Characteristics and safety of tattoos in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

The objective of this study was to determine the safety of tattoos in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Patients (N = 147; ≤55 years; 92% women) were asked if they had tattoos. The characteristics of the tattoos and the immediate complications were investigated and compared with those of a matched control group. We examined retrospectively after the tattoo was completed whether there had been flare-ups or increased organ damage (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American Collage of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI)). Finally, we compared the SLE-related characteristics of patients with and without tattoos.

Twenty-eight patients (19%, 26 women, median (interquartile range) age 33 (25-42) years, 65 tattoos in total) had ≥1 tattoo. At the time the tattoo was done the median (interquartile range) SLEDAI and SDI were 2 (0-2) and 0 (0-1), respectively. The characteristics of the tattoos were similar to those of controls. No patients experienced acute complications. After a median follow-up of 17 (12-20) months (3 (2-4) visits/year) four patients had five mild-to-moderate flare-ups. The median time between the tattoo and the flare-up was 9 (6-14) months. No increase in SDI was observed. The SLE-related characteristics of patients with and without tattoos were similar.

Tattoos seem to be safe in SLE patients with inactive or low active disease.