Imuran and Tattoos

Crohn's Disease Forum

Help Support Crohn's Disease Forum:

R

remlap13

Joined
Apr 15, 2010
Messages
10
Hi there,

So I've been on Imuran for about 3-4 months now. I think it's working? I dunno. I've started to put on some healthy weight, which I guess is a good thing? I still have occasional bouts of diarrhea and mouth sores and such though. But that's all besides the point.

I have a couple tattoos from before I got diagnosed, and naturally I want to get more. And I know the Imuran is supposed to lower my immune system response, which probably wouldn't be the best for healing tattoos.

HOWEVER, something I have thought of with regards to Imuran and Crohn's, and correct me if I'm wrong. Because Crohn's is an auto-immune disease, it means that my immune system is basically, out of control. The Imuran doesn't necessarily destroy it, it just brings it to a level that is more along the lines of everyone else.

I am going to talk to my doctor about it next week, but I figured I would ask the general public as well!

Thanks!
 
Thanks for the link Dusty. Like I said I'd going to check with my doctor. There were quite a few posts in there about tattoos on Remicade. Does Remicade have similar effects on the immune system as Imuran?
 
I didn't even think of Crohn's when I had my tattoo done! I've been on Azathioprine for years! It didn't heal well in some places, but that was where the skin pulled. It is just above my hip and is a cross and a musical note, so every time I moved the vertical line pulled... the horizontal one and the note was fine.

I did one myself on my ankle and that one has no problems either.
 
Thanks for the reply Chris!

Have you generally had a good time with your immune system in general while on the medication? Things like getting sick and other infections?
 
Remlap - I took imuran for a while and really didn't get any sicker than usual. my white blood count did get dangerously low and i was taken off. but as for other infections, nope. no big differences
 
Hey.....I just wanted to let you know of my experiences. I have had crohn's for almost 20 years......been on imuran for almost 15 years. I have had 5 tattoos, all while on imuran & never had any problems with healing or anything. I plan on getting 2 more very soon. My doctor did tell me it may not be the best idea.....but I never had a problem.
 
Pain

Just be prepared for it to hurt a bit more. I got a shoulder tat before Imuran, and now that I'm on Imuran, my skin is more sensitive. I'm getting a full-back tattoo now, and it's rough. I ordered some numbing gel to even the odds a bit.

With Imuran, I feel like I'm getting tattooed on sun-burned skin. This could, however, be due to the large area of the tattoo.
 
I have been getting tattooed for 5 of the last 6 years with great consistency. Some of that time, I was on Imuran. I had no issues, aside from getting a little sick from the immune response of healing from tattoo. The tattoo is just fine. If you are going in for several sittings, be sure to pay attention to your body, and don't push yourself too hard.

If you are worried about getting an infection, just give the tattoo a little more TLC, and you will do fine.
 
Should i get tattooed?

I've Just been diagnosed with Crohn's last month. I had a rough time, being hospitalized for a week. I have lots of tattoo work, and a tattoo appointment coming up. I am a little concerned about it. I am on Imuran and prednisone taper right now. Feeling pretty good most days. If anyone has any info I would love to hear it!!!
 
I am a little concerned about it. I am on Imuran and prednisone taper right now.
Click to expand...
Hmmm for some reason Id be more concerned about getting tattoo while on prednisone than while being on Imuran because it thinners the skin so I don't know how it may affect the actual tattoo process, maybe someone knows by experience?

Otherwise, it is always an extra risk to take (while on immunosuppressor I mean), I guess the scarring will probably take longer so extra care will be needed but I don't think I would exclude the possibility of doing them from it. My doc was not in favor of it but he wasn't against it either, more just saying that it could have bad scarring process. Piercing would be more problematic it seems.
 
FWIW, My artist won't touch me while I am on prednisone. It messes up the skin, and he doesn't want to take any chances messing up the tattoo.
 
My only advice for anyone with crohn's disease in getting tattoos, please be careful in the placements of your tattoos. I made the mistake of having tattoos done on my arms instead of somewhere that wouldn't be a problem when I've had to have blood drawn. It has made getting an IV a complete nightmare.

Also, I would advice that if you are worried about the risk of possible infection, be sure to be very careful about the shop that you get tattooed in. Seeking a referral for a reputable tattoo shop is much easier now that Yelp has many reviews.
 
My tattoo artist seems to think that i should be fine, I should be finished my prednisone by then or on a really low dose at least. I will ask my doctor about it all too, not sure if she will give me the "go ahead".
I have many tattoos already and the shop i go to is very clean, so i know i won't have any problems there.
I definitely am more nervous about it, and i never feel like that.
 
What ever tattoo you get make sure its worth it and that you go to a reputable person

funny-tattoos-a-mirror-why-would-you-want-that.jpg
 
I've had two tattoos whilst taking Imuran and was fine both times. I healed well both times and I'm pretty sure I was taking budesonide whilst having one of them. To be honest I didn't even think about my medication I just wanted the tattoos
 
I just wanted to thank you for this thread. I too am interested in getting another tattoo after I am finished with my prednisone taper. You just beat me to posting the question. Thanks again! ;)
 
I was tattooed a couple weeks ago, and I'm on Imuran. It's already healed! I think it should be just fine. It might be more risky to get a piercing, but tattoos just scratch the skin. If you keep it clean and covered a while then it should do just fine!
 
Has anyone been on Prednisone when they were tattooed?? I had tapered down, but then went back up to 40 mg. I have tapered to 25 now and should be down to 15 by the time i get tattooed again....Rain thanks for the heads up!
 
I got my first tattoo at 40- now approaching 49 I really want another one. I am pretty sure I am old enough that it wont impact my life to much. My ankles are done now I would really like a shoulder one kinda going towards the back and front of the shoulder. When I check in with the Remicade people next I will ask.

Lauren
 
Hmmmm, not sure about Pred, could be a bit tricky???

Sarah is on Imuran and had another tattoo done a couple of months ago. No issues with infection or healing. :)

Dusty. xxx
 
The thing to be aware of when being tattooed is that certain medication can make you bleed more easily making it harder to tattoo and also a lower quality tattoo. Another thing is with the skin. Some people have tougher skin so it makes the ink not sink as much.

I have been tattooed while on every medicine in my signature with no problems at all.
 

Similar threads

G
Introducing myself - Hi!
Replies
2
Views
467
valleysangel92
valleysangel92
N
Does this sound like Crohns?
Replies
1
Views
1K
my little penguin
my little penguin
B
Stem cells or cell detox?
Replies
2
Views
1K
banderson
B
H
My Good News Story
Replies
1
Views
169
Axe_Murderer78
Axe_Murderer78
A
Loop ileostomy, active disease + rectal discharge
Replies
6
Views
1K
Nadia96
N

Latest posts

Back
Top