tattoo and biologic/metratrexate

[Mybirthday1975]

morning all!😊

As you are all aware in due to start Himara and I’m also taking metratrexate but I’m due to have my first ever tattoo 🤗 I just wanted to know if anyone of you guys have tattoos and have had them since been on these drugs and what you did before having the tattoo such as stopping medication etc etc…it’s nothing big I’m getting done but always wanted one and didn’t want RA holding me back.

Any advice is appreciated as always 💖

[KittyJ]

I’ve had eight since being on mtx, three since being on a biologic and am getting my next one soon. Make sure you go somewhere reputable/recommended and just let them know you’re on immune suppressive meds ( if you’ve started a biologic by then) I’ve never stopped meds. Finally make sure you follow their aftercare instructions. It’s all common sense really. Go for it 😁

[Mybirthday1975 in reply to KittyJ]

Aww thanks for replying yeah it’s my first one so so feeling nervous!do they hurt?😂

[KittyJ in reply to Mybirthday1975]

It can be a bit sore depending on the body part but it’s not the worst pain I’ve ever felt and I went back for more 😂

[JenniferW]

I don't know if this is relevant to tattoos but I was told not to have acupuncture whilst on biologics, maybe give the rheumatology helpline a call.

[KittyJ in reply to JenniferW]

I have had acupuncture whilst on biologics too, consultant said it was fine to.

[JenniferW in reply to KittyJ]

Maybe I got mixed up then, I can't remember who said it now, it was a while ago.

[KittyJ in reply to JenniferW]

consultants all tell us different so it’s quite likely you were told that sadly. I only asked them because I was struggling and what they were trying wasn’t working.

[Gilliancheche in reply to KittyJ]

I have been looking into acupuncture, I will definitely check with rheumatology before I do anything. I had heard ago but the needles didn't even draw blood so I hadn't given it a thought until now.

[Mybirthday1975 in reply to Gilliancheche]

Thanks 👍

[wilbertjellyfish]

I had a cartilage piercing done when on humeria and it took a year to heal. It had recurring infection and may have caused my cellulitis so be careful about hygiene.Good luck with it.

[Mybirthday1975 in reply to wilbertjellyfish]

Thanks 👍

[Wantplaytennis]

RA victims,mm,who needs more needles?

[KittyJ in reply to Wantplaytennis]

Victim ? Not me 😁

[Wantplaytennis in reply to KittyJ]

Well I contend that inadvertently you are a tattoo victim of contemporary nonsense culture.What do i know, well yep you guessed it, I'm an old school not very contemporary kind of guy that can't be doing with pretty much all life's contemporary societal nonsense,and there's an awful lot of it about😒

[KittyJ in reply to Wantplaytennis]

Oh dear, Still doesn’t make me an RA victim though. Tattoos have been around a long time so not really contemporary nonsense.

[hazelcats in reply to KittyJ]

With you on this one KittyJ. Everyone is of course entitled to their own opinions and I personally object to having tattooing seen as contemporary nonsense. Its a serious and very ancient art - if done well of course. A victim?! More needles??? My mtx needle is used for necessity whilst all my tattooing needles were from personal choice, with a very conscious and well considered thought process beforehand.Each to their own.

[Angjoplin]

I've had 10 tattoos since been on various drugs over the last many years. My tip is to make extra double sure you're cleaning it regularly once it's done. Personally I clean, then use bepanthen, then cover lightly with cling film to keep any dirt out. Every tattoist will tell you different aftercare, but I think it depends on your skin. What works for one person won't work for another. If they offer second skin take it. However I know someone who is allergic to that. If you have pets be extra careful to keep them away. The only time I've got an infection was when my cat clawed a fresh tattoo.

[Mybirthday1975 in reply to Angjoplin]

Thanks 👍