Tattoos and health: contraindications and risks

A responsible artist will always ask about your health before the session. Not to refuse you — but to make the process safe. Here's what you should know.

Absolute contraindications

• Pregnancy, breastfeeding — stress on the body raises cortisol, which can affect the child or the milk
• Blood-clotting disorders (haemophilia and similar)
• Active phase of any infectious illness — a cold, fever
• Severe diabetes — poor healing
• HIV/AIDS, hepatitis — not a direct contraindication, but you must inform the artist

Relative contraindications

These don't rule out a tattoo but require doctor consultation and extra attention:

• Psoriasis, eczema in remission
• High blood pressure
• Tendency to keloid scarring
• Allergy to metals or dyes
• Blood-thinner medication (anticoagulants)

Pigment allergy: how to test?

If you suspect an allergic reaction — ask the artist for a spot test: a small drop of pigment on the inner forearm. Wait 24–48 hours. No reaction — you can go ahead. The risk is higher with colour tattoos — more variety of pigments.

What to tell the artist before the session?

Be honest about your health. A good artist won't refuse without reason but may adjust the process or reschedule. It's for your own good. Before your visit read the session preparation, and after — aftercare.