Can people with keloid-prone skin get tattoos?

Mar 20, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Generally speaking, the term "tattoo" usually refers to "wen Shen" (decorative skin incisions). Individuals with a scar-prone constitution are not advised to get tattoos. Those with such体质 (constitution) should pay special attention to protecting their skin in daily life and avoid injuries to reduce the likelihood of scar formation. If skin injury occurs accidentally, timely intervention and treatment are necessary. After wound healing, it is important to use medical-grade gel that can help prevent scarring.

Generally speaking, tattoo usually refers to dermal tattooing. Individuals with a scar-prone constitution are not advised to get tattoos. The detailed explanation is as follows:

  

Tattooing primarily involves using professional tattoo needles to penetrate into the dermal layer of the skin, implanting pre-selected natural plant-based pigments beneath the dermis, thereby creating patterns or text on the skin. People with a scar-prone constitution tend to develop abnormal skin repair responses after skin trauma, leading to excessive collagen deposition and consequently prominent, persistent scars.

The tattooing process causes damage to the skin's epithelial cells. Individuals with a scar-prone constitution heal differently from the general population, making them more prone to develop hypertrophic scars, which not only affect appearance but may also cause discomfort such as pain and itching. Additionally, if sterilization is inadequate during tattooing, localized skin infection may occur, further aggravating scar formation and potentially causing other complications.

Individuals with a scar-prone constitution should pay special attention to protecting their skin and avoiding injuries in daily life to reduce the likelihood of scar formation. If accidental skin damage occurs, timely medical intervention should be taken, and after wound healing, scar-preventive medical gels should be applied promptly.

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