Can You Safely Get Tattoos If You Have Herpes? Tips to Prevent & Heal Flare Ups

Safely Getting Tattoos with Herpes

Tattoos can be a great form of self-expression and art. However, if you have a condition like herpes, you may wonder if getting tattooed is a safe and even a possible choice.

The good news is that if precautions are taken, most people with herpes can successfully get and heal tattoos. By taking the proper medical, aftercare and disclosure steps, your dream tattoo should still be able to become beautiful reality.

How Tattoos Impact Cold Sores and Genital Herpes

Tattooing causes mild physical skin trauma from the needle penetrating the outer layer. For those prone to herpes flare ups, this stress can potentially activate the virus, resulting in visible cold sores or genital lesions around the tattooed area during healing.

However other risk factors like sun exposure, illness or emotional stress can also prompt herpes outbreaks. So while new tattoos may present some risk, if properly controlled, many with herpes heal new ink without viral activations.

Minimizing Tattoo Herpes Breakout Risks

If you have herpes and want a tattoo, here are some precautions you can take to lower chances of problems:

• Properly hydrate, rest and support your immune system around appointment times
• Ask about medical creams to help prevent cold sore activation when booking
• Time sessions when not sick, stressed or overly busy
• Use SPF protection on new tattoos to prevent sun-triggered flair ups
• Carefully follow aftercare instructions for cleaning and moisturizing
• Have medication prescribed in advance to treat any outbreaks

Informing Your Tattoo Artist About Herpes

Its crucial when planning your tattoo appointment to transparently disclose your herpes condition to your tattoo artist in advance. This allows them to:

• Reschedule if they feel unwell and risk catching the virus
• Plan tattoo locations avoiding current outbreak sites
• Guide aftercare tailored to herpes-prone skin
• Educate on cream use to prevent cold sore activation
• Prepare early cover up or laser removal if issues arise

Reputable professional shops will work sensitively with clients, while safely meeting health regulations.

Ideal Tattoo Locations with Herpes

Choosing tattoo placement carefully when you have herpes can also minimize risk of flare up complications. The best locations include:

• Arms: Both upper and forearms offer convenient skin real estate less prone to outbreaks for many clients. They allow easy access for aftercare while new tattoos heal.
• Legs: Areas below the knees and over thick muscles provide ample canvas space for tattooing for clients who may have frequent oral cold sore outbreaks.
• Torso: If outbreaks mostly occur around the mouth or genitals, tattooing the chest, stomach or upper back can avoid active flare zones.
• Shoulders: Likewise, the shoulders offer large tattoo spaces normally uninterrupted by frequent herpes activations.

Caring for a New Tattoo if You Have Herpes

Proper new tattoo healing care is important for all clients, but especially critical those prone to herpes outbreaks. Be vigilant with:

• Thorough hand washing before touching new tattoos
• Using a fragrance-free mild skin cleanser when washing
• Allowing tattoos ample drying time after cleaning
• Frequently reapplying recommended topical skin creams
• Keeping fresh tattoos covered with non-stick bandages
• Not picking scabs or peeling skin from healing tattoos
• Avoiding direct sunlight exposure on healing skin

Follow up right away with your doctor at any signs of possible infection or cold sore activation for prompt treatment.

What to Do If an Outbreak Occurs on New Tattoo

If despite best efforts, a sore activating herpes blister surfaces on recently inked skin, quickly take actions to care for tattoo appearance and health:

• Start medication: Quickly begin prescribed antiviral cold sore treatment per doctor recommendation to clear outbreak faster.
• Avoid popping blisters: Let them heal naturally without touching or puncturing them.
• Carefully clean surrounding skin: Gently wash around sores daily with soap and water.
• Apply topical ointment: Use a light healing cream around (not directly on) sores.
• Protect from sun: Shield healing skin with clothing coverage outdoors.
• Contact doctor if concerns: Seek medical care if infection is suspected.
• Be patient: Allow 6+ months for skin to fully heal before attempting any cover up work.

Living Confidently with Both Tattoos and Herpes

With thoughtful planning regarding tattoo placement, intentional healthcare choices, open artist communication and proper aftercare, having body art and herpes outbreaks does not need to be limiting. Take control by being informed, proactive and responsive when challenges emerge.

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.