I spoke to Dr Tony Downs, a Consultant Dermatologist at the London Skin and Hair Clinic about what medical precautions to take when getting tattooed. Downs recommended that if you have a pre-existing skin condition, you should consult a doctor in advance of your tattoo. He said it’s best not to have a tattoo done over a mole. “The tattoo ink will not cause any changes to the mole,” he said. “However, the ink may disguise changes in the size, shape, or colour of the mole in the future, making it difficult to diagnose early signs of skin cancer.”
I also spoke to Rebecca Morris, owner of London’s renowned Vagabond Custom Tattoo Studio, about the conditions for tattooing over scars. This can be done, “given the scar isn’t too raised”, she said. “It is best to not work over the scar until it is at least a couple of years old and has stopped changing its form.”
You should also discuss any other significant health concerns with a doctor and your tattoo artist. The Family Business Tattoo Shop in London requires that you inform the studio in advance if you suffer from heart disease, eczema, impetigo, allergic reactions to medical soap, adhesive plasters, disinfectant, haemmorhaging, fainting, epilepsy, or blood-borne viruses. You should not get a tattoo while pregnant or breastfeeding.