No. Personal medical questions are not answered by email. If you would like an individual medical assessment, you can request a secure digital consultation via 247dermatologist.com.

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.

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.

Yes, this is possible. However, 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.

Yes, 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..

Yes, 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.

Yes, this is generally safe, provided the tattoo is fully healed and there are no signs of inflammation or irritation. There is no scientific evidence that inserting a needle through a healed tattoo carries additional medical risk.

Blood tests
Drawing blood through a tattoo is not a medical problem. The skin in that area is not differently vascularised or less suitable. However, heavy pigmentation may make it slightly more difficult for the healthcare professional to clearly visualise a vein.

Vaccination
Vaccines can also be administered through tattooed skin. If sufficient space is available, some clinicians prefer to use an area without a tattoo for practical reasons, but this is not a medical requirement.

Spinal injection or epidural
For epidural or spinal procedures, practitioners often try to select an area without tattoo pigment if possible. Theoretical concerns have been raised about microscopic pigment particles entering deeper tissues, but this has not been convincingly documented as a clinical complication. When a tattoo is fully healed and the skin appears normal, the procedure is considered safe in practice.

Although research on this specific topic is limited, no proven complications have been reported to date. If there is any doubt, discuss this with your treating physician or healthcare professional.

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

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 'symptoms' page.