Tattoos?

I have a couple of small tattoos that either need to be removed or covered up, but I’ve been told by a friend that DMARD treatment means most laser places and tattooists are likely to say no to working on me due to being immunosuppressed and a higher risk of infection, particularly as I’m currently on both mtx and lef. I’m getting mixed answers from digging through google, so can anyone confirm if that’s their own personal experience? Ideally I want them removed, not covered, but whatever happens they absolutely HAVE to go in their present form one way or another. I’d been meaning to get it done for the last couple of years but just couldn’t afford it. Now I can afford it, but seem to be banjaxed by finally getting an arthritis diagnosis and appropriate treatment...

[Gigi71]

Best to check with your rheumy team, they should be able to advise correctly for you. X

[Hidden in reply to Gigi71]

Thanks for the reply. I will of course check with rheumy regardless, but just wanted to hear from those who may have tried to get tats or laser removal done post diagnosis and whether or not they were able to do so. I’ve already been told by one skin clinic attached to a major chain they probably wouldn’t touch me as things stand, so I was hoping to bypass endless phoning round if the consensus is it’s a non-starter. Or they both are.

[KittyJ]

I’ve had all my tattoos since being diagnosed and it’s never been a problem. In fact I’m waiting for a cover up appointment at the moment which I will get done once I feel happier about going out and about. Do check with you rheumy/other doctors too though as we all have different things going on 😊

[Hidden in reply to KittyJ]

Thanks Kitty, that’s really helpful. I will speak to rheum before committing to anything, I just don’t want to waste time making enquiries with either clinics or tattooists if there’s no chance of getting it done.

[KittyJ in reply to Hidden]

I don’t just go to any old tattooist ( no offence to any tattooists on here 😊) I’ve known mine for a long time so he knows me and I know he’s super clean.

[Hidden]

Thanks for the reply. Phoned one skin clinic (part of a London chain) who’ve said probably not because of the immunosupression. Then the friend also said unlikely to get laser removal due to the meds, and same for new tats to cover them, hence my post here. Most skin places do seem to ask about prescription medication and health issues now.

Out of interest, did you find it really painful?

[Angjoplin]

Cant speak for removal but I've had plenty of tattoos done on all meds. I'm just a lot more careful with aftercare. Got one infection once, but that was when my cat scratched a brand new tattoo! 🤦‍♀️