Tattoos have always been a form of self-expression. In recent years, they have gained a lot of popularity, with people from all walks of life getting them to commemorate life events, spread awareness, express solidarity, or simply showcase beautiful artwork. However, when it comes to getting tattoos, being aware of your skin health and assessing the risk of infection is important. This is particularly crucial for people with skin conditions like psoriasis. However, the real question is whether or not people with psoriasis should get tattoos at all. We spoke to Dr Shireen Furtado, Senior Consultant - Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, to get some answers.
Also Read: Psoriasis: Expert Explains Symptoms, Complications, And Treatment Options
What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that causes painful, itchy, and thick scaly patches on the surface of the skin.
According to Dr Furtado, psoriasis disrupts the normal skin cell cycle.
In healthy skin, cells take their time—weeks—to develop, rise to the surface, and finally shed. But in psoriasis, this process takes just a few days, a pace far exceeding the normal shedding rate.
This rapid production overwhelms the shedding process, leading to a pile-up of immature skin cells on the surface. Itching and burning sensations, thick red patches, and inflamed areas are the most common symptoms.
Should People With Psoriasis Get Tattoos?
In general, about one in ten people who get a tattoo experience some type of complication, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
This can be more prevalent in people with pre-existing skin conditions like psoriasis.
Dr Furtado says, "Tattooing the skin of patients with psoriasis is not always a good idea because of a phenomenon called Koebnerization, where the lesions of psoriasis spread to areas where the skin has been injured."
The Koebner phenomenon can either lead to new psoriatic patches right around the tattoo or existing psoriasis near the tattoo that can get worse from the irritation.
A 2013 review published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal even suggested that around 25% of people with psoriasis will develop a flare-up as a result of skin trauma like a tattoo.
Also Read: Beyond The Skin: Expert Explains Psychological, Emotional, And Social Burden Of Psoriasis
Things To Consider
Dr Furtado recommends consulting a dermatologist before going ahead with a tattoo, particularly if you have psoriasis.
She says, “They will advise you based on the severity of the condition and the medications you take.”
Additionally, it is important that you always choose a registered tattoo artist and inform the artist about your condition. It is best to do a patch test to check if there are any allergies and whether or not it suits your skin, the doctor concludes.