Tatoos and Auto Immune Diseases

[DebE13]

Any opinions on the impact tattoos can have on people with auto immune diseases? My son is planning on getting a tattoo and has liver issues. I know this is a MC forum but I find the people here more informed than most people I know. His GI strongly discourages it due to the increased risk of hepatitis. I totally understand his reasoning and can only pass this information to my son so he can make an informed decision. Although, at 18, he may not fully understand the seriousness of the situation. As a member of the medical community, his GI may have to take that stance to support the safest choice that is in his best interest.

I have two tattoos and a belly button ring myself and have no issues (that I know of). It is a reputible artist who takes the proper measures to sterilze his equipment but I'm not convinced it's worth any additional risk to his health. There are so many limits he has already and this just adds to the list. I am also concerned that with his horrible puritis, he may end up getting an infection in a tattooed area since he generally scratches so much that he bleeds. Clotting and healing are slow. He insists that it is generally limited to his legs but I'm not convinced.

Is there anything that I may not be aware of that would help in this decision? It's frustrating to have to question everything. It is not something he and his father thought of before scheduling the appointment so I am being the one to ruin their plans.