Name two contraindications to tattooing that require postponement or refusal of service.

• A. Active skin infection or disease in the area; compromised immune system or uncontrolled diabetes.
• B. Recent sunburn on other areas.
• C. History of fever.
• D. Allergies to latex.

Answer: (A)

When planning a tattoo, you must avoid procedures that would risk infection or healing problems. Two clear contraindications requiring postponement or refusal are: active skin infection or disease in the area to be tattooed, because introducing ink into inflamed or infected skin can spread bacteria, worsen the condition, and lead to poor healing. The other is a compromised immune system or uncontrolled diabetes, since these conditions impair healing and increase infection risk, making the tattooing process unsafe until medical management stabilizes.

Recently sunburned areas not involved with the tattoo area aren’t a strict barrier to proceeding, so they’re not a definitive postponement reason. A history of fever isn’t a current illness signal by itself, and latex allergies can be managed with alternative gloves, so they don’t constitute unconditional contraindications.