In this modern age, tattoos have become more popular than ever, but they are not safe for everyone. While you can get a tattoo even with eczema, it would not be best to get one if you currently have flare-ups in the area you would like to get a tattoo. Moreover, I suggest that if you have skin allergies, you should first talk to your dermatologist before going to the tattoo artist. Your dermatologist knows how severe your eczema is, and would advise you if getting a tattoo with your eczema is fine.
Generally, eczema is chronic, but the symptoms vary from one individual to another. Some people usually have flare-ups often, but in some people, eczema symptoms might be dormant. If you have symptoms such as redness or itchiness on your skin, you may have a flare-up soon, and it would be best if you wait until the flare-up passes before you head to the tattoo parlor. Primarily, if you are currently thinking about getting a tattoo, this piece is about you. I will tell you everything you need to know about eczema and tattoos, and if eczema can ruin your tattoo.
Risk Factors of Getting a Tattoo if You Have Eczema
Ideally, if you have eczema, it does not mean that your chance of getting a tattoo is equal to zero. However, it means that you should assess the state of your skin, and make thorough consultations before you begin the process of getting a tattoo. Getting a tattoo is risky for any person, but for tattoos and eczema, the risks are much higher. It is because eczema is a skin condition that makes the skin to flares-up whenever it gets exposed to irritants.
When you are getting a tattoo, colored ink is going to get injected into your skin. If you have eczema, this may lead to a severe allergic reaction. The ink will trigger eczema flare-ups, and also increase your chances of getting other skin related infections. Furthermore, a lousy flare-up could change how your tattoo looks. I have outlined some other possible risks that are associated with tattoos and eczema:
Hyperpigmentation
You may end up developing excess tattoo color on your skin. It may mess with the tattoo design, and it may not look as pleasing as it is supposed to look because of the allergic reaction the ink has on your skin.
Itchiness During the Healing Process.
When you are recovering from a tattoo, itchiness is usually normal. However, if you have eczema, you may develop excess itching, which may be incredibly irritating.
Excessive Scarring from the Tattoo
The tattoo ink may react with your skin, and it could trigger an allergic reaction that may bring scars to your skin. Moreover, due to excess itchiness from the tattoo, you may end up scratching your healing skin too much, which may lead to painful scars.
Skin Infections
In some people, granuloma inflammations my form around the inks, and they can also be painful. As such, it leads to keloids, which are raised areas under the skin, and occurs when scar tissues overgrow.
While the risks associated with tattoos when you have eczema are significant, it does not mean that the risks must occur. Everyone has different skin, and the eczema flare-ups may not occur the same in every person. The flare-ups may be severe in some people, but others usually have mild symptoms. You should make sure that you consult your dermatologist before you go to the tattoo parlor. It ensures that you get equipped with the right information, on getting a tattoo with your condition.
Tips for Getting a Tattoo if You Have Eczema
Despite the many risks associated with getting a tattoo while you have eczema, you could also do some things to ensure that you lower the risks of getting a severe reaction.
1. Go to The Best Tattoo Artist
The first essential thing you have to do is to look for a professional tattoo artist that can give you a good tattoo while at the same time caring for your sensitive skin. For instance, you have to do extensive research about the tattoo artists in your area, and you should also read reviews from their previous clients. Furthermore, it would be ideal if you go for an excellent tattoo artist who has done some tattoos on people with eczema before. Ask people with eczema who already have some tattoos, about their tattoo artists, or you can read their stories on Reddit to get more information.
Mostly, you have to go for the best tattoo artist despite their prices. It is because they will ensure that you get the best care despite your skin condition. Do not go for the cheapest services. Cheap could eventually be expensive because of the side effects you will have after getting the tattoo. Thus, I advise you not to try to save your money by entrusting an amateur tattoo artist with your sensitive skin.
2. Research on The Best Tattoo Ink for Your Skin
The ink you are going to use plays a significant role in the affects you will have after getting the tattoo. Generally, tattoo inks come in many varieties. Ensure that you consult the tattoo artist you choose about the right ink for your sensitive skin. Choosing an ideal ink means that you will not have terrible side effects like itching and scaring off your skin. Also, tell the tattoo artist about your skin conditions early enough because most of them usually pre-order the tattoo inks. Telling them earlier will ensure the pick the right ink, considering your skin condition. You can also read about the ink people with eczema are using for their tattoos on Reddit.
