Hidradenitis Suppurativa Influences Tattooing Practice in Women.

BACKGROUND

The reasons or the motivations that compel people to get a tattoo or a body piercing (BP) are plentiful and personal. Patients with chronic cutaneous or systemic conditions may be interested in getting tattooed or pierced.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency of body art practices in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and to evaluate the possible impact of HS in the decision-making process.

METHODS

An anonymous specific paper-based questionnaire was prospectively offered to patients (≥18 years) consecutively managed for HS from September 2016 to March 2017 in a French specialized center.

RESULTS

In total, 209 patients participated in the study, of whom 77 (37%) and 50 (24%) had tattoos and BP, respectively. These proportions were higher than those reported in the French population. HS prevented the decision to get a BP or a tattoo in 2 and 5%, respectively (fear of infection or healing difficulties). Fifteen patients (7%) got tattooed to hide a surgical HS scar (n = 5, 2%), to regain control over the pain or their bodies (n = 9, 4%), or to turn others' eyes away from HS lesions or scars (n = 1, 0.5%). HS severity influenced a proportion of patients who intended to get a new tattoo.

CONCLUSION

HS is associated with a significant increase in body art practices.