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A Practical Guide About Tattooing in Patients with Chronic Skin Disorders and Other Medical Conditions

  • Therapy in Practice
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American Journal of Clinical Dermatology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

With tattoos becoming increasingly mainstream, dermatologists are more and more often consulted by patients who are considering getting an ornamental, cosmetic, or even a medical tattoo, and who subsequently ask for advice. This includes not only patients with chronic skin diseases such as psoriasis or atopic dermatitis but also patients with other medical conditions. This review first explores the reasons why patients may want to get a tattoo and aims to offer some key information to dermatologists on what they should know about tattooing and the main risks associated with this procedure. Second, the risks and recommendations of tattooing in patients with specific skin diseases are described more in detail, and the relative and strict contraindications discussed, including the necessity to discontinue certain treatments that could influence the outcome of the procedure and the final result. Our aim was to provide dermatologists with the current knowledge they need to help their patients make adequate and informed choices on skin art, focusing specifically on considerations in patients with chronic skin conditions. Finally, other aspects regarding some general systemic conditions and concomitant diseases that the patient could present are also addressed. In particular, the risks of tattooing in patients with diabetes, coagulation disorders, heart conditions, immunosuppressive treatments, and pregnancy are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dermatology, Venereology, Allergology, Skin and Allergies Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Meilahdentie 2, PO Box 160, 00029, Helsinki, Finland

    Nicolas Kluger

  2. «Tattoo» Consultation, Department of Dermatology, Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 46 rue Henri Huchard, 75877, Paris Cedex 18, France

    Nicolas Kluger

  3. Department of Dermatology, AZ Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende AV, 8000, Brugge, Belgium

    Christa De Cuyper

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  1. Nicolas Kluger
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  2. Christa De Cuyper
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Correspondence to Nicolas Kluger.

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Nicolas Kluger is an honorary member of the French Tattoo Union. Christa De Cuyper has no conflicts of interest to declare.

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Kluger, N., De Cuyper, C. A Practical Guide About Tattooing in Patients with Chronic Skin Disorders and Other Medical Conditions. Am J Clin Dermatol 19, 167–180 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0326-5

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