05/21/2026
Thinking about tattooing over a mole? Here’s why dermatologists strongly advise against it ⬇️
Tattooing over a mole can make it difficult to monitor important changes in the skin. Pigment from tattoo ink may camouflage warning signs of skin cancer such as:
• Changes in color
• Irregular borders
• Growth or asymmetry
• Bleeding or crusting
Even benign moles should be evaluated carefully before being tattooed over. In some cases, trauma from tattooing can also irritate the area and complicate future skin examinations or biopsies.
If a mole changes after being tattooed, diagnosis can become more difficult because the ink may interfere with both visual assessment and dermoscopic evaluation.
Before getting a tattoo near or over any mole, it’s best to have the area examined by a board-certified dermatologist. Your skin’s long-term health is worth protecting. ☀️
If you have a spot you’re unsure about, schedule a skin check with your physician at Wray Dermatology.