping outside. Covering the tattoo may also relieve eczema symptoms.
- Ink Allergy:
You can develop an allergic reaction any time as soon as you get a tattoo. It can happen:
- Immediately
- Weeks or years later
- Redness and swelling
Recommended Reading: What Kind Of Lotion To Put On Tattoo
Be Patient With The Healing Process
The healing process will not depend on your eczema condition. How fast you are going to heal will depend on your body, and it will also depend on the size of the tattoo. Healing could start from a weak for smaller tattoo designs, or it could take months for larger designs. The best thing to do is to be patient with the healing process because it is worth the wait. As such, donât start adding substances to the tattoo wound to speed recovery. You may make the wound worse because you already have sensitive skin.
What Should I Ask A Tattoo Artist About Eczema
Read Also: How Much Is A Half Sleeve Tattoo
Is There Special Ink Used To Tattoo Sensitive Skin
Tattoo inks come in different varieties. Some tattoo artists may already have ink for sensitive skin available in their shops, while others may need to order it in advance. To ensure your safety, inform your artist about your skin condition so they can get the ink ready in time for your appointment.
Additionally, its possible that your tattoo artist may choose not to work on your skin if you have any lesions caused by your eczema flare-up. So if youre currently experiencing redness, itchiness, and other symptoms, it could mean that a flare-up is coming. Consider rescheduling your tattoo appointment and wait until your flare-up has passed and your skin has healed.
Is It Safe To Use Eczema Lotion On A Tattoo
There are plenty of reasons to get tattoos. They can express your inner identity, celebrate your values, or simply enhance your appearance.
Thats not to say the experience of getting a new tattoo is always 100% pleasant. While its certainly exciting, the aftermath can also involve some degree of discomfort. As your tattoo heals, you may feel itchy.
Youll also likely want to know what you can do about it. Many people trying to find relief from post-tattoo itchiness wonder if its acceptable to use eczema lotion on tattoos.
Are you one of them? If so, the information here will help you better understand whether this is a good idea.
Recommended Reading: How To Treat An Infected Tattoo At Home
Continued Care For A Tattoo
If you want to slow the fading, and keep your tattoo looking its best for as long as possible, then the tattoo healing process doesnt stop once its healed. In case youve forgotten, this is permanent. You should take care of your tattoos in the same ways you care for your skin to prevent aging.
- Sunscreen – While you shouldnt apply sunscreen to your tattoo until it is completely healed, once it is healed, sun protection is critical for your tattoo if you want to keep it as vibrant and defined as possible. Here’s how to choose the best sunscreen for sensitive skin.
- Continuous moisturizing – Especially during dry, cold months, youll want to apply a good amount of non-comedogenic moisturizer for sensitive skin. Dry skin shows signs of aging faster, so keeping it hydrated will prevent some of the wrinkling and stretching that can warp your tattoo.
- Stay hydrated – Moisturizer and lotion cant do all the work to keep your skin healthy. Drinking enough water is the basis for hydrated skin. Without it, your skin will be dull, and the duller the skin, the duller your tattoo will appear.
Tattoos are a lifelong commitment so invest in a quality artist and take eternal care of them to get the most of the new art on your skin. And dont think that you cant be included in the fun of tattoos if you have sensitive skin. Just do some research, contact your derm beforehand, and follow all of these tattoo aftercare tips.
Erythema Nodosum And Pyoderma Gangrenosum
These two skin conditions are exceedingly rare with tattoos. When they do occur, they cause lesions and are often associated with inflammatory bowel disease or other chronic conditions.
Pyoderma gangrenosum, in particular, can cause deep ulcers that are difficult to treat. Erythema nodosum tends to come and go, and gets worse when the underlying autoimmune condition is flaring up.
Because both of these conditions sometimes result after there has been trauma, like a needle prick, to the skin, it may be recommended by healthcare professionals that people who are prone to them not get tattoos.
Recommended Reading: What Does Tattoo Removal Cost
Considerations Before Getting A Tattoo
If you live with a chronic or autoimmune disease such as inflammatory bowel disease , lupus, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, or psoriasis, you may be wondering if it is wise to get a tattoo.
Whether or not it is safe to get a tattoo is a discussion that is best had with a healthcare professional. Several questions should be considered, including if the disease or condition is well controlled and if there is an increased risk of developing a complication, such as an infection.
In all cases, tattooing should only be performed by a licensed, experienced professional in a reputable location who uses sterile equipment.
Sanitary Practices And The Risk Of Infection Or Disease
The process of tattooing involves injury to the skin, which may open it up to infection. Infection is one of the more common risks of tattoos, especially those done at home or in unlicensed facilities. People who live with autoimmune disease and already have a compromised immune system, or whose immune system is suppressed through medication, may be at increased risk of infections.
The body is less able to defend itself against bacteria when there is active inflammation or a lowered immune response. People who live with autoimmune conditions will want to ask about and follow the aftercare instructions from the tattoo artist carefully and consult a healthcare provider at the first sign of infection.
