Can a patient undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy have micropigmentation?
Article by Gemma Hutchings | Date Published 4th July 2024
Your questions answered - Can a patient undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy have micropigmentation?
This is an excellent question and one that is asked of us a lot. Your insurance policy document will give you a list of exclusions, conditions or medications that you are not able to treat.
Holistic Insurance who we have worked with for many years now states "five weeks pre or post-radiotherapy/chemotherapy treatment unless medical consent is given". Therefore in order to answer this question directly for you, you will need to review your individual insurance policy as time frames may vary.
It's crucial to confirm that your policy aligns with your recommended waiting period.
The following article from Cancer Hair Care Charity offers some helpful advice for patients. https://www.cancerhaircare.co.uk/semi-permanent-make-up/
If there is any uncertainty, refer to the question on your consultation form: "Are you fit and well to have this treatment?" If the answer is no, do not proceed with the treatment. It is advisable to refer the patient back to their nurse specialist. The nurse can assess whether the patient's white blood cell count is at a safe level for the procedure.
For optimal results, it is preferable for patients to undergo micropigmentation before starting chemotherapy or radiotherapy. At this time, their white blood cell count is typically unaffected, reducing the risk of complications.
By following these guidelines, you ensure the safety and well-being of your patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Why you should avoid Micropigmentation within 5 weeks of chemotherapy and Radiotherapy?
Reduction in White Blood Cell Count:
Chemotherapy drugs are designed to kill rapidly dividing cells, a characteristic of cancer cells. However, these drugs also affect other rapidly dividing cells, such as those in the bone marrow responsible for producing white blood cells.
This leads to a significant reduction in the number of white blood cells (a condition known as leukopenia), which are crucial for fighting infections.
Impaired Immune Function:
With a reduced white blood cell count, the body's immune system is weakened, making patients more susceptible to infection and less able to respond to bacterial, viral, and fungal threats.
Increased Risk of Infection:
Micropigmentation and tattooing involve breaking the skin, which can introduce bacteria and other pathogens into the body. With a weakened immune system due to low white blood cell counts, the body is less capable of fighting off infection.
Even minor infections can become serious and difficult to treat in individuals with compromised immune systems.
Delayed Healing:
The healing process depends on a well-functioning immune system to repair and regenerate skin and tissues. Chemotherapy can delay healing, making recovery from procedures like micropigmentation slower and increasing the risk of complications.
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