Tattooing Over a Rash: What You Need to Consider
I am a 32-year-old assigned male at birth, currently identifying as transfeminine, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 190 pounds. For my mental and physical health, I take daily medications including sertraline, Adderall, and progesterone, along with weekly doses of estradiol. Recently, I developed a rash that initially led me to believe it was hives. Although antihistamines alleviated the itching, they did not address the redness or swelling. I then suspected a fungal infection, but antifungal treatments yielded no improvement. After visiting my doctor, I was diagnosed with shingles. However, I have not experienced any pain, fever, or fatigue, nor do I have any blisters—just an intense itching sensation. It’s worth noting that there is a family history of shingles; both of my brothers became afflicted with it at a similar age. I have a tattoo appointment scheduled for next week, and my tattoo artist is willing to go ahead. However, I remain hesitant. We've postponed the appointment to next Saturday, but I’m not convinced that this will be sufficient time for recovery. The photo I have shows the rash after a week of treatment with prescription steroid cream and antiviral medication, consisting of triamcinolone cream and valacyclovir (1 gram), which I've been using for about four days now. Could it be possible that this rash is something other than shingles? What might be alternative diagnoses? Would it be safe to proceed with tattooing in this area, or should I consider delaying it further?
Answers (1)
7/27/2025, 3:50:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel uncertain about proceeding with a tattoo when dealing with a rash, especially one diagnosed as shingles. Here are the main points to consider regarding your situation:
-
About Your Rash: Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and typically presents with blisters, often accompanied by pain. While it's possible to have atypical symptoms, such as itching without blisters, the concern is that tattooing over active shingles could lead to complications, including further irritation and risk of infection.
-
Alternative Diagnoses: Given that you have not developed blisters or other typical shingles symptoms, it might be worthwhile to consider other potential causes for your rash, such as contact dermatitis, an allergic reaction, or another viral rash. However, the diagnosis is crucial, and since you are under treatment, the best course is to follow your doctor's advice.
-
Tattooing Concerns: Tattooing over a rash or area affected by shingles can pose risks, including increased pain, irritation, and potential for the virus to spread. Skin that is healing or inflamed isn't ideal for tattooing, as it may not properly accept ink.
Next Steps:
-
Pause the Tattoo Appointment: Given your current condition and the potential risks associated with tattooing over an area affected by shingles, it’s best to reschedule your appointment for a later date when your skin has fully healed.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any changes in your rash. Pay attention to any new symptoms, such as the appearance of blisters, increased redness, pain, or swelling.
-
Consult with Your Doctor: Since you are already under medical care, reach out to your healthcare provider regarding the continuing symptoms and your tattoo plans. They can clarify whether your rash is truly shingles and advise you on when it’s safe to revisit your tattoo appointment.
-
Avoid Irritants: In the meantime, protect the affected area from irritants, and continue using the prescribed creams as directed.
Taking these steps will ensure that your tattoo experience is safe and that your skin is in the best condition possible for the procedure. Remember, it’s okay to prioritize your health and well-being first.
Related Questions
Could This Be an Oral Abscess?
I observed a troubling spot in my mouth just yesterday. I'm really worried that it might be an infection related to my wisdom tooth. Could it possibly be a canker sore, or have I developed an infection? Unfortunately, I won’t be able to visit the dentist for at least another month. I'm a 28-year-old woman, weighing 190 pounds, and although I consider myself relatively healthy, I do fall into the obese category. I do not use drugs or consume alcohol.
