Living with Psoriasis & Tattoos

I got my first tattoo at the age of 21, it wasn’t your average drunk night out with the girls and you were “dared” It was actually a bucket list item.

I knew I wanted some ink done but I didn’t know what to get or if I could deal with the pain Lol. That was 17 years ago.

Throughout that time, I got others and then psoriasis hit at 31. After realizing exactly what plaque psoriasis can do to the skin I was very concerned about the health of my older tattoos. Would they be affected or will I ever be able to get any ink done? Even though I sort of have my psoriasis controlled (this Chicago weather is brutal on the skin) The possibilities of getting new scales on my new ink would be horrible and even more with the possibility of infection.

That gray cloud has hung over my head for 7 years. Because of this health wise I cut out some things and added more fresh things to feed and repair my skin inside and out.

With that being said what are some of the risks if considering a tattoo with

 psoriasis?

Any skin trauma, such as a cut, insect bite, or sunburn, can cause psoriasis-type lesions to develop. This is known as the Koebner phenomenon. Since tattoos cause skin trauma, getting one may cause these psoriasis-like lesions to occur on your skin around the tattoo.

The Koebner phenomenon happens about 25 percent of the time in people with psoriasis who experience skin trauma. It typically occurs within 10 to 20 days of injury, but may take as little as three days or as long as two years. Researchers once believed that Koebner phenomenon only occurred in people with pre-existing psoriasis or other types of skin problems. 

However, the diagnosis criteria were expanded to include people with no previous skin conditions. Find Out More

If psoriasis plaques develop where you have gotten a tattoo, see your doctor. Dermatologists can treat the psoriasis on the tattoo just as they would on any part of the body.

Thinking about getting a tattoo to cover up your scales? 

Please reread above. In no way is that safe for your skin!

Don’t get a tattoo in an attempt to hide your psoriasis. No tattoo artist should ever agree to tattoo over psoriasis plaques. However, the most common places for psoriasis to flare are the elbows, knees, and scalp. “Fortunately, those are not places that people are likely to get tattoos,” says Korman.

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Predicting Reactions

Not everyone with psoriasis will have a reaction when getting inked. However, there is no way to predict what will happen. Consider the following before you head to the tattoo shop:

·         Family History: Has any relative had psoriasis and also tried a tattoo? Their experience may give you some hints of what yours could be.

·         Current Skin Reactions: What causes psoriasis to flare up? If you cut yourself with a razor while shaving, does your skin react? If so, it is likely to do the same with the tattoo gun.

·         Severity of Your Condition: The more severe your condition, the more likely your skin will negatively react to a tattoo.

So, it’s possible but a major risk. Please consult your dermatologist.

Did you know?

Some states have laws that prohibit tattoo artists from doing a tattoo on a person that has active eczema or psoriasis. The person may have to wait until their psoriasis is dormant before getting the tattoo. For some individuals, this may rarely or never occur.

Ok, I know what youre thinking. So all that information listed is for getting new tattoos, I get it. The trauma to an already traumatized area depending where you have plaque sightings and tattoo placement.

But-

What if you already have tattoos, what’s the risk of developing plaques on top of them?

Even those that got tattoos before developing psoriasis about 7% has noticed during an uncontrolled flare up their tattoo has been affected with plaques. I have a total of 10 tattoos and I am apart of that number.

Two years ago, I noticed a small plaque on the dot in my name. Being apart of that growing percentage, no cure for the autoimmune disorder, Going Natural (process) was the best thing for me to keep my skin strong- it’s the largest organ and my force field I can’t and won’t allow it further damage.

Using a gentle exfoliating Coffee Scrub works wonders to refresh the body by stimulating the blood circulation, providing antioxidants that combat free radical damage. Since the majority of my plaques are on my legs, I do a full body scrub and the benefits are amazing!

Coffee is proven for reducing psoriasis, stretch marks, small veins, cellulite*(temporary*) Acne & Eczema symptoms. Premium Coconut oil included helps fight against premature aging leaving you with younger looking skin (especially for tattoos). That Glow afterwards Yasss!

