Tattoos are a popular form of body art, and people with lupus get tattoos just as often as the general population. But because lupus can cause skin symptoms, it’s common for people with the condition to wonder if getting tattoos is safe.

“Can a tattoo cause a lupus flare-up?” one MyLupusTeam member asked. Another replied, “I have three tattoos — no problems or reactions.”

About half of the people who get a new tattoo experience temporary inflammation that might be itchy or painful regardless of whether they have an underlying skin condition like cutaneous lupus (a type of lupus that can cause scaly, discolored rash, dark spots, light spots, and scars).

As long as your lupus symptoms are stable and you don’t get a tattoo near an active lesion or scar, you don’t need to rule out tattoos because of lupus. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind, like the risk of infection or bleeding. Here are some tips on choosing the right time and conditions for your tattoo.

Find the Right Tattoo Artist

Studies show that getting a tattoo doesn’t raise your risk of flare-ups or long-term lupus complications, like organ damage. But infections are dangerous, especially for those with an autoimmune disease like lupus. “I would make sure you go to a very clean and reputable place since any infection could lead to a lupus flare,” advised a MyLupusTeam member.

You can check your state health department to learn more about the licensing requirements for tattoo shops and see if your tattoo artist has an active license.

Tattoo artists should always wash their hands and wear a new pair of gloves when tattooing. All needles, tubes, containers, pigments, and trays are meant for one-time use and should be taken from unopened packages. Your tattoo artist should use an autoclave (heat sterilization machine) or a commercial disinfectant or bleach solution to disinfect any equipment that’s not disposable.

“I suggest going for something very small first. Make sure you find someone you trust and tell them you have lupus,” advised another member. “Emphasize how you need to make sure that everything is cleaned and then cleaned again, and you may have to do it in sessions. Don’t stress your body out.”

Evaluate Your Current Health

Always check in with your doctor before getting a tattoo. If you’re in an active flare, they’ll likely advise you to hold off until your symptoms improve and you’re no longer on high-dose medications. In general, it’s not safe to get a tattoo when taking certain medications. “I’m on blood thinners, so I can’t do tattoos,” shared a MyLupusTeam member.

You should also avoid getting a tattoo while taking acne medications or antibiotics and use caution with immunosuppressive drugs. If you are on long-term steroids, it may be wise to avoid getting a tattoo until you are off them, as steroids reduce healing and cause thinning of the skin.

People with a compromised immune system or ongoing skin conditions can get tattoos, but they should wait until they’re feeling well. Lupus may mean your tattoo takes longer to heal, so you’ll need to take extra precautions with aftercare to keep the area clean and moisturized.

Avoid swimming or sun exposure while your tattoo is healing, and be careful not to pick any scabs. If you notice any signs of infection, call your doctor for an appointment.

Consider Your Options

Many people on MyLupusTeam have a history of tattoos, and most reported no issues with them. But that’s not necessarily a guarantee that you’ll have a good experience. “I have had all of my tattoos swell up and itch and feel like they are on fire. So with my personal experience, I won’t be getting any more,” said one member.

You could start with black tattoo ink if you’re nervous about your skin’s reaction to tattooing. For some people, color pigments can cause irritation. “I have four black tattoos and have no problem with them. I also have one with color that gets irritated from time to time. It’s strange that it’s just the color, though,” explained another MyLupusTeam member.

You can also explore temporary alternatives. “Think seriously before getting a tattoo. You could always get some funky fake tattoos or henna,” suggested another member.

Make sure to consult with your doctor before putting anything on your skin. They can evaluate your condition to identify any possible issues that could affect the healing of your tattoo or trigger lupus symptoms. This information from your doctor will help you make an informed choice, reducing the chance of negative side effects.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyLupusTeam is the social network for people with lupus and their loved ones. On MyLupusTeam, more than 223,000 people with lupus come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories.

Have you discussed body art like tattoos and piercings with your dermatologist? What are your feelings about the safety of tattoos with lupus or other autoimmune conditions? Post your thoughts in the comments below, or start a conversation by sharing on your Activities page.