Can You Get a Tattoo If You Have Eczema?

Table of contents

 

Introduction

Tattoos can be a brilliant way to show off your style or give yourself a new look, but if you have Eczema then it can be a worry. Can you get a tattoo in spite of your skin condition and what should you think about in advance of getting inked?

Whether you’re looking for tattoo shops in NYC where there are some incredible options, or you’re in a remote location, never settle for less than an amazing tattoo shop, as this ink is supposed to be on you for the rest of your life.

Can a tattoo affect eczema?

A tattoo always risks some sort of reaction, especially if you don’t look after it properly. So, while anyone who gets a tattoo has to think about it, it is definitely true that eczema sufferers have more of a consideration. Your skin is more susceptible to having a reaction than the majority of people who don’t have existing skin conditions. Getting a tattoo with eczema is risky at some times.

It should be said as well that you definitely can get a tattoo if you have eczema and there are so many examples of people getting inked and being totally fine afterward, even with this skin condition. Getting a tattoo with eczema is risky at some times.

Also, if you have eczema scars but you are thinking getting inked could be a really good way to cover them up, you might be in for a surprise. Sensitive areas where there are scars are often best avoided as they can cause you to get more flare-ups as a result.

Eczema and tattoos may have a reaction on skin and must be concerned with dermatologist before getting tattoos.

Are there risks of getting a tattoo if you have eczema?

It might help to think of the risks of getting a tattoo with eczema as the same as anyone else getting a tattoo, but more extreme. The actual sorts of issues you might experience are the same that anyone who gets inked could, but it is more likely, and often more severe if you have a pre-existing condition.

Getting a tattoo with eczema includes the below risk.

Risks include:

  • This is something you don’t want to happen, and it is essential that you practice good hygiene to keep the area in the best possible condition.
  • Flare-ups. Your eczema could simply get worse making it redder and definitely more annoying. You might find yourself scratching a lot as a result.
  • This can be caused in areas where you have had eczema and then decide to get a tattoo.
  • Allergic reactions. Some ink can give you a reaction, and while it isn’t common, it is definitely possible.
  • Open wounds and scarring. If your eczema should cause your tattoo to take longer to heal then you might find that you get scarring that takes a lot longer to deal with than some other people getting their ink.

 

Keep in mind, too, that if you have any skin lesions that have occurred as a result of your skin condition or from previous flare-ups you shouldn’t be getting a tat at this point, it might be worth waiting until your skin is in a better condition.

Is there special ink for sensitive skin?

There are inks that may be more kind to sensitive skin and skin that has conditions like eczema tattoos. When you have your tattoo consultation or chat online with your tattoo artist, try to make a point of discussing this with them, it could be that they have to source this specifically, but it is worth it if you are going to get a tattoo and you are worried that the ink could irritate some areas of your body.

Healing and Maintenance of the New Tattoo

So how do you look after the tattoo once you have it? Tattoos are effectively just wounds for the first couple of weeks as the needles make marks in the skin and leave the color desired inside.

The wound hurts, but it also needs you to take good care of it to stop it from becoming dry or getting infected. If you have eczema this is even more vital.

The initial care is done by the tattoo artist who will send you home with a bandage around it and a nice clean wound. They’ll tell you how long to leave the bandage on for.

Your tattoo needs to be cleansed with a wet cloth, but not totally put in water, such as in the bathtub. You can also get ointments, but make sure they are proper tattoo ointments and not ones that will stop the wound from quickly healing.

After 3-4 days of ointment, you can use certain types of moisturizer, as long as they don’t have any irritant ingredients. This helps the tattoo to stay moist and not scab up too badly.

If you feel like you’re getting any sort of complications then you can go to the doctor as they may be able to give you other ointments. There are also a lot of people who think an oatmeal bath is the ideal way to alleviate the itchiness you are probably going to experience in the first week.

One must take above precautions if they have eczema and tattoo.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Tattoo Artist

Being able to find a reliable tattoo shop is a big part of the battle. Someone who is experienced and can either use more sensitive inks, or is simply able to advise you better on the care of your tattoo is best.

On top of that, you need to know you enjoy their style and that they are likely to provide you with the type of ink you want. That’s why we look at portfolios before we choose to work with a tattoo artist, after all.

While having eczema, one must choose a better artist as the tattoo on eczema create flareup.