Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsRA Drugs and TattoosSkin ReactionsOther ConsiderationsTattoo SafetyRA Tattoo Designs
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
RA Drugs and Tattoos
Skin Reactions
Other Considerations
Tattoo Safety
RA Tattoo Designs
For many people, tattoos are an important form of expression. But for people with certain medical conditions, such asrheumatoid arthritis (RA), getting a simple tattoo requires additional considerations besides design and placement.
If you have rheumatoid arthritis, whether it’s safe for you to “get inked” depends on a few factors, including the medications you may be taking.
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However, having an autoimmune condition like RA may increase your risk of infection. Some RA medications also can increase that risk after your tattoo session.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)are a common, first-line treatment for RA because they help with symptoms and slow the disease’s progression. However, DMARDs also suppress the immune system in order to control inflammation, which can inhibit your body’s ability to fight off infection.
There’s no clear indication of whether the timing of DMARD injections can affect infection risk. Waiting a couple of weeks after your injection to schedule your tattoo session may help, but there’s no research to back this up. If you’re thinking of getting a tattoo and you’re taking DMARDs, talk to your rheumatologist before scheduling your tattoo appointment.
Corticosteroids, like prednisone, also may be used to treat RA. They can have a negative impact on wound healing, as well.
Most people with RA don’t have skin-related symptoms. However, it’s possible to have another type of arthritis, along with RA, that may affect your skin.Psoriatic arthritisis a type of arthritis that causes patches of irritated,itchy, flaky skin. While it’s not very common, the trauma caused to the skin from getting a tattoo can trigger psoriasis symptoms in people with psoriatic arthritis.
Skin reactions can happen to anyone, especially to people with sensitive skin.
If you have RA and are thinking about getting a tattoo, there are a few other concerns to keep in mind.
Tattoos are known to be painful. If you’re experiencing a painful RA flare-up, you might not respond well to the pain of tattooing. Another consideration is the amount of time you will need to remain still while the tattoo is being applied. This can be difficult if you’re struggling with chronic pain or stiffness due to RA.
That doesn’t mean a tattoo is completely out of the question. Talk to your tattoo artist about your condition. Ask how long it will take to finish the procedure. Inquire whether it’s possible to break up the tattooing into shorter sessions—even if the tattoo isn’t large.
Taking over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen may also help with pain during the session.
Tattoo artists should use new sterilized needles and disinfect everything—including surfaces and equipment—before getting started. They should also wash their hands beforehand, wear new gloves during the procedure, and place inks in single-use cups that can be disposed of afterward.
A good artist will also provide you with plenty of aftercare information and be happy to answer any questions you have about the tattooing and healing process.
If you have safety questions relating to your RA, talk to your healthcare provider.
Excited to get your first tattoo? Here are a few suggestions:
A Word From Verywell
You’re excited about getting your tattoo, and you’ve done the work to find a reputable artist and studio. But don’t forget to speak to a healthcare provider about your decision ahead of time so you’ll know what to expect from the process as it relates to your RA. Your practitioner can also help you weigh the pros and cons of getting inked.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Migala J.Tattoos and arthritis: Can you safely get inked if you have arthritis?Creaky Joints.Arthritis Foundation.DMARDS.National Kidney Foundation.What you need to know about prednisone.Additional ReadingBrant County Health Unit.Tattoo Safety.Food and Drug Administration.Think before you ink: Are tattoos safe?May 2, 2017.Wilson WT, et al.Unusual complication of a tattoo in an immunosuppressed patient.Case Reports. 2018. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2018-224968
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Migala J.Tattoos and arthritis: Can you safely get inked if you have arthritis?Creaky Joints.Arthritis Foundation.DMARDS.National Kidney Foundation.What you need to know about prednisone.Additional ReadingBrant County Health Unit.Tattoo Safety.Food and Drug Administration.Think before you ink: Are tattoos safe?May 2, 2017.Wilson WT, et al.Unusual complication of a tattoo in an immunosuppressed patient.Case Reports. 2018. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2018-224968
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Migala J.Tattoos and arthritis: Can you safely get inked if you have arthritis?Creaky Joints.Arthritis Foundation.DMARDS.National Kidney Foundation.What you need to know about prednisone.
Migala J.Tattoos and arthritis: Can you safely get inked if you have arthritis?Creaky Joints.
Arthritis Foundation.DMARDS.
National Kidney Foundation.What you need to know about prednisone.
Brant County Health Unit.Tattoo Safety.Food and Drug Administration.Think before you ink: Are tattoos safe?May 2, 2017.Wilson WT, et al.Unusual complication of a tattoo in an immunosuppressed patient.Case Reports. 2018. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2018-224968
Brant County Health Unit.Tattoo Safety.
Food and Drug Administration.Think before you ink: Are tattoos safe?May 2, 2017.
Wilson WT, et al.Unusual complication of a tattoo in an immunosuppressed patient.Case Reports. 2018. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2018-224968
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