Piercings and Tattoos

[hannah-rose]

Hi everyone,

Has anybody ever had a piercing or a tattoo whilst on either Humira, Remicade, 6MP or Azathioprine?

I'm considering one or both but I don't know whether my medications will affect the healing time or increase the risk of infection.

I haven't noticed any increase in infections or that I've been sick more or stay sick longer since being on Humira and 6MP, but I wanted to get the opinion of others in a similar position.

Thanks in advance!

Hannah

 

[rygon]

It may be worth speaking to your GI about this so they can check on your white blood cell count etc, making sure you are as healthy as can be before getting one, but Ive heard many people on this site who have had tattoos whilst on immusuppressants and biologicals and have been fine.

Just make sure you get a decent tattooist, it is worth shoppig around, seeing what they have done before and paying extra for the quality..oh and no tramp stamps

 

[Aphrodite_x]

I got my lip pierced while on aza the last time, no problems whatsoever what you thinking of getting?

 

[hannah-rose]

Haha thanks Ryan I wasn't planning on a stamp tramp if I get it done it will be very classy!

I'm basically thinking about getting my belly button pierced on Saturday (my sister's getting hers re-done then too), and the tattoo is something I might consider after I come back from Holiday in October.

I really want my belly button done but I'm concerned that if it's goes all gross (which they tend to do at some point) then it'll make it harder to heal, but then I don't buy into 'it's dangerous if you have infections' because I've had infections and they cleared up on antibiotics no problem. I realise I'll have to be extra vigilant looking after it but I can do that.

Has anybody else had a piercing while on Humira or Remicade?

Hannah x

 

[lookame]

I am on both Remicade and 6mp and I got my nose pierced. I told the piercers I was on them and they asked if I felt id have trouble healing I said no problem and I didnt have any issues with healing

 

[Cat-a-Tonic]

I had my bellybutton pierced years ago when I was 18, long before I became ill with IBD. I was on no meds and was healthy at the time, but even so, the stupid thing got infected constantly. I kept it clean and dry, put creams on it to try to stop the infections, etc. No matter what I did, it kept getting infected. After about a year, I took the ring out and let it heal up and haven't had any desire for further piercings since! A guy I was friendly with at the time was very into piercings, and he told me that bellybuttons tend to get more infected than pretty much any other piercing, and he seemed to be correct. Although I'm not sure if that's true (the only other piercing I have is ears) or why that is. Anyway, that was my experience. It looked cute (I had such a nice flat belly at the time, and it was the 90s so belly-baring shirts were in fashion), but it was not worth the aggravation in my opinion. Now I'm older (33) and wouldn't dare show off my belly in public!

 

[hannah-rose]

I've got my nose pierced too, I had that done a few years ago while I was ill but not on any meds, it took a while to heal properly but it got there after about 6 months or so. I'm dieting at the moment for a holiday so hopefully I will have a bit of a flat stomach in a couple of months!

I might just go for it and I suppose if it causes me grief I can take it out. What did you use to clean it? Nowadays they recommend sea salt soaks and nothing else. You can fill a small tumblr with boiled salt water and invert it onto your tummy so it soaks properly. I suppose I can take antibiotics if it does get infected, but hopefully it wont though!

Hannah x

 

[Cat-a-Tonic]

It was 15ish years ago so I don't remember what I used to clean it, mostly just soap & water I think. I was a poor student at the time so I'm sure I never went to the doctor for it as I couldn't afford it. This was back in like 1998 so I don't think I even had a computer at the time! Couldn't google it or anything like that. Hopefully then your experience will be much different than mine was! But if it does get infected repeatedly, my advice would be to just take the piercing out and be done with it, that was the only way I got relief from mine.

 

[Mary:)]

No problems for me and Im on Humira...I just got a tattoo on my wrist and want to get another!!!

 

[hannah-rose]

If it gives me grief I'll definitely take it out, it's because I'm going on holiday in October so I want it for when I'm in my bikini!

Glad to hear you didn't have any problems Mary the nacc are looking into it for me and no word from Doc or Nurse as they are on their hols so I will just have to get it done and hope for the best!

 

[scanners20]

I have two tattoos and I am on remicade... didn't have any issues.. I might even get my 3rd tattoo but I am not sure yet.

 

[Livilou]

My 19 year old son did get a tattoo while on Remicade....he did not tell me until 3 months after because he knew I would freak out on him with the whole immuno suppression thing! He actually did very well with it..kept it clean and monitored for any signs of infection. He even kept it from his doctor! Not smart, but in the end it was all good....good luck to you!

 

[rygon]

Heres a tattoo Im sure we could all live by

 

[Avw]

Hahaha I love the sloth! And the saying sums everything up nicely!

I used to have quite a few piercings, but I think I got them before I was diagnosed and on meds, but I have gotten several tattoos since and while on Remicade or Humira with no problems. But I second whoever said to shop around and make sure you get a good artist. I wish I had forked out the extra money to go to someone a little better... but oh well, I get tons of compliments on them even though they are not quite up to my standards. Best of luck!

 

[hannah-rose]

Thanks all that's really helpful. There's a really good tattoo artist who works locally to me, she's got the best reputation so she gets booked up but I would definitely go with her if/when I decide to get something.

I'm currently on a diet to shift a few pounds before my holiday so I might get it done when I'm back from holiday and I'm nice and skinny and tanned!