If there is a referral from the general practitioner (GP) or a medical specialist, the appointment will be reimbursed.

In general, this is not useful, as some allergies may still develop after many years. In addition, there are currently no reliable allergy tests available for tattoo ink (there are exceptions for certain substances; please consult a specialized dermatologist for more information).

In general, permanent tattoo ink does not contain PPD, so this is not a contraindication. However, in cases of a severe PPD allergy, we advise against using tattoo ink that contains one of the following pigments: PR32 (CI 12320), PB61 (CI 42765:1), and PY155 (CI 200310). This is due to chemical cross-reactivity and reported allergic reactions in patients with PPD hypersensitivity. The risk of such a reaction appears to be low. PPD is present in black henna; therefore, getting a (temporary) black henna tattoo is not recommended.

In general, tattoo ink no longer contains any or hardly any (persistent) nickel. For this reason, among others, nickel does not appear to be responsible for the development of (chronic) allergic reactions to tattoos. There are exceptions, but in principle a nickel allergy is not a contraindication to getting a tattoo.

Colophony (rosin) was occasionally used in the past as an excipient in tattoo ink, but this is no longer the case. Shellac (a natural resin) is still occasionally used in tattoo ink. Because cross-reactivity exists between these two substances, it is advised to avoid tattoo ink containing shellac if you are allergic to colophony or shellac. In theory, a temporary allergic reaction could occur after getting the tattoo.

In principle, this is possible. We do recommend having the tattoo done when the skin is calm and free of active eczema. In addition, it is advisable not to place the tattoo on areas that are commonly affected by eczema, such as the backs of the knees, the inner elbows, or the neck. Because people with eczema are more likely to develop contact allergies, it is also wise to be cautious with other topical products, such as disinfectants, numbing creams, or tattoo aftercare products. In some cases of severe eczema, strong immunosuppressive medications (tablets or injections) are used. In such cases, please consult your treating physician.

In principle, this is possible. However, several factors should be taken into account. Tattooing carries a small risk of triggering a local flare-up of psoriasis. This is due to the so-called Koebner phenomenon. The risk appears to be higher when tattooing is done on typical psoriasis-prone areas or when the psoriasis is active. We therefore advise having a tattoo only when the skin is calm and the condition is stable. In some cases of severe psoriasis, strong immunosuppressive medications (tablets or injections) are used. In such cases, please consult your treating physician..

In principle, this is possible. Preferably, this should be done only if the scar has been stable for at least one year (and preferably longer). Scars may continue to change or discolor even at a later stage. Please also keep in mind that tattooed scar tissue may discolor differently after sun exposure compared to the surrounding skin. In addition, tattooing over scar tissue is often technically more challenging for the tattoo artist, and the ink may not always take well in the skin. The texture of the skin will also remain different.

No. We advise against getting a tattoo if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If a complication such as an infection were to occur, this could have adverse effects on the (unborn) child. In the case of an infection, medication such as antibiotics may also be required, which can likewise have negative effects. In addition, tattoo ink contains very small components: nanoparticles. It is simply not well known whether these nanoparticles can have an effect on the (unborn) child.

There are no official rules that prohibit this, but tattooing over a mole is not recommended. Among tattoo artists, this is also considered an unwritten rule. So far, there is no evidence that a tattoo has a direct negative effect on the mole itself. However, tattoo pigments can make it much more difficult to detect changes or abnormalities in a mole. In some cases, this may result in a melanoma being discovered at a later stage, which can have negative consequences.

That depends on the type and activity of the urticaria. With active chronic urticaria or a physical form (such as pressure-, heat-, or friction-induced urticaria), tattooing is not recommended. In these cases, the skin may react strongly to the needle stimuli, resulting in swelling, itching, distortion of the tattoo appearance, and sometimes delayed healing. If the urticaria has been inactive for a longer period or is well controlled with antihistamines, tattooing is usually possible. The risk of a reaction is then small.

Ja, dat kan in principe veilig, mits de tatoeage volledig genezen is en er geen tekenen zijn van ontsteking of irritatie. Er zijn geen wetenschappelijke aanwijzingen dat prikken door een bestaande tatoeage extra risico’s geeft.

Bloedprikken
Voor het afnemen van bloed is het geen probleem om door een tatoeage te prikken. De huid is op die plek niet anders doorbloed of minder geschikt. Wel is het voor de laborant soms lastiger om een ader goed te zien als er veel pigment aanwezig is.

Vaccinatie
Ook vaccinaties mogen worden toegediend door een tatoeage heen. Als er voldoende ruimte is, verdient het wel de voorkeur om een stukje huid zonder tatoeage te kiezen, vooral om praktische redenen.

Spinal injection (epidural)
During an epidural, an attempt is usually made to find an area without a tattoo. Theoretically, there is concern that a minute amount of pigment could enter the spinal canal, but this has never been convincingly described as a complication. When the tattoo has long since healed and the skin appears normal, it is considered safe in practice.

Although little research has been conducted on this topic, no complications have been reported to date. If in doubt, you can always discuss this with your doctor or healthcare provider.

For more information about symptoms in a tattoo, please visit the page on tattoo-related complaints.

Itching or a burning sensation in a tattoo during sun exposure is fairly common. See, for example, this study. The exact cause is not always clear, but it is thought to be due to a mild photo-irritative skin reaction or temporary activation of pigment-related immune responses. This can occur in both old and recently applied tattoos.

When symptoms are mild and temporary, this is usually harmless. Sun protection with a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 often helps to prevent this.

If itching recurs frequently or is accompanied by redness, swelling, or scaling, an allergic reaction to the ink may be present. In that case, evaluation by a dermatologist is advisable.

Read more about allergic reactions to tattoos on the complaints page.