Seeking Urgent Help
I am reaching out for assistance because I am feeling incredibly distressed. Currently, I'm experiencing a range of troubling symptoms, including heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, nausea, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite or discomfort after eating, burning sensations in my lower abdomen, and noticeable weight loss. Age: 16 Height: 5'3" For the past three weeks, I have been suffering from intense stomach pain, which makes me feel as if I am perpetually full. Even after consuming a small piece of toast, I often feel nauseous or become sick. My clothes are fitting looser, indicating that I have lost weight, though I'm unsure of the exact amount. I have tried taking probiotics in hopes of relief. Just yesterday, the pain escalated to such an extent that my parents called for emergency assistance. I've visited the hospital twice and had multiple consultations with doctors. Initially, I was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection and prescribed trimethoprim. However, after starting the medication, I began to experience shortness of breath and other distressing symptoms. When I switched to amoxicillin, my condition worsened significantly. After returning to the hospital, a urine test revealed that the infection had cleared up, and I was told it would resolve in a few days; they suggested it could be anxiety related. However, my situation has not improved. Last night, I was in excruciating pain and returned to the hospital where they performed standard examinations, including vital checks and three ECGs. Everything seemed normal, and although I was wheezing, my oxygen saturation was satisfactory. Given my age, doctors believe stomach cancer is unlikely, yet I am desperate to find a way to eliminate this possibility altogether. Living in this constant state of discomfort is unbearable, and I just want to regain my health and peace of mind.
Nausea Following Esophagectomy
Hello everyone! I'm reaching out about my 61-year-old mother, who underwent esophagectomy approximately 18 months ago. Although the procedure was successful in itself, her battle with nausea has been overwhelming and difficult to adequately express. Each night, she only manages roughly three hours of sleep, and every morning, she experiences regular vomiting. Her appetite has greatly diminished, and she can barely tolerate her feeding tube. Furthermore, she is often too weak to leave the couch and has shed a significant amount of weight. It feels like she has undergone countless medication adjustments, yet nothing has provided relief. She's consulted gastroenterologists and even had brain scans to assess if there might be a neurological cause. I have so much more to share but am at a loss for words. If anyone has dealt with a similar situation, your insights would be greatly appreciated as we are running low on options.
Concerns About Breast Masses at 17 Years Old (Seeking Guidance)
I am a 17-year-old female, weighing approximately 39 kg and standing at 154 cm, and I am not currently taking any medication. Recently, I discovered two notable masses in my left breast that feel mobile, firm, and rather sizable. The first mass has been present for some time and is defined clearly according to my general practitioner. In contrast, the second mass emerged suddenly but hasn’t seemed to increase in size since I detected it about 3 to 4 months ago. I underwent my first ultrasound in December 2024 for the initial mass alone, which unfortunately revealed no abnormalities; the mass was not visible at that time. A physical exam followed, and I was reassured that it was probably hormone-related and nothing to stress about. Then, in June, I had another ultrasound that evaluated both masses, and once again, the results showed nothing unusual. A subsequent physical examination left my doctor concluding that the situation was likely still due to hormonal changes. Interestingly, I have noticed under pressure that the second mass can be distinguished into separate firm strands of tissue. Additionally, the size of the breast with the masses is noticeably larger by one or two cup sizes compared to the other, yet there are no indications of nipple inversion or skin alterations, except for some stretch marks. The characteristics of the masses include: * Discomfort when pressed * Ability to move * Firmness but can be slightly compressed * Clear definition in some regions, while other areas seem to merge into surrounding tissue, creating an impression that the entire breast is composed of dense material. I have a diagnosis of OCD and have frequently battled health anxiety. Consequently, I find myself contemplating whether I should seek a second opinion. I realize my anxiety might be amplifying my fears, especially since there's been no clear diagnosis regarding the masses after two ultrasounds, which exacerbates my fear of serious illness. Should I place my trust in my doctor’s assessments and try to alleviate my worries?
Seeking Guidance for a Father-in-Law's Severe Back Pain
I'm reaching out for suggestions instead of tying up 111 with a non-emergency case. My father-in-law is suffering from debilitating back pain and has been confined to bed for more than a week. He was prescribed temazepam, but unfortunately, it hasn't provided any relief. Currently, he is managing his needs with a jug as he can’t make it to the restroom. He is trapped on the second floor of his home and unable to visit a doctor. In his early sixties, he has typically been active and healthy, and is not overweight. What do you think he should do? Would it be advisable to arrange for an ambulance, or do home visits from doctors still exist? Thank you!