What medication stops you getting a tattoo?

Author: Lyda Parisian  |  Last update: Sunday, June 29, 2025

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

What medications can you not be on to get a tattoo?

Certain antibiotics as well as acne medications can increase skin sensitivity and have been known to cause unusual reactions. Anti organ rejection medications can interfere with tattoo healing, check with your doctor beforehand.

What medical conditions stop you from getting a tattoo?

I've got a medical condition... can I still get tattooed?
  • Just so you know… ...
  • Diabetes - ...
  • Certain medications including blood thinners - ...
  • Any condition needing immunosuppressants - Crohn's disease, Lupus, Some skin conditions, etc - ...
  • Skin conditions like Excema and Psoriasis - ...
  • On antibiotics? - ...
  • HIV/AIDS -

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.

Do medications affect getting a tattoo?

Also be wary of taking any kind of pain medication that thins your blood or affects its ability to clot, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, lest you want to bleed more while getting tattooed.

The Science of Getting (and Getting Rid of) a Tattoo

What should you avoid getting a tattoo?

Keep the tattooed area out of the sun until it heals. Don't go swimming. Stay out of pools, hot tubs, rivers, lakes and other bodies of water while the tattoo is healing. Choose clothing carefully.

Can I get a tattoo while 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. While she would still support a patient who wanted to tattoo at this time, she may urge them to wait until they're off this kind of medication.

Who shouldn't get a tattoo?

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 medication should you take before getting a tattoo?

Dr. Avaliani recommends taking three or four Ibuprofen tablets an hour before your appointment so that your pain tolerance is higher by the time you feel the needle (which, by the way, looks more like the tip of a pen than a needle, in case that word scares you like it scared me).

What not to do the night before a tattoo?

Don't make these mistakes before getting your first tattoo
  • Don't Drink Alcohol. Excessive Bleeding. ...
  • Avoid Sunburns and Tanning. Protect You Skin. ...
  • Skip Over-the-Counter Blood Thinners: ...
  • Avoid Numbing Creams: ...
  • Avoid Impulsive Decisions. ...
  • Say No to Excessive Caffeine. ...
  • Avoid Going in “Hangry” ...
  • Hydration is Good.

Can you get a tattoo while on antidepressants?

If you're on antidepressants and getting a new tattoo, be sure to let your tattoo artist know ahead of time. They may recommend adjusting the size, placement, or even postponing your tattoo until your medication has stabilized.

What type of skin should not be tattooed?

Oily Skin: The Slippery Canvas

For oily skin, the excess sebum production can: Make it harder for tattoo ink to settle properly in the skin. Cause colors to appear less vibrant over time. Increase the risk of ink spreading under the skin.

Can you take oxycodone before a tattoo?

It's best to avoid drinking the day before, so there isn't anything lingering in the body. With that said, don't take painkillers before getting a tattoo either.

What supplements should you not take before a tattoo?

Do not take Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E or Advil/Ibuprofen 48 hours before procedure. Avoid Fish Oil, Prenatal Vitamins, and "Hair, Skin, Nail" supplements 48 hours prior to procedure. NO alcohol or caffeine 48 hours before procedure (Yes, there is caffeine in decaf coffee and tea!).

Can a person with heart problems get a tattoo?

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.

Can I take Zyrtec and get a tattoo?

Can you take antihistamine for a tattoo? Antihistamines can be used to manage minor skin reactions after getting a tattoo, such as itching or swelling. However, they should not be used as a preventive measure before getting a tattoo, as they can potentially increase bleeding.

Can you get a tattoo while on tramadol?

* THE USE OF PAINKILLERS DURING A TATTOO:

If you have other prescription medications such as tramadol, Valium and cocodamol already prescribed by a doctor, they are very strong drugs that have a sedative effect and will help not numb the pain but relax the mind into accepting the pain.

How much to tip a tattoo artist?

As with tipping waitstaff, 20-25% percent is a good standard. An easy way to include tipping in your budget is to add it in when getting the estimated costs for having your work done. So, if your tattoo is expected to cost $200, with a 20-percent tip, that's $240.

Can you get a tattoo while on antibiotics for UTI?

With getting a tattoo and being on certain medications like antibiotics; this can delay the healing process and also lead to potential risk for more infections to enter.

What medications affect tattoos?

  • Please note if you are taking any blood thinners they may cause an increased risk of bruising. It is not advisable to get a tattoo while taking these medications. ...
  • Taking aspirin before getting a tattoo can also present problems. Aspirin naturally decreases your blood's ability to clot efficiently.

How do you know if your body will reject a tattoo?

You may notice one or more of the following:
  • Redness: It becomes darker or spreads instead of lightening and diminishing.
  • Pain: It continues or worsens instead of subsiding.
  • Rash of itchy, red, and painful bumps develop within the tattoo.
  • Fever.
  • Chills and shivering.
  • Pus in the tattoo.
  • Open sore(s) in the tattoo.

Is black tattoo ink toxic?

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), a group of chemicals which are known carcinogens, was found in a fifth of the samples tested and in 83% of the black inks tested by NICNAS. Other hazardous components included barium, copper, mercury, amines and various colourants.

How long does it take for prednisone to get out of your system?

Therefore, after a few half-lives, prednisone is mostly cleared from the blood, typically within 16 to 24 hours after the last dose. However, this timeframe can be longer in individuals with certain medical conditions affecting metabolism or kidney function.

Can a tattoo trigger autoimmune disease?

In conclusion, a growing body of evidence suggests a possible role of some tattoo ink compounds as triggers for the immune system, and the lack of extensive studies on different autoimmune diseases does not allow physicians to advise patients with consistent data.

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