Tattoo and RA meds

[HappySummer]

Hey everyone

Can anyone help if you can get a tattoo whilst taking RA meds? I’m currently taking hydroxychloroquine and about to start baricitinib. I don’t know what to do.. it seems ok but not sure. Can anyone help? TIA

[Sockknitter]

Hi HappySummer. I would doubt it. Especially if you are moving onto Biologics. Check with your Rheumie before proceeding.

It's because of the risk of infection. If you are getting a planned operation, you come off medication before (sometimes 3 months) and can't go back on till 3 months after.

[HappySummer in reply to Sockknitter]

Thanks sockknitter.. I will ask my Rheumy Dr and nurse.. I feel the risk of infection is quite low tho.. isn’t the same with any kind of chemical type products using in the skin. I was thinking of having a patch test if the tattoo first

[AgedCrone in reply to HappySummer]

Chances of Infection maybe low....but they are there.....and do take a peek at what a tattoo will look like in the future....usually not what you’d want to look at!

Maybe a lovely piece of jewellery instead?

[oldtimer]

A tattoo makes small holes in your skin. That increases the likelihood of infection. You have had your ability to resist infection lowered as part of the treatment to reduce your auto-immunity.

Personally, I would feel that this is a risk not worth taking for ornamentation reasons, but you may feel strongly that this is something you want to do to demonstrate that you can lead your own life despite your long term illness.

[Mmrr in reply to oldtimer]

All of the ink does not stay in the skin either, some travels to the nearest lymph nodes, which may also become the colour of the ink used, and new evidence suggest some ink is also lodged in the liver as it tries to rid the body of the ink.

[KittyJ]

I’ve had tattoos since being on RA meds. But, as always, speak to your rheumy nurse to discuss it as although it’s been ok for me, that was my decision and it might not be ok for you 😊

[HappySummer in reply to KittyJ]

Thanks KittyJ I’ll have a chat with the nurse.. thinking of a small tattoo, I’ve already designed.. I’m just so conflicted now... I’m not irresponsible but slightly worried cos of healing time and risk of infection

[KittyJ in reply to HappySummer]

I’ve always kept it covered for longer than suggested and been scrupulous with washing it. Of course it depends where it is as to how easy it is to keep it clean but I’ve had no infections and healing time is no longer. My tattooist knows I’m immunosuppressed and I checked him out beforehand and have now used him for many years.

Of course you’re not irresponsible, you’re asking for advice before proceeding and will make an informed decision. More sensible than me 😊

[HappySummer in reply to KittyJ]

thanks KittyJ.. your reply means a lot me..

[KittyJ in reply to HappySummer]

😊 I should have mentioned I’m on a biologic and mtx ( plus others )

[Mmrr]

Tattoos also raise the risk of developing autoimmune disease and since you are already prone to these you might want to do some serious thinking ? The risk is small....but....

Is a tattoo worth more health issues, or worry over increased health risk ?

[Shalf in reply to Mmrr]

Totally agree but then I think they are horrible on a woman anyway.

Each to their own but I wouldn't personally run the risk of infection.

[nomoreheels]

Hiya HappySummer & welcome to us here at HU NRAS. I have my own thoughts on tattoos but that's not what you're asking for so shall keep them to myself! However maybe this would be helpful reading for you arthursplace.co.uk/life/bod...

[KittyJ in reply to nomoreheels]

That’s a really helpful link nomoreheels. 👍🏻

[HappySummer in reply to nomoreheels]

Thank you for the kind welcome nomoreheels and sharing the link.

your profile name is exactly the way it is now for me...I was going to name mine sketchersforever but didn’t want to endorse a brand! Have a lovely relaxing day!

[mistymeana]

I've had tattoos while on Hydroxychloroquine without any issues. Do you have time to get yours done before you start Baricitinib?