Can You Get A Tattoo Or Piercing If You're Chronically Ill?

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 ensure you have the energy, you’re not going to be in too much pain, that you’re not going to trigger a flare-up, etc. It’s exhausting work, and you’re already exhausted to begin with. 

That means those with chronic illnesses often miss out. Activities like doing things with friends, being available and present for your family, and even just having a good day at work are incredibly tricky. 

Even when it comes to making decisions about our bodies, the choices we want to make can be rather heavily questioned. 

And if you’ve ever told someone you’d love to get a tattoo or piercing before, and they’re responded with ‘Are you sure you can do that?’, this is the post 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 or regular injections and 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 advises people with autoimmune conditions to discuss tattoos and cosmetic procedures with their rheumatology team. Its guidance also notes that immune-suppressing treatments can theoretically increase infection risk. King’s College Hospital advises people taking blood-thinning medication to speak to their anticoagulation clinic or GP before going ahead.

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, 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 unrecommended products.

Some tenderness, mild redness and a small amount of clear 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. NHS guidance says to request an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if you think a piercing is infected.

So, 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.

Useful NHS Information

Tattoos and cosmetic procedures — University College London Hospitals:
https://www.uclh.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/patient-information-pages/tattoos-and-cosmetic-procedures

Infected piercings — NHS:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infected-piercings/

Anticoagulants and tattoos or piercings — King’s College Hospital:
https://www.kch.nhs.uk/services/services-a-to-z/thrombosis-and-haemostasis/