Is it safe to have a tattoo done?

[Lizziequink]

Hi all. Can anyone tell me if it's advisable to have a tattoo (a discrete one I should add) if you have Lupus? I already have one on my ankle which I had done following the loss of my daughter so I know that she is with me wherever I go, and that was done after my initial diagnosis of RA. My list of auto-immune conditions has grown since then and I just want to find out if having one done now would have an adverse effect health-wise.

[Hidden]

Lizzie, this would be a good question for your specialist. I’m not a doctor, or anything like unto one, but if I had to guess, I would say it’s probably not a good idea? Since autoimmune perceives things in our bodies as invaders and goes on extra attack, I would think that the ink, as well as the needle entering your skin, would both be interpreted by your disease as an invader.

Hopefully someone with a better understanding of this will answer your question, but good luck. And I am so sorry to hear about your daughter. That is rough. My deepest condolences.

[Lizziequink in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your suggestion and your comments about 'invaders' certainly make sense to me. I have an appointment in January with a new specialist so hopefully they will be able to provide an answer. Thank you too for your condolences. Losing my beloved daughter was far, far worse than dealing with any health condition to me. If I could deal with that, I can deal with anything. My existing tattoo was my way of keeping her close.

[Hidden in reply to Lizziequink]

I can’t even imagine the pain of losing a child. I have 4 sons and a daughter (all adults now) and I consider my daughter my best friend. My youngest, McCain had meningitis and was horribly sick for 2 1/2 weeks when he was 7. I seriously thought we were going to lose him. I am so very sorry for the pain you’ve gone through and I know your daughter is watching over you, advocating for you. Be well my friend!

[Lizziequink in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much. The pain is something that never goes but you do learn to live with it and in so many ways I was very lucky. I got the opportunity to see my daughter grow up and blossom into a beautiful young woman - not everyone who loses a child has that, and I'm eternally grateful, and for the kind people like yourself who care so much about others x

[Hidden in reply to Lizziequink]

Always!

[PMRpro]

A tattoo is effectively an open wound until it is healed - and for anyone that exposes you to the risk of infection and for patients with suppressed immunity that has to be a major risk.

However, this is an old thread

healthunlocked.com/lupusuk/...

This researchgate.net/publicatio...

warns "Traumatic episodes, including tattooing, must be avoided in people with underlying immunological abnor-malities or clinical autoimmune diseases."

and this is a lot more reader-friendly:

theguardian.com/fashion/201...

I would discuss it with my doctors first. Above all, if you decide to have one done then you need a good artist with good hygiene and you need to be very careful afterwards.

[Lizziequink in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for your advice and the links PMRpro. What you say makes a lot of sense. I guess I may just have been lucky to get away with it last time.

[Lizziequink]

Many thanks Pippa. You've confirmed what others have said. Much appreciated everyone x

[heatherevans28]

I would ask your consultant. At the end of the day your consultant knows most about your specific condition(s) and how they affect your blood.

I’ve had a major tattoo done since being diagnosed and had no problem. Yes, it may take a bit longer to heal but otherwise it should be a sterile process. The wound isn’t left open, as it scabs over in the first day. This should protect it from infection once the initial bandage comes off.

The risks really depend on whether you have sticky blood and take any blood thinners for this. This can cause issues. It also depends what medication you are on. I was on high dose steroids and mychophenolate mofetil when I got mine done, so was very immunosuppressed. My consultant, who is a top lupus specialist, had absolutely no problem with my tattoo.

Hope this helps.

[Lizziequink in reply to heatherevans28]

It does help Heather. Thank you.

[MissusTee]

I am covered in tattoos, my whole arm, my back , feet, thigh etc. They are slower to heal than with other people, but I love them!

[Lizziequink in reply to MissusTee]

Thanks for getting back to me.

[chriscarter]

Hi,

I have UCTD and had a tattoo recently with no problems. Chat with the tattooist as they may have experience with people like ourselves with 'our' problems.

Good luck 🙂

Chris

[Princerogers777]

Didnt bother me, still they would say risk of infection so keep it clean. I got a big tinkerbell on my leg n it took longer to heal i was scared it was gonna get infected but it didnt like i said jus keep it clean & antibiotic creamed

[SCOOTER4444]

I have just got (2 )- 4 months ago. No issues at all for me.

[eescvc]

I'm covered in tattoos (full sleeve, half sleeve, both legs) and my specialist has never expressed it to be a problem that I'm getting tattooed frequently. I just make sure I'm extremely careful with keeping them clean and healing.

[blondie22]

I have had 3 small tattoos and 1 big one down my side since I got diagnosed 6 years ago and I am scheduling one in for after christmas. As long you keep it clean and healthy the healing process should be ok. Of course if you are concerned contact your specialist and also if you do book in make sure you tell the tattooist about lupus so they are aware.

[Sheena000]

Yes. I have several tattoos and no issues with them. I love them 😍

[Lizziequink in reply to Sheena000]

Thank you Sheena