Tattoo w. ITP

Hi all, I'm currently thinking about getting a tattoo, are there any people on here who have ITP and have tattoos? Are there any suggestions or worries that anyone has. I appreciate it! Thanks!

How are your counts? That would be the main concern.

I would be very careful about getting a tattoo with ITP. When my platelet count was 70k*, I started having work done on a piece on my forearm. Unfortunately, I could not stop bleeding so they were not able to finish it and now I have half of a tattoo. (I am crossing my fingers that I go into remission so I can finish it) You may want to get something small to see how you do. There is also a big infection risk and slow healing times. Good luck!


*I know 70k is pretty high and doesn't usually cause bleeding issues, so I guess it is from the mad amount of needle jabs.

I was diagnosed with ITP last year and I recently got another tattoo. My counts were around 80 and the artist said I bled more than usual, but it wasn't that big a problem until he did extensive color/shading. We'll have another session to touch that up.
Smaller, simpler tattoos shouldn't be a problem. For bigger ones, split up the sessions for best work.

Since being diagnosed with ITP I have gotten multiple tattoos. 9 tattoos completed and I am currently working on #10 a full back piece. One of my tattoos was done with a count below 50. For me I found that one took a very long time to heal and bleed more than the others.

Things to consider before getting a tattoo:
What is your count?
How easy you bleed?
Do you have any other chronic illness? ie: Diabetes, spleenless.
Do you have trouble with healing?
Medications your on? Prednisone and or other imunosupressants blood thinners?

To help you choose where to get a tattoo look for the following:

Good reputation (just ask former or current people who have used the shop}Repeat customers
Disposable needles or an autoclave (if they use an autoclave make sure the package that holds the needle does not have brown areas on it or is wrinkled. Those are signs it was wet at one point which means the needles are not sterile)
boxes of rubber gloves, medical cleaners, and Anti-septics at each work station
Rules about no drunks or rude behaviour and age

As for choosing the right artist? Do not choose someone who is not quick to hand you a book to look through. True good artists do not like using those sample books. They will help you to search online for something you want. Ask you to bring in a picture or offer to draw up the design based on your description.

Hope some of this helps!

I'm glad this was brought up again. I am actually thinking about getting one. Hubby got one in September and I found one I'd like in honor of my dad. My counts are good, but Winnifred mentioned being spleenless. Could that cause a problem? I see my fd this Wednesday and I will ask him if he thinks I could get one.

Cindy - infection would be a problem if you are spleenless. You'd have to keep a good eye on the tattoo to look for any signs of redness or puss and stay on top of it.

Good point, Sandi!Thanks! Never thought of that. I usually forget I'm spleenless!

If one goes to a reputable artist isn't the chance of infection slim? We have a chance of infection no matter what we do. Being without a spleen I'd be more careful.

But I know lots of people with tattoos and not one has ever had an infection. One however did have a reaction to the red ink and her tat looked horrible by the time all was said & done. I'd stay away from red ink

Check out the studio and artist - personally I'd want disposable needles used, then I know they are sterile, clean and never used on someone else.

Melinda is right going to a reputable place will lower your risk.


CindyL my question to you would be. Since you have been without a spleen do you get sick more often? do things take longer to heal? If you tend to forget your spleenless than I'd say the answer is no.

If you go to a reputable place follow the after care instructions. You shouldn't have an issue. Like Sandi said just keep an eye out for infection.

Julia, I don't find I get sick any more now than I did before. If I cut myself, it depends on how bad it is as to how long it takes to heal. For the most part it doesn't seem to take any longer. I did ask my doctor last week about getting a tattoo and he said there shouldn't be an issue. The girl that did Steven's came highly recommended and did a fantastic job. I'll get a picture and share it. I haven't made up my mind, I never thought at 56 I'd want a tattoo!

I would have thought your doctor would have said no - so many don't like tattoos so would just say no without a reason. I'm older than you and I'd like a tat - the problems is my body does the unordinary so I know I would be the one who would have trouble, even thought I'd just have black ink used.

Let us know what you decide!

CindyL wrote: Good point, Sandi!Thanks! Never thought of that. I usually forget I'm spleenless!

I know you do Cindy and it makes me very angry!

Yes, I would think the chances of infection are very slim. I got a small tattoo around the age of 48. It's usually hidden unless I wear a tank top. That's the way I wanted it.

I haven't decided yet. Steven has to go back for a touch up in January, so I'll go with him and see what the artist has. She did a really good job on his and it's a fairly large one.

I'm sorry Sandi! I'll try and do better.

The more people talk about tattoo's the more I want to complete my back! But alas I can not till after my daughter gets married. I wouldn't be surprised if my tattoo artist forgets who I am lol


My suggestion for a tattoo pick something that means something! Those are always the best tattoos!