Frequently I get emails asking me if those of us with dermatographia can get tattooed. Yes, we can. I have tattoos, and no, I’ve never had any problems getting them.
What seems to happen is my system gets worn out from releasing all that histamine in response to the needle, then it just gives up and stops releasing it. So at first the skin gets a little raised, but then it will just stop and accepts the ink quite well.
It’s very common for most people to be pretty tired after getting a tattoo (from the release of endorphins), but I think us dermatographics get even more tired with the release of histamine in addition to the endorphins. In order to help combat this exhaustion, I suggest you eat a healthy meal before and after the tattooing appointment, drink lots of water, and get lots of rest. Your immune system will be overworked, but it’s nothing you can’t recover from.
With dermatographia, we can have temporary tattoos anytime, anywhere with a mere scratch. It’s pretty cool! But I decided I wanted a more permanent tattoo years ago (I got my first one when I was 18). As I debate whether or not to permanently adorn my skin I realize that tattoos, freckles, moles and wrinkles are all forms of adornment. Some are ‘natural’ because they happen as we age without help from us, but some things we choose to do alter our skin–like spending too much time in the sun adding more freckles and moles. Due to this, I figured why not add more to this palette of skin I’ve been given?
Recently I read Skin, a book by Nina Jablonksi. It’s excellent, I highly recommend it. In it, she speaks of skin as a “palette of adaptation,” and says, “Adornment of the skin is one of the last frontiers of individuality and personal adventure.” I see aging, tattoos, freckles, moles, and wrinkles as adding to the palette of adaptation, and as an extension of our personal adornment, like fashion.
If you have dermatographia and want to get a tattoo, I say go for it. Just make sure you’re positive that you want it forever. These don’t go away! Also, just warn your tattooist so he or she isn’t surprised if your skin flares up a bit. And get some rest after drinking plenty of water! ;’)
114 Comments
Phoebe’s Remedy for Calming Skin | Skin Tome
on March 28, 2014 at 3:23 pm[…] response to your question Phoebe, I finally wrote a post about dermatographics getting tattoos! You are definitely not the first person to ask, and luckily I’ve already gotten a few […]
Sarah Birch
on April 18, 2017 at 7:31 pmHi my name is Sarah and I just recently turned15 and I have had dermatographia my entire life. I can never find ways to get mine to calm down I take antihistamiens (I do not know how to spell that word sorry!) and they work but, if I don’t take them for one night my skin flares up very badly. Is it ok to take cold baths to reduce the welts and the heat? I am just ondering. Thanks and have a nice day!
Ariana
on June 10, 2018 at 3:46 pmHi Sarah! Yes cold water can be really soothing. Have you tried coconut oil as well? That works really well for me!
Did you see my latest post about ways to heal your dermatographia naturally? http://skintome.arianapagerussell.com/how-i-almost-cured-my-dermatographia-the-all-natural-way/
Ericka
on May 17, 2014 at 6:17 pmI have dermatographia and got my first tattoo yesterday. I didn’t get any hives or have any reaction. I did not take an antihistamine beforehand.
Thanks for this page (I also happen to know Nina Jablonski personally, by the way!). It’s what made me feel comfortable going ahead to get my tattoo despite my dermographia. Cheers!
Ariana Page Russell
on May 19, 2014 at 12:22 amThanks Ericka! Glad to hear it. Hope you’re loving your tattoo ;’)
Aleksandra
on August 21, 2014 at 12:42 pmYES! I’ve been looking for this kind of blog for many many years and I’ve always been hesitant when it comes to getting a tattoo (even thought I’ve ALWAYS wanted one). But I’m no longer hesitant. I’m getting one tomorrow and I’m beyond excited. My dermatographia looks exactly like the one on the photo above. I’m getting just two small words and I simply can’t wait! Thank you! 🙂
Ariana Page Russell
on August 28, 2014 at 12:40 pmHi Aleksandra, How did it go with your tattoo? I’m glad you finally got one! I’ve never had a problem and have seven ;’)
samir
on September 1, 2014 at 6:00 amHey i’m from France And i have a dermographic problem
This mean that i coule be a little famous with this dermographic problèm??
