Elena approached me 3 years ago about getting her first tattoo. As a person with neurofibroma (NF), she had no idea if being tattooed was possible or advisable. I hadn’t had a client with NF before, so I set out to learn more.
What is Neurofibroma?
Though commonly assumed to be a skin condition, Neurofibroma Type 1 is actually a genetic nerve condition. Neurofibroma are small tumours that form around nerves, creating soft bumps on or under the skin.
The cause is unknown, and new bumps will continue to form over time. Though not inherently painful, any bump can press into a nerve as it grows and become troublesome.
Can people with NF be tattooed?
In tattooing, it’s inadvisable to tattoo over raised or colourful moles. The general, safe rule of the skin is: ‘if you don’t know what it is, don’t tattoo over it’. But remember – NF is not a skin condition.
Though there’s no formal research (tattooing is unfortunately not the topic of many scientific studies), I was able to find forums and public discussions between people who have NF, who are tattooed. Everyone reported having no notable troubles with their tattoos. No excess pain or trouble healing. The biggest issue reported was a bit of extra bleeding during the session.
Emboldened by the support of the NF community, Elena and I planned her first tattoo: a large, colourful Animal Crossing/Star Wars piece with her cat Ava as Han Solo!
It was a super fun piece and we split the project into multiple sessions both to create a comfortable pace for Elena, and also so I could monitor how the tattoo was healing as we worked on it.
IN HER OWN WORDS, ELENA SHARES HER EXPERIENCE:
What made you decide to get this tattoo at this stage in your life?
I finally felt ready and knew what I wanted! I also stopped worrying whether or not new neurofibromas would grow and "get in the way" of my tattoo
What was the experience of being tattooed as person with NF?
It was actually fine! I was worried about the pain being worse for me because many neurofibromas are connected to nerves.
Of course it still hurt but I don't think the neurofibromas necessarily made it any worse!
How has your new tattoo changed your relationship with your body?
It made me feel like I had more ownership over my own body. I don't feel that NF has to control every part of my life.
If you could give advice to someone who is feeling the way you were and thinking about getting tattooed, what would you tell them?
Just go for it! I'm in my late 30s and this was my first tattoo. Even if you're older. It's still fine to get your first tattoo.
Find a tattoo artist willing to learn about any condition you have and will work with you to know what part of your body will work.
How was your aftercare process? (Like, did you have any troubles or anything that came up)
No troubles at all. In fact the tattoo lotion I bought from Good Form [unscented Lubriderm] helped with the itchy neurofibromas that aren't even tattooed over.
CONclusion
Two and a half years later, and the piece is still looking great! Colours are bright and you can see Elena's freckles through the lighter inks now that the tattoo is settled in and part of the skin.
My hope in sharing this is that it can help other folks with NF know that their tattoos will be okay. And that the next artist trying to find this info for their client will have an easier time than I did.
The more we share our experiences, the more people will be able to access tattooing services.
Interested in being tattooed?
Click her for a complimentary tattoo quote!
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