Forum: Tattoos and Dermatographia?
Sunday March 29, 2009
StrangeSkin writes: "I have dermatographia and for that reason, I've been afraid to get a tattoo. Does anyone have this skin condition as well as tattoos? Did your ink distort after the swelling went down or was it okay? I've heard it can go both ways.
I'm thinking that I will just get a test tattoo in inconspicuous place to see what happens. I'm just not sure how it will turn out with my weird skin. Any feed back would be appreciated. I know what tattoos I want and I really hope to get them someday. Thanks!"
Comments
My advice is to talk to your artist. He above all else will know how your skin will react. If he doesnt know, you may want to find a more experienced artist. Due to the nature of your skin condition I would advise getting a test tattoo in a small hidden spot because everyones skin reacts differently to tattoos even as a general rule.
I agree that you should consult your artist first, but speaking as someone with this condition along with keratosis pilaris and other hyper-sensitivity issues with my skin, I’ve never had any issues with any of my tattoos. In fact, I would say the tattoos have enabled me to manage my condition better than before by prompting me to keep my skin hydrated and protected from the sun.
As for ink distortion, one of my tats went into an area that regularily broke out in hives (6 months ago). Strangely, not only did the itching all but vanish, but when I do rub/scratch there, hives no longer appear either. I think the repeated beating of the needle desensitized the nerves that were overreacting. Hopefully for good.
I have it too – I have since I was nine – and it wasn’t an issue at all when I got my butterfly done. For aftercare, I’d also recommend using those clear Tegaderm bandages they use over IV’s in hospitals – they’re waterproof but still breathe and you can leave them in place until it heals. Plus, they’ll protect your skin if you forget and start to scratch.
I’ve had dermatographia for 17 years, and tattoos before and after the condition started. All of my tattoos are fine, and it’s true that I also do not have welts appear in any of my tattoo sites. Weird, huh?
I have dermatographia also – I don’t really have any problems with getting tattoos (i have some very large ones) however, my tattoo goes through cycles in which the ink will become raised and mildly itchy or tender.
The only real concern about dermatographia and tattooing is how your artist will react if you experience a reaction to being tattooed above and beyond what they normally see. You might just explain to them that you welt up pretty intensely in response to minor scratches and not to be concerned if you get welt-ier or redder than other people.
I have Dermatographia as well. I choose to get a tattoo on my wrist, on area of my body that seems to be less sensitive to it. I could never imagine risking a tat on my back or legs, the spots that get the worse welts.
I didn’t have any major problems doing it on my wrist, but the artist did comment that I had more swelling than he expected. However, after keeping the tattoo covered and moist while it healed, I had no other issues.
I Dermatographia- and im covered in tats. It has never presented a problem, during or after being tattooed.
My dermatologist said that I have the worst case that he has ever seen and it was not flared too badly when I got a tattoo. If yours is like mine, you itch really bad after you scratch somewhere. As weird as it sounds, the tattoo almost felt good because it is essentially the hardest scratching ever! But everyone is different so definitely consult doctor and artist first.
I have it to and I want to get other tatoo but I was worried about that I welt up everyday about 4 – 6 times a day do anyone one thru this
I have dermatographia and want a tattoo also. My welts occur when my bare skin presses against a plastic lawn chair or even against my own bare skin. The welts don’t last long, but just itch alot. Sometimes the welts and itching just happen for no apparent reason. I want a tattoo above my heart and am uncertain if I should proceed. Any advice other than a ‘test tattoo’ in an inconspicuous spot.
Try taking antihistimines! I take a prescription one everyday to keep from looking like I was abused, plus it helps with the itching. Even if you don’t need them everyday, I would suggest taking an OTC antihistimine before getting a tatoo! I don’t have any tatoo’s yet though!