Keratosis aka "Chicken Skin"..?

Hey there, I was wondering if anyone on the board has had any experience with keratosis pilaris aka "chicken skin"? Either having it tattooed or tattooing it. For those who have no clue what im talking about, it's actually very common and harmless (50% or the worlds population have it in one form or another). Basically, they are just small red bumps on the skin, may look like tiny pimples, etc... I have been planning on getting tattooed for years now and unfortunately i have this a little bit on my upper arms. I was wondering how, if at all it will affect the tattoo, process, healing, etc.. I don't see it to be that much of a problem but any info would really help ease my mind. Thanks and cheers... lmg

Nothing to worry about mate. I have it on the top of my arms too and the back of my legs. When I got my half sleeve I started moisturizing everyday and it has gone away. So It totally fine to get tattooed, I would advice that you moisturizing for a couple of weeks before going to get tattooed.

Sorry for resurrecting a dead post, but I figured it would be more appropriate to do that that start a new thread entirely. I was curious if anyone knows if people that suffer from KP have a higher incidence of having reactions to certain ink pigments used in tattooo's? I've done a bit of searching around on google, but haven't found to much info.

spoonforkgirl: my brother and mom both have this... while i can't speak for my mom as she only has one tattoo (and it's tweety, not many colors there)... my brother has quite a collection and never any problems. he has everything from biomechanical (black/greyscale) to very vibrant colors that's not to say you won't have problems. there's that possibility i think for everyone. for example - me and certain types of red inks just aren't friends. i'd recommend talking to the artist you're planning on going to. maybe he/she can give you a breakdown of whats in the inks that are used (component/ingredient wise). then you can take those and ask your doctor if you might react. just a thought.

Hey Bee, Thanks for the helpful info! I have been reading about the problems that can accur with the red pigments, and I have to admit that I am very fond of warmer colors. It's encouraging to hear that your brother has not had any problems even with having KP. Yet as you mentioned everyone is indeed different and I may not be so fortunate. Looks like I am going to have a lot of prep work before getting a tattoo. Since I have possible issue's with my blood clotting that I need to get the OK from the doctor first anyways. Never the less, gives me more time to find the right artist and get my ideas solid about the design I want. Thanks!