Psoriasis and Tattoos: Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Inked

Should You Get a Tattoo If You Have Psoriasis?

If you have psoriasis and are thinking about getting a tattoo, you're not alone. It's a common question in online communities like Reddit where people often ask, "Can I still get a tattoo if I have psoriasis?"

The honest answer is yes, but it depends on your situation.

Tattoos involve creating tiny wounds in the skin. For someone with psoriasis, this can sometimes lead to unwanted skin reactions or even new lesions. But many people with psoriasis have successfully gotten tattoos. Some even say it helped them feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin.

So how do you know if it's the right time for you?

When It Might Be Safe

You may be ready to get a tattoo if:

• Your psoriasis is under control or in remission
• The area you want tattooed is free of active plaques or irritation
• You're not on medications that affect wound healing or weaken your immune system (ask your doctor)
• You've never experienced something called the Koebner phenomenon, which we’ll explain shortly

When It's Better to Wait

You may want to hold off on getting a tattoo if:

• You have visible plaques or irritated skin near the area you want to tattoo
• You've recently had a flare-up or a change in treatment
• You're dealing with illness, infection, or added stress
• Your doctor recommends waiting due to your current health

It’s also important to think about how your skin reacts to healing. Tattooing is a controlled injury, so your body's healing process plays a big role. For those with psoriasis, this process can sometimes be unpredictable.

Understanding the Koebner Phenomenon

One of the biggest concerns when it comes to tattoos and psoriasis is something called the Koebner phenomenon. If you haven’t heard of it before, here’s what you need to know.

The Koebner phenomenon happens when new psoriasis plaques appear on areas of the skin that have experienced trauma. This could be anything from a cut or scrape to a sunburn or even a tattoo needle.

For some people, this reaction shows up days or weeks after the skin injury. For others, it may never happen at all. But once you’ve had a Koebner reaction, your chances of it happening again can increase.

Why It Matters for Tattoos

Getting a tattoo involves creating thousands of tiny punctures in the skin. While most people with psoriasis can heal from these without issue, those who are prone to the Koebner phenomenon may experience new lesions right around or even inside the tattooed area.

Some people on Reddit have shared stories where their tattoo healed beautifully, only for new psoriasis spots to appear months later. Others say they’ve had multiple tattoos with no problems at all.

That’s why it’s so important to:

• Talk to your dermatologist before getting a tattoo
• Choose a time when your psoriasis is calm and stable
• Avoid tattooing areas where you've had flares in the past

Common High-Risk Areas

Some parts of the body are more likely to react:

• Elbows and knees
• Lower back
• Scalp and behind the ears
• Hands and feet

These areas are more prone to flare-ups in general, so they may not be the best places to tattoo if you have active psoriasis or are prone to Koebner reactions.

Can You Tattoo Over Psoriasis Patches or Scars?

This is one of the most searched and debated questions for people with psoriasis who are considering a tattoo. The answer depends on the condition of your skin and how your body typically responds.

Tattooing Over Active Psoriasis Plaques

Tattooing over an active psoriasis patch is not recommended. Here's why:

• The skin is inflamed and already damaged
• Ink may not hold evenly or fade unpredictably
• Healing takes longer and increases the risk of infection
• It can trigger the Koebner phenomenon and cause the patch to spread

Most professional tattoo artists will refuse to tattoo over active lesions. A good artist will advise you to wait until your skin is completely clear in the area you want to tattoo.

Tattooing Over Healed Psoriasis Scars

Tattooing over healed or scarred areas is a different story. If the skin is smooth, clear, and not inflamed, it may be possible to safely get a tattoo. Many people choose to tattoo over scars from old lesions to reclaim and redefine their skin.

However, keep these points in mind:

• Scar tissue may not hold ink the same way as healthy skin
• Colors can appear lighter or fade faster
• The area may be more sensitive during the healing process

What Dermatologists Recommend

Most dermatologists agree with these basic guidelines:

• Never tattoo over active psoriasis or irritated skin
• Wait until the area has been stable for several months
• Choose a small, test area first if you’re unsure how your skin will react
• Discuss with both your dermatologist and your tattoo artist to make an informed decision

Can a Tattoo Cause a Psoriasis Flare-Up?

Even if your skin is clear when you get your tattoo, there’s always a chance that your body may respond with a flare afterward. This is one of the biggest fears people with psoriasis have—and it’s completely valid.

Why Flares Can Happen

Tattoos are a form of controlled skin trauma. That trauma, even when done professionally and under sterile conditions, can still trigger a response in your immune system. Since psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, anything that stimulates your immune response can lead to a flare.

Some people report flares:

• During the healing process
• Weeks after the tattoo is finished
• Only in areas surrounding the tattoo
• On completely unrelated areas of the body

Others get tattoos with zero issues at all.

