You can get tattoos if you have eczema, but there are higher risks. The tattoo could irritate the skin and lead to symptom flare-ups or ink-related allergies. Consider consulting a doctor before the tattoo appointment.

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Getting a tattoo for the first time or expanding the ink you have may not always the best choice. This may be something to keep in mind if you live with eczema, have flare-ups, or have a higher risk of allergies from the ink used.

You might consider consulting your allergist or dermatologist before heading to the tattoo parlor. The tattoo artist may also be able to offer guidance based on their own expertise in the industry.

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition, but symptoms can be dormant. Some people are diagnosed as children but don’t experience symptoms for years, even into adulthood.

Certain symptoms, such as itchiness and redness, could mean that a flare-up is coming. If this is the case, you may want to reschedule your tattoo appointment and hold off until your flare-up has completely passed.

Anyone who gets a tattoo risks certain side effects. If you have eczema or other preexisting skin conditions, such as psoriasis, your skin is already sensitive, and you may be at an increased risk.

You face a higher risk of developing complications if you live with eczema and are getting a tattoo. These might include:

If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo to cover up scars from an old eczema flare, be aware that you’re still at risk of developing side effects. In turn, it’s possible that the scar you’re trying to cover up could worsen.

Tattoo inks come in different varieties and are largely unregulated in the United States. That means that the ingredients may not all be the same, and you face a higher risk of exposure to something that could trigger your eczema.

It’s also important to know that a tattoo artist may not have the legal right to work on your skin if you have any lesions related to your eczema flare-up. You’ll need to wait until your skin has healed before getting a tattoo.

Questions for your tattoo artist

If you have eczema, before you get a tattoo, ask your tattoo artist these questions:

  • Do you have experience with eczema-prone skin?
  • Do you use ink made for sensitive skin? If not, can it be ordered before my session?
  • What aftercare recommendations do you have?
  • What should I do if I get eczema underneath my new tattoo?
  • Are you licensed?
  • Do you use single-use needles and ink and other sterilization methods?
  • Do you use organic pigments?

A tattoo is created by damaging the upper and middle layers of skin, better known as the epidermis and dermis, respectively. Needles are used to create the permanent indentations along with the desired ink.

Needless to say, everyone who gets a tattoo will need to take care of the fresh wound, regardless of whether they have eczema. Your tattoo artist will bandage your skin and offer aftercare tips.

It takes at least a couple of weeks for a new tattoo to heal. If you have eczema in the surrounding area, you may be able to treat your flare-up carefully with:

When to see a doctor after a tattoo

Your tattoo artist is your first point of contact for tips on tattoo aftercare, but some situations may require a doctor’s care.

Consider making an appointment with a doctor if you think an eczema rash has developed due to your new ink. They can help treat the surrounding skin with as little damage to the tattoo as possible.

You will want to visit a doctor if your tattoo becomes infected, a common issue that can occur as a result of scratching an itchy tattoo. Signs of an infected tattoo include:

  • fever or chills
  • redness that grows beyond the original tattoo
  • severe swelling
  • discharge from the tattoo site

Having eczema doesn’t mean you can’t get a tattoo. Before you get a tattoo with eczema, it’s important to assess the current state of your skin. It’s never a good idea to get a tattoo with an active flare-up.

Talk with your tattoo artist about your eczema, and be sure to ask them about tattoo ink for sensitive skin. Feel free to shop around until you’ve found the tattoo artist that you’re most comfortable with for your skin.