Ariana Page Russell
on September 8, 2014 at 9:56 amYes of course! Keep drawing on your skin, and show people what you come up with ;’)
Jason
on September 9, 2014 at 10:14 pmFinally got my first tattoo but took double dose of antihistamine (in the morning and 30 minutes before arriving at the studio) just to be safe.
Skin didn’t pop as expected but the artist said my skin is not taking ink and he had to do every stroke 3 times. Wonder has that got anything to do with the antihistamine.
Thanks Ariana, this page if yours helped in my decision to get inked.
Ariana Page Russell
on September 11, 2014 at 11:31 amYou’re welcome Jason! Glad to hear it helped. I’m not sure if the antihistamine would affect how your skin receives ink, but I don’t doubt it. The thing I’ve discovered is that my system gets exhausted pretty quickly after the tattoo starts, so the puffiness is not a problem anyway. I’d say try it next time without the antihistamine and see if makes a difference. And please let us know how it goes!
Jason
on September 12, 2014 at 1:59 amHi Ariana, that’s the risk I don’t wanna take thus I took antihistamine. Imagine after just 5 mins and my skin pop, then what happened? Stop everything?
I did have the thought that the pills may be the reason my skin not taking the ink.
Heck, I’ll give it a try on my next tatt.
Thanks for everything A 🙂
Michea Earley
on September 20, 2014 at 8:07 pmI have gotten two tattoos, and they were the best decision I could have made. No hives, no itching, and now those areas itch and swell a lot less.
Ariana Page Russell
on September 21, 2014 at 1:27 pmAwesome, that’s great news! I’ve never heard about tattooed skin itching less, so thanks for letting us know. I haven’t noticed a difference where my tattoos are, but love my tattoos anyway ;’)
Michelle
on September 29, 2014 at 7:02 pmI am so thankful I finally found someone else that has dermagraphia as bad as I do and was successfully able to get a tattoo! I’ve been wanting to get one for such a long time and I’ve been scared that something would go wrong; I’d have either end up with an unfinished product or a smear/blob. Oh, I’m so excited to start my permanent art!
Jason
on September 29, 2014 at 9:04 pmWelcome to the club Michelle.
I’m waiting for the artwork of my next piece and do it again 🙂
Ariana Page Russell
on October 1, 2014 at 1:13 pmYes! Let us know how it goes ;’)
Liam
on October 27, 2014 at 3:37 pmHey Ariana, this is a really interesting article – I have been wanting to get a tattoo for a long time but have been really worried how my skin would react. I just have a few questions. How big are you tattoos, how long did they take, and how much shading/colour do they have? Thanks!!
Ariana Page Russell
on November 1, 2014 at 2:20 pmHi Liam, glad you like the article! I have 7 tattoos, some have shading and some are just line work. The longest my tattoos took was about 2-3 hours, and I had no problem with that length of time. All of mine are black/grey, but I don’t think color would pose a problem with our dermtographic skin. As I say in the article, I think our systems get exhausted with all of the needle stimulation, so at some point there is no more histamine released.
Thanks for writing, and please let us know how your tattoo goes!
Trinatha
on December 30, 2014 at 1:39 amIs it okay for us who have dermatographic to get a facial treatment in a skin clinic? Pls response, thank you
Ariana Page Russell
on January 3, 2015 at 5:35 pmYes it should be fine! Just let the practitioner know that you have sensitive skin so they won’t be alarmed when your face gets really red. Also, maybe they can use certain products that will be less likely to irritate sensitive skin. Let us know how it goes!
