Tattoos and Jewellery

Most people wear jewellery from time to time, and people with psoriasis are no exception. As with all areas of psoriasis, there’s no reason not to, unless you find you have a problem with it.

People with psoriasis on their hands might not wear rings, for instance, as they find it irritates and exacerbates the psoriasis that is there. However, there are also people with psoriasis on their hands who find that wearing rings has no effect. It all comes down to personal experience.

If you are feeling a bit apprehensive about wearing jewellery, but would like to, try sticking to pieces made from proper, hallmarked gold or silver, rather than the metal alloys that most high street dress jewellery is made of. Also, if you have a history of the Koebner trigger (where psoriasis can form on the site of injury to the skin), it might be best to opt for loose pieces, such as long necklaces and bracelets, rather than tight-fitting rings.

Koebner could also be a problem if you’re interested in getting a piercing or tattoo. As both involve injury to the skin, they could trigger an outbreak of psoriasis on the tattoo or piercing site. However, there are also many people with psoriasis who have tattoos and piercings and experience no effects whatsoever. Moisturise well after the tattoo, and treat any psoriasis that starts to appear quickly - if you’ve gone through the pain and expense of being tattooed, you’re going to want to show it off!

It’s another entirely personal decision, but do make sure you stay safe and visit a reputable studio that has hygiene and health and safety procedures in place.