Tattoos and Crohns

So, I made the mistake of telling my mother I might be getting a tattoo today.  (I'm 26, it's not like I haven't given it some thought...)

I don't have a tattoo but I found this info online on a FAQ for tattoos.

Is it OK to get a tattoo if I'm sick? Getting a tattoo when your immune system isn't at 100% isn't a good idea. You're going to need your strength and your white blood cells to heal your tattoo, something your body won't be able to do if it's already doing battle against virus and bacteria.

It probably depends a lot on how in control your disease is and what medications you are on. Personally I would not risk it, but I am overly cautious these days. I won't even get a pedicure anymore because of the instances of people getting infections from the bacteria in the tubs. But that is just me, I just don't need anything else to deal with so after this last flare I am pretty much always following the "Better safe than sorry" train of thought!

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Diagnosed with Crohn's in 1998, father has UC we were both diagnosed at 20 yrs old.
Previously on Remicade, Humira - No surgeries so far

Meds ~ Sulfasalazine 2/2xday, 300 mg Wellbutrin
Supps ~ Culturellle, psylium seed, folic acid, magnesium, D3, K2, Calcium/Boron, multi-mineral.

I have a friend who got a tattoo on methotrexate.They didn't have any problems. But surely there is someone somewhere who got a tattoo and it got real bad cause of there immune system and medications. My general consensus is go for it if its something that will make you happy. Make sure you follow all the typical guidlines, clean shop, proper after care, etc. Maybe I just live on the edge. I dont know. : ) You may also wanna try google with the meds you are on and the word tattoo to see what you find : )

Been on Remicade for yrs. Got a bunch of tattoo's during that time. Never had a problem.

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Diagnosed Crohns 02. Just had a resection April 20th 2010. Two sections removed had a fistula into the bladder. GI said I could stop the 6mp, but staying on remicade.

Hi Sara. I have a question . Do you think you will wear the same cloths fashion every day for the rest of your life and never tire of it ? If not remember the tattoo is going to be worn for a long long time . I use to see them on the old folks in nursing homes and trust me , they lose something when they wrinkle a lot .

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I've never had a problem with any of mine... Just make sure it's a clean, reputable shop.

I Have 4 so far..and i am not done yet. Although i have not gotten one while on remicaide. But i have never had a problem with any of them, and as long as you go to a clean shop.(  new needles clean floors..etc.) you'll be fine. The next one will be down the ribs...Ouch!

Hi Sara

I've 9 tattoos...all done over the last 15 years...and all done while I was on Salofalk...with no problem - the key is to find a reputable artist and have a discussion with them about your situation. The tattoo industry has changed radically in the last 20 years and it's much safer and most tattooists have a greater knowledge and understanding of the effects health wise.

I'm actually scheduled to get a leg pc done on Tues- a memorial to my daughter who passed away April 30 of this year.

Aww Wyzwmn I am so sorry for the loss of your precious baby. Hugs!

Sara I think if you are doing well right now, and the shop is clean you shouldn't have any problems. I have heard lots of folks on this forum get tattoos all the time. And yes don't tell Mom, we tend to be worriers for our kids:) I wouldn't get one on your stomach though, as we Crohnies can have abdominal surgery at all time. And that would just be a waste of money. Hugs!

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Gail*Nanners* Co-Moderator for Crohns Disease
Crohn's Disease for over 35 years. Currently on Asacol, Protonix, Estrace, Prinivil, Diltiazem, Percoset prn for pain, Zofran, Phenergan, Probiotics, Calcium, Vit D, and Xanax prn. Resections in 2002 & 2005. Also diagnosed w/ Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis, & Anxiety. Currently my Crohns is in remission, but my joints are going crazy!

Hey Sara,
I was diagnosed with Crohn's right before my trip to Spain, and I was on prednisone when I got my tattoo from my friend's brother (who's certified and used new needles, but still stupid nonetheless) and I did not have any problems with it at all. My tattoo didn't scab or itch, and it didn't bother me at all. The fact that I was on prednisone may have saved me from having any problems, but I wouldn't worry if you have a mild case of Crohn's like I do, and if you get it from a clean shop.

