What medical conditions stop you getting a tattoo?

Author: Ms. Krystal Block MD  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 29, 2025

When CAN'T I Get Tattooed?
  • Pregnancy or Breastfeeding. Reputable shops will not tattoo any clients that are pregnant or breastfeeding. ...
  • Diabetes. Having diabetes doesn't prevent you from ever being tattooed. ...
  • Psoriasis. ...
  • Eczema. ...
  • Blood Disorders. ...
  • Certain Medications. ...
  • Conclusion.

Are there medical reasons to not get a tattoo?

Skin conditions like Excema and Psoriasis -

Tattooing can exacerbate these conditions. The trauma of tattooing can sometimes cause a flare up even in a place you haven't had the condition appear before.

What medications prevent you from getting a tattoo?

The main topics I advise to be cautious on are:
  • Acne medications.
  • Antibiotics.
  • Blood thinners.
  • Chronic skin conditions.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Immunocompromised Patients.

What people can't get tattoos?

If you have a medical problem such as heart disease, allergies, diabetes, skin problems like eczema or psoriasis, a weak immune system, or a bleeding problem, talk to your doctor before getting a tattoo. Also, if you get keloids (an overgrowth of scar tissue) you probably should not get a tattoo.

What skin conditions prevent tattoos?

Such diseases include psoriasis, lichen planus, cutaneous lupus, sarcoidosis, and vitiligo. The standard recommendation for people affected by these diseases is to avoid getting tattoos, at least when the disease is active (increasing number and/or size of lesions) or during an active course of treatment.

Can Tattoo Ink Affect the Lymphatic System?

What would prevent me from getting a tattoo?

Certain medications, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants), would hinder the chances for being tattooed. Artists will not tattoo those taking blood thinners because it can cause excessive bleeding, which is not good while tattooed as mentioned above.

What autoimmune disease affects tattoos?

Psoriasis. In some cases, tattoo artists may be hesitant to work on clients who have active psoriasis, especially in an affected area of the body. People with psoriasis will want to consult with their healthcare team and consider their individual risks before getting a tattoo.

Who does not allow tattoos?

Follow along with Tatt2Away® for the inside scoop!
  • Military.
  • Airlines.
  • Medical Professionals.
  • Actors.
  • Teachers/Educators.
  • Law Enforcement.
  • Corporate.
  • Legal.

What type of skin can you not tattoo on?

Dry skin poses challenges, as it is less supple and can cause the needle to drag, resulting in inconsistent lines and patchy color. Oily skin requires careful consideration due to excess sebum production, which can blur fine details and cause ink spreading.

Can you get a tattoo with heart disease?

The rises for infections and endocarditis in patients with CHD is clearly increased. In particular piercing and to a less degree tattooing can not be adviced to patients with a CHD. In fact there is a potential risk of a severe infection it should only be applied under strict hygenic conditions.

What are the contraindications for tattoos?

Even though an exhaustive list is impossible to address, the main issues include chronic skin disorders, pigmented lesions of the skin, (congenital) heart disease, immunosuppressive diseases and treatments, blood clotting disorders, and pregnancy/breastfeeding.

Can I get a tattoo if I'm on prednisone?

“If you're on a long-term steroid, it may be a bad idea [to get a tattoo] because wound healing is reduced when you're on steroid medication,” says Dr. Meara.

Can you get a tattoo with a blood disorder?

Risks: Increased bleeding: Tattoos and piercings create open wounds, which can bleed more heavily and for longer in people with bleeding disorders. Infection: The risk of infection is higher for anyone getting a tattoo or piercing, but it's especially important to be vigilant if you have a bleeding disorder.

Can I get a tattoo if I have Crohn's disease?

However, some medications for Crohn's disease can weaken your immune system and make infections harder to beat. Getting a tattoo can raise your risk of infection. Be sure to discuss your condition and any factors that could affect your health, such as getting a tattoo, with your doctor before making any decisions.

Can you get a tattoo if you have MS?

Tattoos aren't directly harmful

Since the disease is autoimmune, affecting the immune system, there isn't anything that getting a tattoo could do to have a direct impact.

What do dermatologists say about tattoos?

Most dermatologists recommend leaving skin with moles or abnormalities clear of ink. Because tattoos involve needles and blood, non-sterile tattoo practices can lead to transmissions of blood diseases like syphilis, hepatitis B, and even HIV.

Where to never get a tattoo?

So what are the worst places to get a tattoo on the body? Areas like the feet, hands, stomach, chest, elbow, lips, and inner ear are not good tattoo locations. It's essential to consider a few things when choosing a proper placement, such as pain intensity, practicality, and visibility.

What skin conditions affect tattoos?

The most common skin reactions to tattoo include a transient acute inflammatory reaction due to trauma of the skin with needles and medical complications such as superficial and deep local infections, systemic infections, allergic contact dermatitis, photodermatitis, granulomatous and lichenoid reactions, and skin ...

What jobs forbid tattoos?

Careers and No Visible Tattoos
  • Healthcare Professionals. Many hospitals and medical offices require some piercings and tattoos be removed or covered. ...
  • Police Officers and Law Enforcement. ...
  • Law Firms. ...
  • Administrative Assistants and Receptionists. ...
  • Financial Institutions and Banks. ...
  • Teachers. ...
  • Hotels / Resorts. ...
  • Government.

In what religion are tattoos forbidden?

Tattoos have been used for thousands of years as important tools in ritual and tradition. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have been hostile to the use of tattoos, but many religions, in particular Buddhism and Hinduism, make extensive use of them. This article examines their use as tools for protection and devotion.

Can I get a tattoo if I have rheumatoid arthritis?

If you're experiencing a painful RA flare-up, you might not respond well to the pain of tattooing. Another consideration is the amount of time you will need to remain still while the tattoo is being applied. This can be difficult if you're struggling with chronic pain or stiffness due to RA.

What health problems may be linked with getting a tattoo?

The risks include:
  • Allergic reactions. Tattoo ink can cause allergic skin reactions, such as an itchy rash at the tattoo site. ...
  • Skin infections. A skin infection is possible after getting a tattoo. ...
  • Other skin problems. ...
  • Diseases spread through blood. ...
  • Skin reactions to an MRI.

Can you get a tattoo with a sinus infection?

If you're sick, reschedule

If you have a cold or other illness or infection (even something you can't pass along, like a UTI) let the tattoo studio know and reschedule your appointment.

Previous article
Does Vaseline get rid of dark underarms?
Next article
What were 1920s curls called?