What the Community Says

On Reddit and other forums, experiences vary. Some users share regret, saying they developed new spots after getting inked, even if their skin was clear beforehand. Others feel empowered by their tattoos and say it was worth the risk.

One user wrote:
"I waited until my psoriasis had been gone from my arm for a full year before getting the tattoo. It’s been 6 months, and no flare. I’m glad I waited."

Another said:
"I got a tattoo on my back where I’d had plaques before. It looked great at first, but a flare started around it two months later. I don’t blame the tattoo, but I do think it triggered something."

What You Can Do to Lower the Risk

• Wait until your skin has been clear for a few months
• Avoid stressful periods, since stress can also lead to flares
• Keep your immune system strong with sleep, hydration, and diet
• Use recommended aftercare products and follow healing instructions carefully
• Start small before committing to a large tattoo

Tattoo Aftercare for Psoriasis-Prone Skin

After getting a tattoo, proper aftercare is essential for everyone—but if you have psoriasis, it's even more important. Your skin may be more reactive, sensitive, or slower to heal. A strong aftercare routine can help you avoid infections, flares, and disappointment.

Day 1 to Day 7: Handle With Care

The first week is when your skin is most vulnerable. During this time:

• Keep the area clean but don’t over-wash
• Avoid fragranced soaps or alcohol-based cleansers
• Pat dry gently, don’t rub
• Use a thin layer of unscented moisturizer or healing ointment—ask your artist for a recommendation
• Do not pick at scabs or flakes, even if they itch

If you already have a favorite psoriasis-friendly product that works well for sensitive skin, show it to your tattoo artist or dermatologist before using it on a fresh tattoo.

Best Moisturizers for Healing

Many people with psoriasis have their go-to products. When healing a tattoo, choose products that:

• Are unscented
• Contain gentle ingredients like aloe vera or ceramides
• Do not include alcohol or heavy perfumes
• Are approved by your dermatologist

Some Reddit users also swear by using their standard psoriasis moisturizer on tattoos after the first few days of healing, especially if their skin starts to get dry or tight.

Avoid These Common Triggers

To protect your tattoo and your psoriasis-prone skin:

• Stay out of the sun (UV exposure can irritate both the tattoo and your condition)
• Avoid sweating heavily, which may irritate the healing skin
• Don’t go swimming until your tattoo is fully healed
• Skip heavy workouts that stretch or rub the tattooed area
• Avoid scratchy or tight clothing that can irritate the skin

Pro Tip:
Ask your tattoo artist if they’ve worked with clients who have psoriasis before. If they haven't, bring a simple aftercare plan with you and share your concerns.

What to Tell Your Tattoo Artist Before the Appointment

If you have psoriasis, one of the smartest things you can do before getting a tattoo is to have an honest conversation with your tattoo artist. While it might feel awkward, being open helps both of you prepare for a safe, positive experience.

Why You Should Be Honest

Tattoo artists work on all kinds of skin, but not all of them are familiar with psoriasis. Letting them know ahead of time allows them to:

• Help you choose a suitable area on your body
• Adjust their tools or technique if needed
• Know what to expect if your skin reacts differently
• Offer realistic expectations about healing or ink appearance

It also helps build trust, so you can feel more confident in their care.

What to Say

You don’t have to go into medical detail. Just keep it simple and direct. Here are a few examples:

• “I have psoriasis, but the area I want to tattoo is clear and has been for months.”
• “I’ve had flares in the past, but this part of my skin has healed well and hasn’t had any issues.”
• “My doctor said I’m okay to get a tattoo. I just wanted to make sure you’re comfortable working with sensitive skin.”

Most professionals will appreciate your honesty and take extra care with your appointment. If they seem unsure or dismissive, it’s okay to walk away and find someone else.

Questions You Can Ask

To find the right artist, consider asking:

• Have you tattooed someone with psoriasis or another skin condition before?
• What aftercare do you usually recommend?
• Can we schedule a consultation before the appointment to discuss the best area to tattoo?

Choosing the right artist is just as important as choosing the design. Look for someone who listens, respects your concerns, and is willing to work with your needs.

Tips from the Psoriasis Community: What They Wish They Knew Before Getting Inked

Sometimes the best advice doesn’t come from doctors or experts comes from people who’ve actually lived through it. Across Reddit and other online forums, people with psoriasis have shared their personal stories about getting tattoos. Some are proud of their decision. Others carry regrets.

Here are some of the most common lessons they share.

1. Wait Until Your Skin Has Been Clear for a While

Many people said they rushed into their tattoo when their skin looked "okay" for a few weeks. But those who waited longer—several months or even a full year of clear skin, tended to have fewer complications.