I'm 18, and I haven't told my parents... I'm gonna have to hide it until I'm 22 and out of college ;)

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Diagnosed with Crohn's - April 2011

Medication:
Prednisone
6MP

I got a tatoo while I was on Remicade, Imuran and Entocort together. I had trouble with it healing properly and it toook a little longer than normal. I now have blotchy areas on it that need to be fixed. This could just be me with these problems. I wouldnt go for a big tatoo, but am planning on getting this one fixed and get another small one. I am only on Imuran now so don't think I would have the same problems this time around.

Tanya

thanks for all the responses guys!

And Sniper - my mom said that same thing, she's a recreational therapist and always works with the older population. But for me, I'm an old fasioned girl where I (as for right now anyways) wouldnt want to get anything I have to worry about a lot of people seeing...like my friend who is a teacher and has a tattoo on her arm and always needs to wear a big bracelet, I don't have to worry about always wearing bulky jewelry! Or even on my neck or back which I was flirting with, but then I dont want to have to worry about what hairstyle I'm wearing if I'm going to someone's wedding and it's in a church or temple. However, I'm a big fan of the "you only live once, gotta try it all" philosphy, so yes, I did get one, on my upper thigh where it is just for me...and anyone else who happens to see my upper thigh exposed ;)

My mom definitely freaked me out and worried me, although the thought that my assistant manager has many tattoos and she has colitis and used to be on remicade made me feel better.

i have moderate to severe crohns though right now its pretty much at bay with the remicade, minus the pain and whatnot. that was another thing with the tattoo...i felt like i have limited places to put it since i lose and gain so much weight so fast...fall out of remission? boom, lose 20 pounds....get healthier? boom, gain 35 more! oi vey! plus the stupid stretchmarks in some places...ugh, battle scars...i wonder if that medirma cream actually works...but alas, i'm getting off topic...

i was also freaked out cause i asked my 2 friends how much it hurt and they said a decent amount...and i asked well do you think it hurts more than the humira injections i used to take? and they said probably. so i was freaking out that it was going to hurt a lot, plus i watched my friends get theirs first...But it really wasnt that bad. It hurt yes, but not nearly as much as I remember the humira burning.

it doesnt seem to be bad at all, hopefully it will be completely healed before i go to israel in july since you're not allowed to be submerged in water while it's healing...err...I also got something really simple, just black outline which heals faster anyways...i didnt do color or shading or anything.

Moral of the story? Be honest with your mother after you already got the darn thing! haha

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- 25 year old female, diagnosed in Aug '02 after being misdiagnosed with Lyme Disease for a year.
- Have been on Prednisone, Asacol, Entocort, Remicade, antibiotics (cipro, flagyl, avalox, etc), and Mercaptopurine (even the lowest dosage was messing up my liver, argh) in the past.
- Stopped Humira because it wasn't working.
- Just started Remicade, seems to be working a bit! :)

Do they hurt? Yes. More than Crohn's? Absolutely not.

If you have this disease getting inked isn't a problem (pain-wise).

Post Edited (dt19&99) : 6/19/2011 11:19:55 PM (GMT-6)

Got a tattoo last week and I take Cimzia. Two other while on 6MP. Hasn't been a problem. Good luck!

Got a tattoo last week and I take Cimzia. Two others while on 6MP. Hasn't been a problem. Good luck!

Post Edited (jdiane) : 6/20/2011 1:20:06 PM (GMT-6)

I have 3 and all in places where I decide whether they will be on show, one on my hip, one on back and one above belly button. My surgeon is very good and also cuts to just under the tattoo and then goes round it so he doesn't ruin it (the belly button one that is). Never had any issues with any of them and told my Dad when had first one done. Think he was thinking it would look something out of Popeye and was surprised when it was small and delicate and somewhere you wouldn't normally see.

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Crohn's dx 1989, loop ileo 1992, end ileo 1992. Arthritis developed 1990 Stoma abcess 1995. Azathioprine started 1995. Panprocolorectomy 1999. Stillbirth 2000, antiphospholipid syndrome dx 2000. Flare up 2004, stoma abcess and strictoplasty 2004. Low blood pressure dx with impaired kidney function 2006, fludrocortisone pres. flare up 2010, steroids, Humira, codeine.

they hurt but it's a different pain, also depends on where you get them

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6 years with crohn's
remicade
married for 13 years(been together for 20 this march)
39 years old with a lovely 9 year old daughter
"Bellydancer, Snakecharmer...Bellydance Snakecharmer!"...Beats Antique