Can You Get a Tattoo When You’re Sick?

You have a session booked and you wake up with a cold. Should you go? The honest answer is usually no. Getting a tattoo while you are ill is harder on your body and on the result. Here is why, and what to do instead.

The short answer

If you are genuinely unwell, especially with a fever, reschedule. A tattoo is a wound, and healing a wound takes energy your body is already spending fighting the illness. You will heal slower, the session will feel worse, and you risk a poorer result. No reputable artist will hold it against you for moving the date.

Why illness and tattoos do not mix

Your immune system does the work of healing a fresh tattoo. When it is busy with a cold, flu or infection, healing competes for the same resources. Being run down also lowers your pain tolerance, so the same tattoo hurts more. On top of that, sitting in a studio while contagious is not fair to your artist or other clients.

Colds, flu and fever

A mild sniffle on its way out is a judgement call; a fever, body aches, or feeling properly unwell is a clear reschedule. If you are not sure, message your artist and describe how you feel. The few weeks you wait are nothing next to a tattoo you keep for life.

Antibiotics and medication

If you are on antibiotics, you are still fighting an infection, so wait until you have finished the course and feel well. Some medications, including blood thinners, also affect tattooing. When in doubt about medication, ask your doctor before you book.

Other times to reschedule

Beyond illness, skip the session if you are badly hungover, sunburnt on the area, or running on no sleep. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are also reasons to wait, and to check with your doctor. None of this is about being precious; it is about giving the tattoo the best chance to heal.

Rescheduling is normal

Tell your artist as early as you can and move the date. We work in English at our Barcelona and Berlin studios and would always rather reschedule than tattoo someone who is unwell. When you are better, read our aftercare guide so you heal cleanly, and message us on the contact page to rebook.

Written by the artists at Studio Tattoo. This is general guidance, not medical advice; consult your doctor about your situation.

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