While you can get tattoos with psoriasis symptoms, it may not be the best choice! It is better to get psoriasis treatment to avoid flaring up the condition.

Can I Get A Tattoo If I Have Psoriasis?

In the last three decades, the global popularity of tattoos has significantly increased across different ethnicities and races.

Introduction

<a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/article/everything-you-need-to-know-about-getting-and-removing-a-tattoo">Tattoos</a> are a permanent form of body modification created using an electric needle which inserts ink deep into the dermis.&nbsp; Before regulations and restrictions in Europe and North America, tattoo artists used to manufacture the tattoo inks themselves, and it would often contain toxic substances. Therefore, countries now regulate the composition of tattoo inks to prevent them from harming human health. In 2009-2010, Germany implemented strict regulations for the composition of tattoo inks<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>.. 
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Understanding If Psoriatic Patients Can Get Tattoos

If someone has psoriasis and wants to get a tattoo, it is not out of the question. A lot of people feel better after getting a tattoo, even if they have psoriasis. However, they need to be careful about whether it is worth the risk and if it will make their psoriasis worse. 
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Psoriasis symptoms occur in flares and can be triggered by multiple factors including stress, skin injuries, infections, or medications. The insertion of needles, though not like cuts and trauma to the skin, can also trigger psoriasis symptoms. Moreover, scar tissue formation at the site of the tattoo can give rise to flares even decades after getting the tattoo.&nbsp; 
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Tattoo artists usually pierce the skin with a machine when <a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/article/everything-you-need-to-know-about-getting-and-removing-a-tattoo">making a tattoo</a>. The ink is left behind with every poke. However, people who suffer from skin conditions are at risk of the following with tattoos: 
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<ul>
	<li>Allergic reactions</li>
	<li>Infection</li>
	<li>Scarring</li>
	<li>Redness or inflammation 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Your immune system fights against germs and invaders. When a person has psoriasis, it causes problems in the immune system which makes the skin grow too fast. This is the most common symptom of plaque psoriasis. Moreover, other things also trigger and flare up symptoms, for example, injury to the skin. Whether it is a minor cut or a bug bite, it can make psoriasis worse. Additionally, getting a tattoo means chronic injury to the skin which can be a triggering factor for red spots, patches, and discomfort. 
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Although tattoo artists make tattoos on healthy skin, flare-ups in new spots are possible for people with psoriasis. They can occur in usual spots where psoriasis may seem like the least of concerns. The term commonly used for this is the Koebner phenomenon. First discovered in the 1800s, it is medically termed as plaques spreading to new places after injury. Also called isomorphic psoriasis, it occurs in one-third of people with psoriasis<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>. Moreover, in some states or countries, tattoo artists are prohibited from making tattoos on problematic skin and they play a major role in the skin health of their clients<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>.

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It is not very common for anyone to get tattoo-related complications, but it diminishes in some weeks. A study revealed that among 90 people, more than half of them had tattoos and only 30% had flare-ups post-tattoo<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>.&nbsp;Moreover, those affected were mostly the ones who had related skin injuries before as well. Although flare-ups in another part were not common, they happened to 7% of them; 80% of them claimed that tattoos gave them a sense of body image positivity. 
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The rare complications include the following:

<ul>
	<li>Itching&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Swelling</li>
	<li>Allergies</li>
	<li>Koebner Phenomenon (plaques in unusual places) 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

None of the participants of the research claimed to have severe complications. Those who did were the ones who were undergoing or required psoriasis treatment during the tattoo phase. 
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Conclusion

Every tattoo shop has a different set of tattoo after-care instructions. However, keeping the tattoo clean is always the priority. Just like psoriasis skin care, keeping the area moisturized prevents it from drying out and helps the tattoo heal. However, people should make sure that the cream or lotion they use is psoriasis-friendly (non-comedogenic and safe to use). 
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Staying out of the sun and avoiding water-based activities for two weeks is also one of the precautions people with psoriasis should follow. Moreover, clothes that cling to tattoos should also be avoided. 
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[1].Rahimi, I.A., Eberhard, I. and Kasten, E., 2018. Tattoos: What do people really know about the medical risks of body ink? The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 11(3), p.30.

[2].Sanchez, D.P. and Sonthalia, S., 2020. Koebner phenomenon.

[3].Rosenbaum, B.E., Milam, E.C., Seo, L. and Leger, M.C., 2016. Skin care in the tattoo parlor: a survey of tattoo artists in New York City. Dermatology, 232(4), pp.484-489.

[4].Kluger, N., 2017. Tattooing and psoriasis: demographics, motivations and attitudes, complications, and impact on body image in a series of 90 Finnish patients. Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat, 26(2), pp.29-32.

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