Tattoos

[Chazzy]

Can we get tattoos!? Is it not recommended? Sorry random I know and not massively important but curious

[Becca75]

I already have one....that's a good question though. Not sure why we couldn't but it's a good thing to find out

[Chazzy in reply to Becca75]

Also already have one. Had another hooked before all this so wanna know whether to cancel or not :s

[Becca75]

healthunlocked.com/pbc-foun...

from a previous post...

[Chazzy in reply to Becca75]

So basically ok but might take longer to heal!

[Becca75 in reply to Chazzy]

that's what I understood - but remember that's from another member not from a professional.

[Chazzy in reply to Becca75]

I'll double check it but positive news for me!

[boneytoys]

Given that there is a thought that hair dye may be a trigger for pbc I would have thought it might be something you'd have second thoughts about . Certainly I had used hair dye for years and stil do

not sure of my point but I guess it's a dye but since we have pbc what's the dif??!!

[Chazzy in reply to boneytoys]

Will see what consultant says long as doesn't do more damage can't get it twice! Hope not at least x

[CathieG in reply to Chazzy]

Hi, hope you're doing ok. I wanted microdermabrasion on my face but the beautician refused because of PBC. I know it's totally different but our skin is more sensitive to anything that can scratch the surface....so to speak. Best to consult the experts.

[Chazzy in reply to CathieG]

Feeling bit better just waiting for appointment now!!!

[AllieCraw]

Although not confirmed as PBC yet (biopsy is next week), I had a tattoo after my doctor told me she thought I had it and some of my tattoo bruised a bit and took a little longer to heal, but looks great. I did ask my doctor, but she doesn't think anyone should get tattoos anyway. ( I have 14 now and plan on more). If anyone knows from a specialists point of view, it would be interesting to know.

[Wass71]

I've had all but one of my tattoos since being diagnosed, my consultant has never said anything other than joking that every time he sees me I have a new tattoo somewhere!!

The only issue would be if you have blood clotting problems. Then it wouldn't be wise. Healing can take longer, and I know I bruise and swell up badly. Also have to be super cautious about making sure its kept clean to avoid infection, that could be bad. Its obvious we should be sure the tattooist is really up on infection control, and is a professional, not a scratcher.

So I'm continuing, until then. I have one booked for Monday. This is just my opinion so if you feel you need it defo ask your doc.

Happy inking!!

E

[dianekjs]

There haven't been any studies done about tattoos and their effect on PBC and other autoimmune diseases, so don't expect your consultant or physician to know the answer to this. However, what IS known is that environmental toxins or exposures to harmful substances can trigger the development of autoimmune diseases. If hair dyes are potentially harmful, it would certainly seem that tattoos would be more so. Tattoo inks are known to contain toxic heavy metals, and they're being permanently etched into the skin. What you put in your skin gets absorbed into the body, period. Then you have the risk of hepatitis and other infections to consider on top of that. Why on earth take a chance of tipping the scales with something you can control when there is so much of this that we can't? There are known associations among dyes, perfumes, and other cosmetics to PBC, and logic would suggest introducing permanent inks into the skin would be at least as bad if not worse. This is a decision each person has to make for themselves, but when dealing with a serious progressive disease with suspected environmental triggers, it would probably be wise to err on the side of caution - particularly since the decision can't be undone. My two cents. Best of luck. 😊