Isa
on June 6, 2016 at 12:49 pmHey Trinatha! your comment is a bit old but anyway, I wanted to share my experience with you and anyone who reads this., I have dermographism and I’ve been on laser hair removal treatment on my face and other body parts, I did a long research about it, and I found out that the best choice is Soprano Ice laser hair removal, it works wonders and never had a problem with my dermographism condition, just a bit of temporary redness for 5 mins.. So I guess that getting your facial treatment is going to be just fine, go for it, just let the practioner know about your condition. Take care.
Ariana
on June 6, 2016 at 6:02 pmThanks for the input Isa!
J3ssie
on February 14, 2015 at 9:40 amIs it the same for African skin? I adore art and self expression through all art forms and the infinity heart is a tattoo that I’ve wanted for a long time now but my Dermographism had been a hindrance. I’m seeing everyone ecstatic about getting tattooed despite having this condition but I’m still hesitant because it seems you are all Caucasian and I have no idea if my skin will react the same way.
Ariana Page Russell
on February 18, 2015 at 9:34 amHi thanks for writing! I honestly don’t know if your skin will react differently. I don’t think it will, since symptoms/responses are so similar between all types of skin. If you decide to give it a try, just make sure you’re feeling healthy when you go in…that you’re well hydrated and ate a good meal beforehand. And talk to your tattooist about it too, so he or she can work slowly and make sure you’re comfortable with everything.
Please let us know what you decide to do!
alex
on February 19, 2015 at 3:47 pmhi i might have this but dont know i didnt have this before it started to happen to me like a year ago out of the blue im 28 i have tattoos and wanna get more but im worried
Ariana Page Russell
on February 21, 2015 at 9:26 amHi Alex! If you haven’t had problems with tattoos in the past then hopefully you’ll be okay. My suggestion is to eat a healthy meal and drink lots of water before going in. Good luck, and let us know how it goes!
Brenda
on May 7, 2015 at 9:14 pmI’m so happy I found this website. I’ve had Dermatographia for over 3 years & I’ve been wanting to get a tattoo for a while now but I was afraid I couldn’t because it wouldn’t come out right it it got swollen like my skin does. I’m happy to hear it can be done. I’m making an appointment with my doctor so maybe he can prescribe me some antihistamine and it can make my condition better.
Jason
on May 7, 2015 at 9:20 pmI’ve been going with antihistamine for every session.
Though Ariana mentioned that don’t have to and it maybe the cause of my skin not taking ink, I’m not risking it 🙂
Happy inking
Ariana Page Russell
on May 25, 2015 at 2:33 pmHi Brenda! How’d it go with your tattoo? Let us know!
Mark
on May 28, 2015 at 6:39 pmI have this damn issue as well, I thought I was the only person who suffered from this stupid issue. Thank you for this page, I’ve been seriously interested in tattoos my whole life yet nervous to attempt the ink. Time to rock and roll!
Cheers
Ariana Page Russell
on May 29, 2015 at 12:39 amGood luck Mark! Let us know how it goes if you decide to get a tattoo.
Markdd25
on May 29, 2015 at 1:47 pmI have an appointment to get my tattoo done at 4:30 pm today 🙂
Thanks again for this page,
markdd25
on May 29, 2015 at 9:50 pmI just got my 3 stars tattoo between my neck and shoulder, I had inflammation for 1,2 minutes. Then It went away, not only that. I did better then more people my Artist said.
I was very worried for obvious reasons in which delayed my early start. I recommend doing it. I was blown away that there were no problems at all.
P.S – Highlight over my photo to see my skin problems, I can’t figure out why It’s not visible automatically on this page.
Cheers!
Cheers
Ariana Page Russell
on June 1, 2015 at 6:11 pmThanks for the update Mark! And nice drawing, I see your photo :^)
Nino
on June 16, 2015 at 8:38 amhi thank you for this blog and my concern is gone and I decided to get the first tattoo but I wanted to ask what exactly happens after starting needle stimulation? How long does this explosion of histamine and the tattuatore primarily to draw problems?
