Can I Have a Tattoo with Eczema?

Tattoos seem to be appealing than ever, giving the wrong perception that getting inked is safe for everyone. However, tattoos and eczema can stay together. It is not a safe idea if you are currently having a flare-up or if you have an allergy to the inked used. Any worry about getting a tattoo when you are diagnosed with eczema should be addressed with your dermatologist before handing it to the tattoo parlor.

I have tattoos myself and didn’t have any bad reactions. It is important to look at the conditioning of your skin before making a decision however. I chose a location that never had any bad flare ups and researched the topic as much as possible!

Eczema is a chronic condition, but signs and symptoms can be dormant. Certain symptoms such as itchiness redness can mean that a flare-up is coming. If this is the case, you may want to reschedule your tattoo appointment and hold off until your flare-up is coming. If this is the case, you may want to reschedule your tattoo appointment and hold off until your flare-up has completely passed.

Is there a risk of getting a tattoo for an eczema patient?

Eczema is known as atopic dermatitis. It is caused by an immune system reaction. You may be diagnosed with eczema in childhood. And it is also possible to get it later as an adult, too. Eczema tends to run in genetics and may also be triggered by

  • Illness
  • Allergies
  • Chemicals or air pollution

Anyone who gets a tattoo is in danger of certain side effects. When you have eczema or other preexisting skin conditions such as psoriasis, your skin is already sensitive, so it is possible to get higher risks.

Risk of getting a tattoo on sensitive skin

There could be possible complications of getting tattoos if you are an eczema patient.

  1. It can increase itchiness from skin healing
  2. Eczema flares-up
  3. Hypopigmentation
  4. An allergic reaction to the tattoo ink used
  5. Scarring from a tattoo that has not healed
  6. Development of Keloids

If you are thinking about getting a tattoo to cover up scars from old eczema flare, be aware that you are still at risk of higher side effects. Contrary it is possible that the scar you are trying to cover up could worsen.

Is there any safe ink available for sensitive skin?

Just as you can get a diversity of inks to make a design on paper, tattoo inks come in many varieties, too. Some tattoo makers already use safe ink for sensitive skin on hand. Other tattoo shops may have to buy it in advance. It is also essential to know that tattoo designer may not have the authorized right to work on your skin if you have any wounds related to your eczema flare-up. You will need to take a gap until your skin has been restored before getting a tattoo.

Questions you should ask your tattoo artist

If you are an eczema patient, you should ask some question for your own safety and satisfaction:

  1. Have you experienced eczema-prone skin?
  2. Do you apply ink made for sensitive skin? If not, can it be ordered before the appointment?
  3. What aftercare instructions do you have?
  4. What should I do if I get eczema underneath my new tattoo?
  5. Are you legally verified for tattoo designing?
  6. How do you care about a tattoo if you diagnosed with eczema
  7. Do you use sterilized equipment during tattooing?

A tattoo is inked by damaging the upper and middle layers of skin. It is better known as the epidermis and dermis, respectively. The needles are consumed to create the permanent indentions along with the desired ink.

Everyone who gets a tattoo will need to take a lot of care of the fresh wound, regardless of whether you have eczema or not. Your tattoo designer will bandage your skin and offer tips on how to take care of your new tattoo.

Tips for a new tattoo

  1. Remove the bandage within 24 hours of tattooing or as directed by your tattoo artist.
  2. Gently cleanse your tattoo with a paper towel or wet clothing. Do not submerge the tattoo in water.
  3. Dab on ointment from the tattoo shop. Avoid Neosporin and the rest of the counter ointments as these can prevent your tattoo from healing properly.
  4. After some days, switch to fragrance-free moisturizer to prevent itchiness.
  5. It takes a couple of weeks for a new tattoo to heal. If you got eczema in the surrounding area, you may be able to treat your flare-up carefully with:
  6. An oatmeal bath for inflammation and itchiness
  7. Hydrocortisone cream to end itching
  8. Oatmeal-containing body lotion
  9. Prescription eczema or ointments or creams if recommended by doctors.

When to see the doctor after a tattoo

Your tattoo designer is your primary point of contact for tips on tattoo care. Some situations require a physician’s visit. You should see a doctor if you think an eczema rash has developed of unsafe ink. They can treat the surrounding skin with as little damage to the tattoo as possible. You should also see your physician if your tattoo becomes infected, a general issue that can occur as a result of scratching an itchy tattoo. Sign of an infected tattoo include: 

  1. Severe Swelling
  2. Discharge from the tattoo site
  3. Redness that goes beyond original tattoo
  4. Chills and fever

Conclusion

If you are diagnosed with eczema does not mean you cannot get a tattoo. Before you get a tattoo with eczema it is essential to assess the current state of the skin. It is never a good idea to get a tattoo with active flare-up skin. You should talk to your tattoo artist abort eczema and be sure to ask about safe tattoo ink for sensitive skin. You can wander around until you have found the tattoo maker that you are comfortable with for your sensitive skin.

Gregor Smith

Creator of EczemaFeed. Longtime sufferer who wants to make a change. The purpose is to provide trusted and useful information to those suffering from the dry red patches and itching of eczema, as well as those who care for those suffering from it. It includes the latest treatments, anecdotal user experience, and guidance on how to find products that may help relieve eczema symptoms.

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