Tattoos and cosmetic procedures

Get advice

Lots of young people have tattoos, so if you are considering having a tattoo or some other form of cosmetic procedure, please speak to a member of the Rheumatology team to find out more information including some of the risks involved, safe procedures and aftercare if you do decide to go ahead.

Risks and the procedure

Risks

Some of the potential risks in relation to these procedures may be increased due to your autoimmune condition.

The risks for anybody include skin infections, transmission of blood borne infections including tetanus, hepatitis B and C, and even HIV, allergic reaction to the inks, and long-term sensitivity. There is also the risk of developing granulomas (lumpy tissue) around a tattoo and scarring, especially if you have an infection.

These risks are slim, especially if you go to a reputable salon and take good care of your tattoo, piercing etc. afterwards.

Procedure

Treatments that supress the immune system, e.g. biologics, methotrexate and steroids, in theory cause an increased risk of infection. If you are on such a drug, and you do decide to go ahead you will need to pay extra special attention that the procedure is sterile and that afterwards you take extra care to keep the site clean.

It’s important to go to a place that is appropriately licensed, undertakes hygienic procedures and is a reputable place. If you decide to have a tattoo, we advise not to tattoo over a joint just in case that joint becomes problematic in the future.

Aftercare

Good aftercare following any tattoo, piercing or cosmetic procedure can help prevent complications and helps to ensure that it heals properly. Follow the instructions your tattoo artist/salon gives you – most will have a leaflet with their advice printed out for you to take away.

However, if after the procedure you begin to show signs of infection which are not too serious then go to the GP within a day. The GP can look at the area and decide if you need antibiotics and will give advice as to how best to care for the wound.

If the area is very red or swollen or if you have a fever, you need to go to a hospital A & E department if you can’t access your GP within 24 hours, as that would suggest a serious infection.

Contacts

Direct tel: 07966770646

Switchboard: 020 3456 7890

University College Hospital, Adolescent Rheumatology Clinic, Rheumatology Department, 3^rd Floor, 250 Euston Road, London, NW1 2PQ

Email: uclh.adolescentrheumatologyteam@nhs.net

Website: www.uclh.nhs.uk

Where can I get more information?

https://www.uclh.nhs.uk/our-services/find-service/children-and-young-peoples-services/adolescent-and-young-adult-rheumatology  

www.centre-for-adolescent-rheumatology.org  

www.versusarthritis.org

www.arthursplace.co.uk

“Please feel free to talk to us before any tattoo or cosmetic procedure so that we can plan together the right time and place for your procedure, to reduce any risk of complication"

Clinical Nurse Specialist
Adolescent Rheumatology UCLH