Can I get a tattoo if I have psoriasis?

If you have psoriasis, there are a few things you should know before heading to the tattoo parlor.

First, if you want to get a tattoo because you think it will mask your psoriasis — particularly the thick, scaly, itchy patches called plaques formed by a buildup of extra skin cells — you may want to reconsider your decision. Tattoos likely won’t hide these spots and could actually cause additional problems with psoriasis symptoms.

“It’s a good idea to ask your doctor if a tattoo could make your condition worse,” says Edward Prodanovic, MD, a dermatologist in St. Louis.