Kickas.org Forums Treatments, Drugs and Alternatives Anti TNF and other biological medications Anti tnf and tattoos

Hi all,
I'm hoping to be starting anti tnf very soon. I also am 3/4's way through getting a full sleeve tattoo to my right arm.
I'm hoping to be finished before the treatment starts, but there's a chance i won't be due to appointment availability and cash flow !

I understand the risk of infection to what is in essence an open wound, would be far greater if my immune system is lowered due to the anti tnf meds.....

Has anyone here on atnf had a tattoo done? Is the "wound" significant enough to pose a danger?

I'm guessing it is, and secondly it would be silly to take a risk.

When I or anyone else gets a tattoo, i try very very hard to be carefull and keep it clean SO's not to allow infection to damage my expensive doodle in anyway.... This is all well and good, but with a compromised immune system, it may be out of my hands and beyond my control.

I suppose i can always take the odd break off from treatment to get finished up......

Opinions please.....

I'd talk to my rheumatologist first and see what he / she said.

But here are a few thoughts of mine.

I've noticed that on Humira, it works well on the inflammation the first week, less so on the second week. So I wonder if that means I'm more prone to infections week one and less so week two? Maybe time it that way?

Last week, I had my Humira shot on Sunday. Then Monday through Wednesday felt like I was coming down with a head cold. Everyone around me at work is sick. But I took it easy, got lots of rest, and was able to fight it without getting the full blown head cold. In other words, my immune system seems to be just as strong on Humira as it was before I started it.

I know everyone is different and I don't want to have a false sense of security myself, but I feel pretty safe on it.

Before starting Humira, I had a UTI last fall and was often feeling like my body was fighting UTIs. No such problem now on Humira.

I do take LDN and vitamin C and drink lots of green, white, oolong, black tea. So maybe those things are boosting my immune system?

i would finish your sleeve, then start humeria. or you could finish you body art at a later date. mike

Buster,
I've had two inner arm tattoo's whilst on Humira. Both at separate times (two years apart). Whilst using the usual tattoo aftercare. Obviously using a licensed premises. Had no problems.