UchihaWarrior
on June 17, 2015 at 8:27 pmHello thank you finally I’m sure I can do the tattoo. I wanted to do for a long time but did not have the courage, but I want to ask you something, what happens immediately after the tattoo artist starts drawing the tattoo immediately becomes inflamed and swells? at which time the tattoo artist should do something to stop? or continue? thanks in advance for your reply and thank you again for everything.
Ariana Page Russell
on June 18, 2015 at 1:21 amYou’re welcome! When I’ve gotten my tattoos, initially there is a little irritation but not enough to make a difference. The tattoo artist didn’t even notice my skin swell up! Again, everyone’s dermatographia is different, but I’ve never had an artist stop giving me a tattoo due to my skin’s reaction. Good luck and let us know how it goes!
Markdd25
on June 18, 2015 at 3:36 pmGood day my fellow Dermographs, I started my first Tattoo at the beginning of June with 3 stars. I was inflamed for about 3,4 minutes “TOPS” then inflammation subsided. I’m highly recommending the jump in with both feet approach.
Not only that, I’m getting a complete sleeve Tatt done on my lower arm next week, need to make up for lost Ike 🙂 this page went along way for me as well.
I recommend doing it, I’ll update you next week on the results,
Cheers!
Markdd25
on June 18, 2015 at 3:37 pmGood day my fellow Dermographs, I started my first Tattoo at the beginning of June with 3 stars. I was inflamed for about 3,4 minutes “TOPS” then inflammation subsided. I’m highly recommending the jump in with both feet approach.
Not only that, I’m getting a complete sleeve Tatt done on my lower arm next week, need to make up for lost time 🙂 this page went along way for me as well.
I recommend doing it, I’ll update you next week on the results,
Cheers!
Ariana Page Russell
on June 19, 2015 at 2:41 pmAwesome thanks for letting us know! I’m so glad you’re able to get the tattoos you want with no complications :^)
emily
on June 27, 2015 at 6:24 pmThank you for posting this! 🙂 I am turning 16 next week and I have had dermatographia since I was 2 years old. I have always drawn my own tattoos on but I have always been interested in getting real ink tattoos and now I’m happy to know that in a few years it will be a reality! 🙂
Ariana Page Russell
on July 2, 2015 at 1:22 pmYay awesome! Just make sure you really love the design before you get it tattooed on you ;^)
Markdd25
on July 17, 2015 at 11:23 amI hear you Emily, I’ve had this condition since I was a baby. The last few months I’ve done a lot of research on this topic now that I know it’s an ACTUAL condition, and not just me.
It’s really intresting knowing there are others out there! Oh! Tatt sleeve is offially tomorrow! The previous date was slightly postponed. I’ll post a link from Imgur tomorrow of a few pics.
Cheers
Ariana Page Russell
on July 20, 2015 at 5:49 pmHow did it go Mark? So excited for your new art!
Lucy
on June 18, 2016 at 12:40 pmI love reading all the positive information on this blog! On June 25th I am planning on going to get my first tattoo since having dermagraphism. I have been prepping my body by drinking my It Works Greens and researching all I can. I used to take Zyrtec every day to keep from getting hives all over my body, this has calmed dramatically since I began drinking my Greens. When I drink them daily and consistently I only need to take the Zyrtec every 2-4 days. I remember to take it when I begin to feel itchy. So I have been doubling up on them to build my immune system up a bit more before I get my tattoo. I am so excited! It’s great to see so many people have great experiences. It helps reduce my anxiety lol!! Happy inking everyone!
Ariana
on July 7, 2016 at 11:55 amThanks Lucy! How did it go? I hope you had a great time getting your first tattoo :+)
Helene
on July 21, 2015 at 6:44 amThank you so much for this article! I have been wanting a tattoo for so long, but I thought there were no way I could get one, at least not without antihistamines. Now I can’t wait!
Ariana Page Russell
on July 30, 2015 at 6:13 pmYou’re welcome Helene–good luck with the new tattoo!
