Considering getting a tattoo when you have hemophilia requires careful decision-making. Whether you’re interested in the art or want a permanent option instead of a medical alert bracelet, it's important to know the risks. By understanding your condition and taking the right steps, you can make a safer choice and avoid complications.

“My kiddo wants to get her medical alert tattooed on herself as her necklace broke, and she’s not big into jewelry. Any experience with this and tattoos?” asked one MyHemophiliaTeam member.

“Be careful. If she’s severe, it’s not going to be pretty,” responded another member. “Unless it’s really small, she’ll have to do one small part at a time. If you are set on doing this for her, make a plan with her doctor.”

Deciding to get a tattoo is a big commitment. When you have a blood clotting disorder, you should carefully consider the decision and discuss it with a health care provider. Here’s more background on this topic to help with your decision.

What Are the Risks of Tattoos for People With Hemophilia?

Just because someone can get a tattoo doesn’t mean they should. You have to weigh the potential risks and benefits. Perhaps the biggest risk for someone with hemophilia is a higher chance of significant bleeding.

Anyone can experience bleeding while getting a tattoo, but people with hemophilia bleed for longer. They may also take more time to heal after the tattoo is finished. Finally, hemophilia can make you more prone to the risk of infections after tattooing.

There are also general risks associated with getting a tattoo that apply to everyone. Some people are sensitive to the pigments in tattoo ink and experience side effects long after the tattoo has healed. It’s possible to have allergic reactions to tattoo ink, and you may not know you have an allergy until the tattoo is already done. Mayo Clinic has found that red ink is more likely to cause an allergy than other colors. Some people develop raised scar tissue near the tattoo, called keloids. Your tattoo might affect your ability to get accurate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pictures in the future.

In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported cases of ink contaminated with organisms like bacteria or mold that can cause infections. If you have sensitive skin, you could also develop a type of skin inflammation called dermatitis. For people with skin conditions like eczema, tattooing may trigger flare-ups.

Finally, with a tattoo, there’s always the risk of regretting your decision and wishing you got a different tattoo or didn’t get one at all. Unfortunately, tattoo removal isn’t always effective.

What Precautions Can You Take?

If you decide to get a tattoo, you should take certain steps to make the process as safe as possible. First, do your research. Make sure the tattoo artist has a license, and the tattoo parlor has a good reputation for hygienic practices.

It’s also important to talk to your health care providers at your hemophilia treatment center. They can give you more specific advice, such as:

• Bringing your hemophilia emergency kit with you
• Using prophylactic (preventive) treatment before your appointment
• Considering an alternative place on your body for your tattoo that may be less prone to bleeding

The steps you take after getting your tattoo are just as important as the ones you take beforehand. Following your aftercare instructions carefully will give you the best chance of healing. If you suspect you have an infection, don’t hesitate to contact your health care team, as they would be the best people to understand and evaluate your situation.

What To Expect After Your Tattoo

For most people, tattoos heal within a couple of weeks. However, the recovery process can be longer for those with hemophilia. You can take the following steps to give yourself the best chances of safe healing:

• Use soap and water to carefully wash the tattoo twice a day. Avoid direct streams of water and rubbing. Instead, just pat the area dry.
• Moisturize the area several times a day with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizing lotion.
• Stay out of the sun. Keep the area protected until it’s fully healed.
• Do not swimming until the tattoo is healed.
• Avoid wearing clothes that could stick to or irritate your tattoo.

Talk to your hemophilia specialist about other precautions you may need to take before, during, and after the tattoo process. Depending on the severity of your hemophilia, they may want you to be especially vigilant if you choose to go through with tattooing.

Other Options To Consider

People with hemophilia may consider getting a tattoo instead of other forms of medical alert identification. Although this may sound like a good idea, it’s not necessarily your best option.

Emergency responders usually look for medical alerts as jewelry or a paper card in the person’s wallet. They may miss a tattoo that’s covered by the person’s clothing, and if they find it, they may not be able to verify that it’s a trustworthy source of information because it isn’t signed by a health care provider. Choosing a more traditional medical alert product, such as a bracelet or wallet card, may be more effective in an emergency.

If you want a tattoo as a form of self-expression, you should consider some suitable alternatives first. For instance, temporary tattoos can be drawn, painted, or airbrushed onto the skin with no added risk of bleeding.

You can also consider henna body art, which uses natural plant powder to paint designs on the skin. The resulting stain can last for several days.

There are so many ways to showcase your style, including your clothing, hairstyle, and accessories. You shouldn’t feel limited if permanent tattoos are off the table.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyHemophiliaTeam, the social network for people with hemophilia and their loved ones, more than 6,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with bleeding disorders like hemophilia.

Have you ever considered getting a tattoo with hemophilia? If so, have you sought medical advice about any special precautions you can take? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.