Characteristics and safety of tattoos in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sabio, J M; Betolaza, S De; Vargas-Hitos, J A
• Is Part Of: Lupus. Volume 28:Number 10(2019)
• Page Start: 1250
• Page End: 1254
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: Tattoo -- tattooing -- systemic lupus erythematosus; Systemic lupus erythematosus -- Periodicals; 616.772005
• DOI: 10.1177/0961203319867395
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-2033

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the safety of tattoos in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: Tattoos seem to be safe in SLE patients with inactive or low active disease.