Even when a tattoo is performed in a reputable facility, bacteria that live on the body may get under the skin during the process. During healing, the tattooed area may be itchy, and scratching it could lead to bacteria getting under the skin and causing infection.
Equipment, ink, or needles that are not kept sterile or are reused can also become contaminated and lead to infection with bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. Cases of fungal infection have been reported also, but these appear to be rare.
Another risk of receiving a tattoo in a non-sterile environment or with used equipment is in contracting a bloodborne disease, such as hepatitis.
Recommended Reading: App To Remove Tattoos From Pictures
Tattoos And An Increased Risk With Eczema
Eczema is a condition of the autoimmune system. It often will flare-up when the immune system kicks into overdrive. Although Eczema may develop as a child, but sometimes in adults later. Additionally, there seems to be a genetic factor as eczema tends to run in families. Common triggers include:
- acute illnesses
- chemical exposure
- environmental allergies
There are some risks inherent with getting a tattoo. The risks of these side effects increase if you suffer from eczema or another preexisting skin condition. Your skin is already sensitive when you have skin conditions such as psoriasis. A tattoo can make this sensitivity even worse.
Questions You Should Ask Your Tattoo Artist
If you are an eczema patient, you should ask some question for your own safety and satisfaction:
A tattoo is inked by damaging the upper and middle layers of skin. It is better known as the epidermis and dermis, respectively. The needles are consumed to create the permanent indentions along with the desired ink.
Everyone who gets a tattoo will need to take a lot of care of the fresh wound, regardless of whether you have eczema or not. Your tattoo designer will bandage your skin and offer tips on how to take care of your new tattoo.
Don’t Miss: Dr Numb Tattoo Numbing Cream
How Do I Get Rid Of Eczema On My Tattoo
The answer to this question varies on the age of your tattoo. For tattoos under three days old, you must simply wash and dry them as they go through their weeping stage putting any product other than an ointment could disrupt this healing process.
For tattoos older than 72 hours, you can apply a cold compress to the area, moisturize it with a product that contains soothing ingredients, and pat or tap it to soothe any itch or irritation. In addition, a short shower with cool or lukewarm water may provide relief.
Remember that a tattoo cannot be submerged before three weeks, as this could disrupt your healing process or result in infections. After around three weeks or more of healing, you can return to taking colloidal oatmeal baths to help soothe your skin.
Remember that if your symptoms dont seem to ease or if youre ever overwhelmed on how to manage your new tattoo healing along with your eczema condition, you should speak to your dermatologist for professional advice.
Is There A Risk Of Getting A Tattoo For An Eczema Patient
Eczema is known as atopic dermatitis. It is caused by an immune system reaction. You may be diagnosed with eczema in childhood. And it is also possible to get it later as an adult, too. Eczema tends to run in genetics and may also be triggered by
- Illness
- Allergies
- Chemicals or air pollution
Anyone who gets a tattoo is in danger of certain side effects. When you have eczema or other preexisting skin conditions such as psoriasis, your skin is already sensitive, so it is possible to get higher risks.
Recommended Reading: Can You Get Hiv From Getting A Tattoo
Moisturize Weeks In Advance
Dry and flakey skin does not exactly set the table for an ideal tattoo. If you have a persistent issue, start using a moisturizer that includes some combination of ingredients proven to be effective against dry skin. These include glycolic acid, aloe vera, lactic acid, urea, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and occlusive agents such as dimethicone, petrolatum, paraffin, and lanolin. The more advance the better, as youll be able to try out different moisturizers until you find one thats effective for your unique skin type. Just dont go to town on the bottle of lotion on the day of your tattoo, as that can leave a stubborn film that gets in the way of the needle and ink.
If you happen to suffer from extremely dry skin in the winter you may consider putting off your tattoo until the spring and summer. Again, this is only for extreme cases, and in such a case you may want to consult with a dermatologist to provide a solution, as you would with eczema and other skin conditions.
How To Safely Get A Tattoo With Eczema
It is possible to safely get a tattoo with eczema with proper research and preparation. Here are some tips:
- Find a Trustworthy Shop and Artist Its imperative to go to a reputable, professional, and clean tattoo shop and artist. The best option is an artist that has experience tattooing those with eczema. Do your research and read reviews.
- Look for Sensitive-Skin Tattoo Ink There are many different kinds of tattoo ink, all with varying ingredients. Research which type would be best for sensitive skin. Once you find a good option, do a patch test to assess your risk of an allergic reaction.
- Avoid Frequent Flare-Up Spots Its best to get your tattoo in an area of your body that doesnt get any or many flare-ups.
- Reschedule to Avoid Flare-Ups You do not want to get your tattoo during a flare-up, so reschedule your appointment if necessary.
Read Also: Can You Get A Tattoo With Eczema