Jessica
on July 21, 2015 at 3:35 pmHi everyone! I just wanted to share my tattoo experience 🙂 I have dermatographia and am in the process of getting a full sleeve. I was able to sit through a five hour session a few days ago with no problems. I DID take an antihistamine the day before and the day of getting tattoo work (I usually don’t take anything). Hope this info helps others too!
Ariana Page Russell
on July 30, 2015 at 6:12 pmAwesome, thanks Jessica!
Markdd25
on July 29, 2015 at 10:53 pmHi guys! Sorry I didn’t post sooner, I got my sleeve half done, my next appointment is on Aug 15th to do all the shading. I have stars on my shoulder which are black and Gray. I’m also keeping the Sleeve black and gray.
Here is a pic of my Dermatographia…
http://imgur.com/A6QRItg,gAB2dVE,W86IQJW,CnQYd2Y
Thanks!!!
Ariana Page Russell
on July 30, 2015 at 6:12 pmThanks for the pics! Your new sleeve looks awesome!
Markdd25
on July 29, 2015 at 10:55 pmOops, P.S, I also have my sleeve pics on there as well, just press “Next”
http://imgur.com/A6QRItg,gAB2dVE,W86IQJW,CnQYd2Y
Ss15357
on August 13, 2015 at 3:47 pmI have this condition and have 12 tattoos, never had a problem. I heal slightly more raised than others, the scabs form faster too, but never any other issues and the artists have never said anything unusual has happened. I have small and bigger tattoos too and in varying places, no issues
Ariana Page Russell
on August 26, 2015 at 7:43 pmAwesome, that’s good to hear!
Scott
on August 13, 2015 at 9:41 pmFirst,thank you Ariana for this site. My wife found this while researching what was going on with my skin and it has really helped me!
I have basically the opposite experience with tattoos. I started noticing the effects from dermatographia about six months ago. I got my first tattoo about 15 years ago. The weird thing is that for years my tattoos would randomly raise up, like my skin does now, but only the tattoo itself! It still happens from time to time, but it was my first experience with dermatographia, kind of a double tattoo.
Ariana Page Russell
on August 26, 2015 at 7:43 pmHi Scott! Thanks for the note!
My last tattoo stayed raised for almost a year, but since then I have not had any raised lines on any of my tattoos. Interesting to hear what happens to yours! I’ve never heard that before.
Markdd25
on September 4, 2015 at 3:31 pmHi friends!! I was just reading what SS15357 was saying, luckily my skin doesn’t raise at all after a Tattoo. Here are some updated pics of my Sleeve. I just did the second session 2 weeks ago. My 3rd session is set for the first weekend in October.
http://m.imgur.com/xc6xruB,1yIxkUt,VOE6yHK,FED46vA
Ariana Page Russell
on September 9, 2015 at 7:50 pmWhoa cool! Thanks for the update!
Giasc
on November 13, 2015 at 8:56 amHi, I’m Italian and this si the first page that encourages the tattoos although dermographism, so I’m very happy to read all your expirience. My question is: before the real tattoo do you recommand to give it a try with a little thing? Such as a line or something like this. Excuse me for my bad English and thank you!
Ariana Page Russell
on November 17, 2015 at 10:50 pmHi! Thanks for the note. In my experience, you don’t need to test it out with a line first. But if that makes you feel more comfortable, by all means go ahead :+)
Raven
on December 6, 2015 at 3:02 amThis is really good to hear. I have a more extreme version of dermatographia, and for the most part my skin swells an extreme amount and lasts for a few hours. I’m still fairly nervous to actually get a tattoo, but just reading the comments gave me more hope. Soon, I swear.
Ariana Page Russell
on December 7, 2015 at 8:51 pmAlright, awesome! Let us know how it goes!
Soundy
on December 13, 2015 at 9:40 pmThank you Ariana for this page! I found hope! I am 21 from the Philippines and I’m scheduled with my uncle next week for a tattoo (by the way, he’s the tattoo artist). I felt so relieved after reading all the comments regarding their experiences. Can’t wait for my first art!
