Photograph of Dr Chris Steele, Mayor of Skin Care World Mayor Steele: Dr Chris Steele, MB ChB

Below is a list of questions and corresponding answers received by Dr Chris Steele for the clinic 'Looking after your skin this winter'

Hi Dr Chris,
I have psoriasis, but I would like to have a tattoo but I am really scared that it will not suit my skin. Do you think it is safe to have a tattoo with this skin condition?

Posted by Daniel - 20/02/06

Dr Chris Steele replies...

Dear Daniel,

I would advise anyone suffering from any skin condition to avoid tattoos. Although psoriasis is not an allergic type of skin condition you (and I) just don't know what type of reaction could be sparked off by having inky chemicals injected into your skin cells.

Psoriasis is a condition that produces thickening of the skin layers, that are reddened and scaly, so it may be difficult to produce a tattoo that has an even distribution of colour or ink intensity. Even if you plan to have a tattoo on an area of skin not affected by your psoriasis, my advise remains the same - avoid tattoos if you suffer from any skin problem!

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