Rate of tattoo complications in psoriasis patients low

[Fred]

This study looked at tattoo complications in psoriasis patients.

Quote:

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Background:
Tattooing is a widespread phenomenon, with an estimated prevalence of 10–30% in Western populations. For psoriasis patients, current recommendations are to avoid having a tattoo if the disease is active and they are receiving immunosuppressive treatments. Although scientific data supporting these recommendations is lacking, dermatologists are often reluctant to advocate tattooing in psoriasis patients.

Objective:
We aimed to evaluate the frequency of tattoo complications in patients with psoriasis and determine if the occurrence of complications was associated with psoriasis status and treatments received at the time of tattooing.

Methods:
We performed a multicentre cross‐sectional study. Adults with psoriasis were consecutively included and classified as tattooed or non‐tattooed. Prevalence of complications associated with tattoos was then evaluated according to psoriasis onset and treatments. The study was divided into three parts, in which data were collected through a series of questionnaires filled in by the dermatologist. Complications included pruritus, oedema, allergic reaction/eczema, infection/superinfection, granuloma, lichenification, photosensitivity, Koebner phenomenon and psoriasis flare after tattooing. Diagnosis of complications was made retrospectively.

Results:
We included 2053 psoriatic patients, 20.2% had 894 tattoos. Amongst non‐tattooed patients, 15.4% had wished to be tattooed, with psoriasis being stated as a reason for not having a tattoo by 44.0% and 5.7% indicating that they planned to have a tattoo in the future. Local complications, such as oedema, pruritus, allergy and Koebner phenomenon were reported in tattoos in 6.6%, most frequently in patients with psoriasis requiring treatment at the time of tattooing (p<0.0001). No severe complications were reported.

Conclusions:
The rate of tattoo complications in psoriasis patients was low. Although the risk of complications was highest amongst patients with psoriasis requiring treatment at the time of tattooing, all the complications observed were benign. These results can be helpful for practitioners to give objective information to patients.

Source: onlinelibrary.wiley.com

*Early view funding unknown

[Caroline]

That is a bit relieving for those who have tattoos..

[Raxyl]

I’m still considering a tattoo, so it’s good to heard results like this.

[Coffeeplease]

I have four tattoos, which I've acquired at various times over the past 27 years.   Each time I had a tattoo done, I was virtually clear at the time and it never caused a flare.  I want another one, but will wait until this flare goes (hopefully) into remission.

[Caroline]

Tattoos are not for me. I am totally not interested in them. Jewelry on the contrary.,....

[Coffeeplease]

Tattoos are not for me. I am totally not interested in them.  Jewelry on the contrary.,....

I hear you Caroline!  I love jewelry too.  And tattoos seem to cost just as much a nice piece of jewelry...perhaps I need to rethink this. 

[Turnedlight]

Tattoos are too permanent for me..

[KatT]

I have one that I got in my early twenties but that was prior to the psoriasis.  I definitely would not get a new one even though I'm virtually clear, not because of the potential complications but to avoid a new psoriasis patch.

Before starting treatments, I noticed that if I got let's say a nick on my leg from shaving, it would start a new patch.....painting baseboards and therefore staying on my knees for a long period = psoriasis on both knees!