Tattoos and Psoriasis: Care Tips to Reduce Flare Risks

Understanding Psoriasis and Its Effect on Tattoos

Getting inked when you have an inflammatory skin condition like psoriasis requires careful consideration regarding flare risk and aftercare needs. However, with the right precautions, those with mild to moderate psoriasis can successfully get and heal fun new tattoos.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder causing rapid skin cell buildup, resulting in plaque lesions and scales. Common symptoms include:

• Thick, red, flaky skin patches
• Itching, stinging, and burning
• Cracked, bleeding skin
• Pitted nails

Stress, skin injuries, certain medications, smoking, obesity, and excessive alcohol intake are common psoriasis triggers. Flare-ups shift between mild to severe intensity.

Getting Inked: Special Considerations for Psoriasis Sufferers

For those with mild, well-controlled plaque psoriasis at the time of getting a tattoo, risks of inflammation or infection complications are low. However, discuss tattoo placement carefully with your doctor.

Areas of active psoriatic lesions should always be avoided when planning body art. Healing tattoos on problem skin zones lead to poor ink retention and need for frequent touch-ups.

Best Places for Tattoo Placement

For minimal psoriasis flaring risk, preferred tattoo sites include:

• Outer arms
• Legs, calves
• Shoulders
• Upper back
• Ribs

Avoid direct tattooing on top of current plaques. Also skip flexor surfaces on joints, the nape of neck, or skin frequently rubbed by clothing.

Caring for New Tattoos With Psoriasis Prone Skin

Caring properly for fresh tattoos encourages quicker healing and reduces infection likelihood. This helps prevent psoriasis attacks triggered by skin trauma or poor wound healing.

Cleansing

Gently cleanse tattooed areas using lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap 1-2 times per day. Avoid harsh scrubbing which causes wound inflammation.

Moisturizing

Apply a rich, nourishing moisturizer like petroleum jelly after washing to hydrate skin and form a protective barrier. Too little moisture impairs healing.

Sun Protection

Always shield healing tattoos from direct sunlight using protective clothing for at least two weeks. UV exposure fades vibrant ink colors.

Avoid Picking Scabs

As tempting as picking peeling skin or scabs may be, leave them intact so surrounding skin edges can reseal quicker.

Watch for Infection Signs

Monitor for increased redness, swelling, oozing, fever or chills indicating a secondary skin infection requiring antibiotic treatment.

Long Term Tattoo Care and Maintenance With Psoriasis

Ongoing proper skin and tattoo care keeps body art looking vibrant despite psoriasis symptom cycles.

Moisturize Daily

Hydrating tattooed areas regularly with thick, fragrance-free moisturizers conditions skin to better withstand recurring plaque lesions.

Use Medicated Shampoos

If psoriasis affects the scalp, use tar-based, salicylic acid, or coconut oil shampoos to loosen plaques before they spread.

Watch Clothing Choices

Avoid restrictive clothing compressing skin or causing friction irritation leading to Koebner phenomenon flares.

Limit Alcohol

Reduce alcohol, a common psoriasis trigger, to better control flare cycles and associated skin injury risks.

Use Sunscreen

Vigilant sunscreen use prevents UV fading and skin damage promoting disease progression.

Touch Up Fading Ink

Schedule periodic tattoo touch-ups as needed if plaques caused patchy ink loss.

Medical and Lifestyle Tips to Improve Psoriasis

Working holistically with your healthcare provider combining medical intervention, lifestyle changes, and home remedies better calms symptoms long term.

Light Therapy

Phototherapy using concentrated UV light waves helps slow rapid skin turnover in some cases.

Stress Reduction

Trying yoga, meditation, counseling, or support groups to ease anxiety and depression related flare triggers.

Diet Modifications

Eliminating allergenic foods like gluten, nightshades, or dairy soothes inflammation for some sufferers.

Natural Remedies

Applying soothing aloe vera gel or oatmeal baths alleviates irritating plaques.

Discussing systemic or topical medications with doctors also better manages symptoms interfering with tattoo healing and retention.

The Bottom Line

Having psoriasis doesn’t mean avoiding tattoos completely. With proper planning regarding timing, placement, and aftercare, those with well controlled cases can successfully get inked without major complications.

Work closely monitoring and communicating with both dermatologists and tattoo artists for best results. This ensures body art and skin health live together in harmony despite psoriasis ups and downs.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.