Living with a chronic illness often closes you off from regular life experiences. You have to carefully plan around your illness and its symptoms to make sure you have enough energy, you are not going to be in too much pain and you are not going to trigger a flare-up. It is exhausting work when you are already exhausted to begin with.
That means those of us with chronic illnesses often miss out. Doing things with friends, being present for family and even having a good day at work can be incredibly difficult.
Even when it comes to making decisions about our bodies, the choices we want to make can be heavily questioned.
If you have ever said that you would love a tattoo or piercing and someone has responded with, “Are you sure you can do that?”, this post is for you.
The Short Answer? It Depends
Many people living with a chronic illness can have a tattoo or piercing, but there is no single answer that is safe for everyone. Your condition, current symptoms, medication and ability to heal all matter.
A tattoo or piercing deliberately breaks the skin, so infection, bleeding, allergic reactions and scarring are possible for anyone. Some autoimmune conditions and medicines that suppress the immune system may increase the risk of infection. Blood-thinning medication can increase bleeding risk. This does not automatically mean you cannot go ahead, but it does mean that personalised advice is important.
Questions to Consider Before Booking
Before making an appointment, think about:
Is your condition stable, or are you having a flare-up?
Do you usually heal slowly or experience skin infections?
Are you taking steroids, biologics, methotrexate, blood thinners or other medication that may affect immunity, bleeding or healing?
Is the proposed area affected by pain, poor circulation, swelling, skin problems, regular injections or medical devices?
Will you have enough energy and practical support for the aftercare?
If any of these apply, speak to your GP, specialist nurse or hospital team before booking. Do not stop or alter prescribed medication unless the clinician responsible for it tells you to do so.
Talk to Your Healthcare Team
Your healthcare team knows your medical history and can help you weigh up the risks. Ask whether your condition or medication affects infection, bleeding or wound healing, whether the timing is suitable and whether there are areas of the body you should avoid.
University College London Hospitals’ guidance on tattoos and cosmetic procedures advises people with autoimmune conditions to discuss the decision with their rheumatology team. It also notes that immune-suppressing treatments can theoretically increase infection risk.
People taking anticoagulants may bleed more than usual. Speak to the healthcare professional or anticoagulation team responsible for your medication about your individual risks before booking, and do not change your medication without their advice.
Choose a Reputable, Licensed Studio
Tell the tattoo artist or piercer about any health needs that may affect the appointment or aftercare. Choose an experienced professional working from a clean, appropriately licensed studio. Ask how equipment is sterilised, whether needles are single use, what products will touch your skin and what aftercare instructions you will receive.
A good professional should be happy to explain the process and should never pressure you to continue if you feel unwell. If you are in an active flare, have an infection, have broken skin in the area or simply do not feel well enough, rearranging the appointment may be the sensible choice.
Plan for Healing and Aftercare
Follow the studio’s written aftercare instructions and keep the area clean. Plan the appointment for a period when you can rest and monitor the site. Avoid picking, scratching or using products that have not been recommended.
Some tenderness, mild redness and a small amount of pale fluid can be normal after a new piercing. Seek medical advice if the area becomes increasingly swollen, painful, hot, very red or darker than usual, or if there is blood or pus. Feeling hot, cold, shivery or generally unwell can also be a sign of infection.
The NHS guidance on infected piercings says to ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if you think a piercing is infected.
Can You Get a Tattoo or Piercing With a Chronic Illness?
Possibly, and many people do. The safest answer depends on your individual health rather than the words “chronic illness” alone. Check with the healthcare professional who understands your condition, use a reputable licensed studio, be honest with the artist or piercer and give yourself enough time and energy to heal.
This post shares general information and personal experience. It is not a substitute for medical advice.
