Tattoos could be problematic for MS

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) might want to think twice about getting a tattoo, according to a new study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology. The reason is due to the tendency for those with the condition to be heat intolerant.

Our bodies naturally sweat when we are too hot and this helps cool us down. Studies have shown that people with MS aren’t able to sweat as much as those without the condition, means they are more prone to overheating, which in turn worsens symptoms.

Recently, researchers found that tattooed skin sweats less than normal skin. They suspect that it’s the as many as 3,000 skin punctures per minute tattooed skin endures that are to blame – damaging sweat glands and preventing perspiration from escaping.

Researchers say a few little tattoos are unlikely to cause temperature regulation issues, but if they cover a lot of the body, reduced sweating ‘could impact heat dissipation.’