Learn More

Do you have tattoos and psoriasis, share your experiences!

It's Confirmed: Pityriasis Rosea

Wooo, the past two weeks has been very challenging.

The metaphor- "You don't know what stress is until your child gets sick" or in my situation, until your children get sick is all to true.

Being a Mother of five, that title alone I keep a squad of issues. My home has been shut down due to quarantine because of this strange stomach bug, it passed thru all six of us and lasted about 24 hours each person that began with my middle daughter.

One day my middle daughter (12) came home from school and complaining of nausea and a headache. After asking her about what she ate at lunch that day I also went back and thought about the meals prior. I avoid oily, fried foods because its just not good for gut health and other things. So from there I gave her a cup of tea and told her to relax.
She's a homebody so I initially blamed the school lunch since she didn't pack one earlier.

Day 2
Later in  the evening, after missing a day from school I notice a large dry patch on my daughter just below her collarbone. After quizzing her to make sure she didn't try to curl her own hair ( I thought it favored a burn), I was very curious as to how she got it- So I made it my business to keep an eye on that area and call the doctor.
-Voicemail.

While she began to get better I was hit with another child contacting this strange stomach illness. I cleaned my heart out disinfecting from the ceiling to the floor an aired the house out.

Day 4
Thinking I'm in the clear another child is sick and my middle daughter wakes up scratching and shows me dime sized dry patches on her chest that seems like they just sprouted out of nowhere!

I immediately called our primary care physician which to my surprise was out on vacation, so I decided to go to the ER.
After 3 long hours nothing was confirmed because the Specialist (dermatologist) wasn't available in the evening on the date I visited and was discharged with a benadryl prescription and a follow up with my own doctor after care advice.

As you can imagine, I'm livid! I began using natural home remedies to sooth the itching. I really thought if she was scratching she could have possibly spread them so I dropped her prescription off at the pharmacy for Benadryl. At this point, I'm thinking its a possible allergic reaction to have spread so fast, I mean that is all the information I had so far. So I waited it out until our Primary Care Physician returned from vacation since it would take longer for a new dermatologist appointment.

Day 6
Four of my kids recovered, I get hit (insert multiple sad face emojis) During this time I advised my middle daughter to take chamomile/ oatmeal baths for relaxation after to apply a healing balm from Kerri's Kiss Naturals to seal in moisture while calming this flare up. I gave her the benadryl as needed prescribed also.

This was the worse time to get sick but I couldn't be more happier on this day, My PCP listened to my numerous voicemail messages and set me up with her soonest appointment which was in 2 days. I set the appointment and felt relieved that I can get some answers as to what was going on.

Day 8
Four children well + myself  my oldest son gets hit, No matter the age mom to the rescue!
Later that day, I take my middle daughter to her doctor appointment when the doctor confirmed diagnosis- Pityriasis Rosea.
With a puzzled look and now curious mind, I was unaware of the skin disorder and had to be well educated. To view more about Pityriasis Rosea Page 1 Page 2.

Even though this skin disorder is common, it's not contagious. This skin disorder can affect anyone from 10-35, It's due to a virus and last from 6-8 weeks or Months.

Day 10
At this point my daughter is handling it with me by her side giving her confidence, chamomile/ oatmeal baths before bed for itching and keeping her skin supple with the healing balm which is keeping her scar free by reducing itch and irritation.

I've always told my daughters (3) to love themselves, this time was a little different because I never really told my middle daughter how I felt about her now "skin disorder".

"Once I saw that patch I blamed myself. I began questioning genetics. The only thing I knew is that something was going on inside and we have to get this invader out."

I gave her a big hug and told her in a cheerful manner, "you have something that you will get rid of thru self care within a matter of weeks isn't that better than permanent spots? I proceeded to show her my arm.
You have to feel comfortable in your skin, understand the world isnt over and live your life to the fullest.
Living with Psoriasis myself I look myself in the mirror with no shame, I'm living this and You can do the same with your skincare issue.