To Tattoo or Not to Tattoo When You Have Psoriasis

Across many forums and communities, there is often the question about tattoos and psoriasis. Should people get tattoos, will they flare? What cream should one use when you have an existing and a new tattoo? Most importantly will my skin flare when I get a tattoo, and will psoriasis affect my completed tattoo?

Can you get a tattoo with psoriasis?

What if I told you that there is no straight answer for this? No right or wrong answer. Sounds exactly like everything to do with psoriasis right?! Like everything else to do with our skin, there is most certainly no specific answer to anything, as we are all so unique and special in our own right.

This is my story and I am sticking to it. We all know the age-old what worked for one does not work for another. This scenario is no different. I have old tattoos and new tattoos and I am planning on having a few more.

When is the best time to get a tattoo with psoriasis?

The best time for me to have my tattoos done is in summer. I find that my skin heals better in the summer and is less prone to giving me trouble.

I am often in remission in the summer and then it is time to lay down the new stories on my skin. I have a big tattoo planned for my shoulder for this coming summer, and I will be sure to wait until my skin is in the best possible way before I do this.

Also, I never ever tattoo over any psoriasis spots. This is key and in my opinion, no good artist would agree to do a tattoo where there is a psoriasis spot. I find that this causes immense trauma to your skin.

Tips on stress and getting a tattoo

I enjoy having tattoos done, they do not stress me out and I do not find them painful. So for me, it is a relaxing thing to go do. Only once was I stressed about having a tattoo done and the result was a terrible flare after.

What I do find to be most important to be open with your tattoo artist, let them know what your situation is with your skin and if you have any serious sensitivities that may be an issue. Be sure to mention it. Any artist is worth his or her due, will be understanding and kind.

Tattoo aftercare with psoriasis

This is vital to any tattoo, on any person at any time. When you have psoriasis, this is something you should take extra precaution with in my opinion.

The type of cream you use is important. And also, do not pick your tattoo scabs. This causes extra stress and could lead to a flare.

Be sure to discuss with your artist what cream they would like you to use for the care of your tattoo. If you have sensitivities to certain creams, be sure to ask them to recommend an alternative.

Do tattoos cause a psoriasis flare?

I have had one tattoo that has caused a flare of note, it never went over my tattoo and it never caused any harm to the new tattoo. It was horrid to deal with though, I will tell you that.

I have had two tattoos done this winter and my body has handled it so well. There has been no extra flare or any such nonsense. I am so grateful.

Sometimes when I have a flare, it goes over my existing tattoos. The first time this happened, I nearly had an all fall down. I was so nervous that it was going to damage the image.

I treated it as I would any other psoriasis and lo and behold. Once the flare passed I was okay. To my total amazement, so was my tattoo.

Basically, if you are going to get a tattoo, make sure you chose to go to a reputable artist. Discuss your skin openly with them and be sure that you ask everything you need to ask before you decide to have it done. Run it by your doctor like everything else it is always better to be safe.