3. Do a Patch Test Before Getting the Tattoo
Moreover, it would be best for you to do some patch testing to ensure that the ink your tattoo artist has chosen for you will not have severe side effects. While your tattoo artist may have the right idea about eczema, and the right inks for them, your skin may differ. The ink may still cause some allergic reactions to your skin. Therefore, it would be best to do a patch test before getting a permanent tattoo.
You will have to inject the ink into your skin, and you have to give it a few days to see if you will get an allergic reaction. Be sure to inject the dye on the right skin area that won’t give you a lot of trouble if an allergic reaction occurs. If the ink does not show any adverse effects on your skin after a week, you can get your tattoo with ease.
4. Pick a Good Tattoo Spot
Choosing the right tattoo spot is essential, especially for people with eczema. There are those parts of the body that are most prone to get eczema flare-ups. If you get a tattoo in these areas, you will have a higher chance of getting an allergic reaction regardless of the ink you use for your tattoo. Thus, it would be best to avoid getting a tattoo in those parts of the body that you know you can quickly get an allergic reaction because of your body’s sensitive nature.
5. Don’t Rush to Get a Tattoo.
If you experience itching or redness on your skin when you plan to have your tattoo, it would be best to reschedule your appointment. Itchiness and redness are a sign that you may experience flare-ups soon. So it would be best to wait until the flare-ups have passed, and consult your dermatologist before getting the tattoo.
Besides, I wouldn’t advise you to rush to get a tattoo. When you want to get a tattoo, you want something that you will always admire. Hence, the design of the tattoo matters a lot. It is another reason why you should go for an excellent tattoo artist. Elite tattoo artists will be able to provide you with the best design, but it may take some time. Thus, there’s no need to rush if you want an excellent tattoo just because your skin is clear that day.
How Do You Care for Your Tattoo if You Have Eczema?
After successfully getting the tattoo, you should also ensure that you adequately take care of it because of your sensitive skin. Lack of adequate care for the tattoo may also bring some adverse effects, and slow down the healing process. Therefore, proper care for the tattoo is essential, especially for a person with eczema.
Don’t Scratch the Tattoo
While it seems like an obvious thing, many people usually do it, which brings them a lot of pain. When you scratch your tattoo area, you will aggravate eczema, and also ruin your tattoo in the process. Additionally, scratching your skin will also make you develop painful scars that will prolong your healing period. Therefore, it would be best to avoid scratching your skin to get the best result from your tattoo, which ensures that you heal fast enough.
Avoid Water
You should not submerge your tattoo in water. It may make the area to start feeling itchy, and it may be incredibly uncomfortable for you. Instead, you should use a wet cloth to clean your tattoo, but don’t submerge in water.
Keep your Tattoo Moist
Ensure that your tattoo area gets moisturized at all times. It would be best if you used a moisturizing cream that is not scented, or you can ask your tattoo artist about the best eczema cream on tattoo. Be sure to apply the cream at least three times a day.
Follow the Tattoo Artist’s Advice
It is also another essential reason you choose to work with a professional tattoo artist who has experience with tattoos and eczema. Ideally, the tattoo artist should give you the best advice on how you should care for the tattoo for a speedy recovery. Therefore, you should ensure that you follow all the instructions given to you by the tattoo artist to get the best result. Use the eczema cream on the tattoo prescribed for you adequately.
Be Patient with the Healing Process
The healing process will not depend on your eczema condition. How fast you are going to heal will depend on your body, and it will also depend on the size of the tattoo. Healing could start from a weak for smaller tattoo designs, or it could take months for larger designs. The best thing to do is to be patient with the healing process because it is worth the wait. As such, don’t start adding substances to the tattoo wound to speed recovery. You may make the wound worse because you already have sensitive skin.
Conclusion
If you have eczema, the hope for getting a tattoo without complications is still there, provided you follow all the necessary precautions. You should first seek advice from your dermatologist, get the right tattoo artist, and practice safety measures to ensure that you heal adequately.
The Bottom Line: Should You Get a Tattoo if You Suffer From Eczema?
Myself and quite a few of my eczema suffering friends also have tattoos. It really depends on what area of your skin and if it’s worth the risk for you. Also, getting a really small tattoo to start still counts as having a tattoo!
When I was planning to get my tattoo, I started using Collagen Complex the weeks leading up to my tattoo appointment.
This collagen supplement kept my flare ups at bay as I also prayed for my skin to stay clear leading up to the big tattoo appointment day. Studies show that 2.5 – 8 grams of collagen for 8 weeks may give you less skin dryness and a significant increase in skin elasticity. I’ve actually had clear skin for a while now thanks to my routine. Anyways, I hope this helps!