One user shared:
“I waited over a year after my last flare. My skin was smooth and totally clear. Six months later, the tattoo still looks great.”

2. Avoid Tattooing Over Past Problem Areas

Even if your skin is clear now, spots that flared up before may still be sensitive. Several users mentioned getting tattoos on areas that had once been inflamed, only to have them flare again during healing.

3. Healing May Be Slower Than Expected

If you’re used to healing fast, be prepared for a different experience. Some users reported extended scabbing, irritation, or delayed healing compared to friends without psoriasis.

Tip: Be extra gentle and follow aftercare to the letter.

4. Emotionally, It Can Be a Turning Point

Many people with psoriasis choose tattoos to reclaim parts of their body they’ve been ashamed of. Covering scars, adding beauty to a sensitive area, or celebrating a milestone can be incredibly empowering.

One post read:
“My tattoo helped me take back ownership of my skin. It doesn’t hide everything, but it made me feel like that part of my body was mine again.”

5. A Bad Experience Doesn’t Mean Regret

Even those who experienced a flare or uneven ink don’t always regret their decision. They often say the tattoo still holds meaning, it just comes with a different kind of story.

These real-world stories are a reminder that tattoos are deeply personal. With preparation and care, it’s possible to have a meaningful and positive experience, even with psoriasis.

Can You Use Tattoos to Cover Psoriasis Scars?

For many people living with psoriasis, the idea of covering scars with a tattoo is more than cosmetic. It can feel like taking back control of a body that has gone through years of pain, embarrassment, and healing. But is it a good idea to tattoo over psoriasis scars?

The answer depends on the type of scar, how your skin heals, and your expectations.

What Kind of Scars Can Be Tattooed?

Scars that are flat, light in color, and fully healed often respond best to tattoos. Raised, keloid, or deeply pigmented scars may be more difficult. Psoriasis scars can vary depending on the severity and how long the lesions lasted.

Before you consider covering a scar:

• Make sure it has been stable for at least 6 to 12 months
• The area should be free of any recent flares
• The scar should not be tender, red, or actively changing

If in doubt, ask a dermatologist or tattoo artist experienced in scar coverage.

What to Expect

Tattoos over scars do not always behave the same way as those on healthy skin. Be prepared for:

• Possible fading or uneven ink absorption
• Discomfort during the tattooing process
• Extra time for healing

Scar tissue tends to be less predictable. Some ink may settle differently, which could affect the detail of the design. That’s why many artists recommend simpler designs or black-and-gray tones over scarred areas.

Tattoo Styles That Work Well on Scars

Based on artist and community feedback, the following styles tend to work best:

• Watercolor tattoos (can blend with uneven textures)
• Floral or abstract designs (can shift attention away from scar shape)
• Minimalist line art (best for lighter scars)
• Solid black or tribal (can mask deeper discoloration)

Choose a style that feels personal to you but be open to your artist’s suggestions. They know how certain designs will work on different types of skin.

Is It Worth It?

For many people with psoriasis scars, the answer is yes. A well-placed tattoo can shift how they feel about their body. It may not erase the memory of what happened, but it adds something meaningful to the space where the skin once hurt.

If you’re considering this, take your time, ask questions, and choose an artist who has experience with scar coverage.

Final Thoughts: Ink as Expression, Not a Cure

Getting a tattoo when you have psoriasis is a deeply personal choice. For some, it’s a bold way to reclaim their body and express who they are beyond their condition. For others, it may feel too risky or emotional, and that’s perfectly okay too.

There is no one right answer, only the one that’s right for you.

If you do decide to get a tattoo, take it slow. Choose a time when your skin is clear and your body feels strong. Talk to your doctor. Find an artist you trust. And most importantly, listen to your own instincts.

Your skin tells a story. A tattoo won’t erase that story, but it can help you write a new chapter, one where you’re in control, where you make the decisions, and where beauty comes from confidence, not perfection.

Ready to Learn More?

Explore our supporting guides:

• Can You Tattoo Over Psoriasis?
• Will Psoriasis Ruin My Tattoo? Risks and Realities
• Can a Tattoo Trigger Psoriasis? Understanding the Koebner Effect

For more support and real stories, visit our full Psoriasis Blog at www.nopsor-usa.com/blogs.

References

1. Dermatology Times – Patients with Psoriasis Must Know the Risks of Tattooing
   https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/patients-with-psoriasis-must-know-the-risks-of-tattooing

2. BlackDoctor.org – Are Tattoos Safe for People with Psoriasis?
   https://blackdoctor.org/are-tattoos-safe-for-people-with-psoriasis

3. Medical News Today – Can You Get a Tattoo if You Have Psoriasis?
   https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317180

4. Healthline – What to Know About Tattoos If You Have Psoriasis
   https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/tattoos