Ariana Page Russell
on January 6, 2016 at 8:51 pmHi Soundy! How did it go with your tattoo? I hope you love your new skin art :+)
Soundy
on January 26, 2016 at 8:14 pmHi Ariana! It went really well. I felt normal, my tattoo now is healed and I am so happy with it! 🙂
Ariana Page Russell
on February 2, 2016 at 7:22 pmAwesome! That’s great news!
Mark
on January 3, 2016 at 11:09 amShould I take antihestamine before i get a tattoo? Please i’ve had this for 2 years now and I wanna get another tattoo
Ariana Page Russell
on January 6, 2016 at 8:35 pmHi Mark,
I don’t take antihistamines at all, and have never had a problem getting a tattoo. However, if you normally take antihistamines, maybe you should take one beforehand. It’s totally up to you. Good luck!
Patricia
on January 24, 2016 at 11:11 amHi, I’ve been planning to get a tattoo but because I have dermatographia, I’m afraid to get one (I’m afraid my skin will start to swell up during the process). Should I first consult a dermatologist before getting one? Also, I’m glad to come across your article! 😉
Ariana Page Russell
on February 2, 2016 at 7:24 pmThanks Patricia! As I said, I’ve never had a problem with any of my tattoos. If you’d feel more comfortable speaking with a dermatologist first, then by all means do it. Good luck and let us know how it goes!
Phoebe’s Remedy for Itchy Skin – Skintome
on January 29, 2016 at 10:13 am[…] response to your question Phoebe, I finally wrote a post about dermatographics getting tattoos! You are definitely not the first person to ask, and luckily I’ve already gotten a few […]
Sabah
on March 9, 2016 at 10:11 amHi,
I have had this skin condition since August 2015. Been a rough time until I figured out what it was. I take Reactine everyday to keep it under control. I am finally booked in to get my first every Tattoo on the inner part of my left wrist. I am getting it in 2 weeks. First really worried about the pain because I am a giant baby. Secondly it occured to be last night that there might be an issue with getting the tattoo because of the dermatograoghia. Read some posts online last night and they all scared me 🙁 Today I came across this blog and its made me feel better reading everyone’s experiences. I have a few questions. Some people have mentioned that taking an antihistamine could prevent the ink from going into the skin? If this is accurate then should I not take it the day of my Tattoo? And some people have said that when they got raised bumps during the tattoo it messed up the healing process and their tattoo looked smudged? Please let me know I am really stressed about this. Just want it to go smoothly 🙂
Ariana Page Russell
on March 13, 2016 at 5:17 pmHello and welcome! In my experience you do not need to take an antihistamine before getting a tattoo, but some people choose to do it. It’s really up to you. As you can see from all the comments here, most people have good experiences with tattooing and the dermatographia (or the antihistamines) hasn’t been a big issue. Like I’ve said before, make sure you drink lots of water and eat a good meal beforehand, and that you’re nice and rested. And don’t stress! It should be great! Oh, and don’t worry…. it doesn’t hurt too bad :+)
Good luck!
Matheus
on April 9, 2016 at 10:22 amHello Ariana.
I am 20 and I am from Brazil and I am glad I found your website because I always wanted to get a tattoo, and I always got so scared because of this skin situation. After reading so many reports from people all around the world, it makes me feel more comfortable by thinking in the possibility of getting a tattoo. Thank you so much.
Ariana
on April 18, 2016 at 4:32 pmYou’re welcome Matheus! Let us know how it goes with your tattoo. Good luck!
Kasey
on May 10, 2016 at 6:16 pmI have somewhere around 20 plus tattoos and dermatographia. The most that has ever happened to me was that I would welt but not excessively. No hives or any form of issue after the tattoo has healed. I just always make sure to say something to my tattoo artist if they happen to notice the swelling but most people swell or welt up when they get tattooed to some extent.