This is good question. In my practice I use tape on the tattoo, I do not see specific responses. Sometimes my patient says "do not like my tattoo"-of course is Their jokes. 

Esther, I never even considered it.

I would have guessed that the ink would be sufficiently tethered in the tissue that it would not move. I also have not looked at  a tattooed area with consistent tape use, perhaps we need to pay more attention

I have to admit I neither had considered it, as I mostly tape infants/children it is no big issue, they usually have no tattoos. But I can see that many of the parents have lot of tattoos, especially some years ago. We know that may of the tattoo colours are toxic, but can the tape to more harm than the tattoo already have done? Interesting question but maybe hard to evaluate, if possible we could avoid putting the tape above the tattoo.

You are thinking of a "tattoo-iontophoresis" ;)

When you use compensated impulses with your nmes this shouldn't happen but:

First: Tattoos cost a lot of money. Second: there are lots of chemicals involved (ink, tape- and electrode-"glue"). We can never be sure how these chemicals interact (bleaching?) so: take no risks. 

Laser would obviously be an absolute contraindication.

Chears

Pieter

Tape has no effect on tattoos for Sure.

But laser will definitely is Contraindicated.

Ajanish how can you be sure about that?

Do you know or is it that you are convinced that it is like that?

I  do not believe that tape have any effect on tattoos, but I could be wrong. To really state that it has no effect you need to really know that! If you know that, please tell us how you know it.

I have Treated Taping on Some sports players who were having tattoos on arms.

So I was Sure.

But I can be wrong also, but I didn't experience any complains.

Hi,

 I used both tape and pre-gelled sEMG electrode on tattooed skins and i did not experience complains or pain.

One recommendation (on every kind on skin and not on tattooed only) is not to leave pre-gelled electrodes on the skin for more than 3 hours and especially not to expose part of the body where there are the electrodes applied on the skin directly to the sun for long time.

Ajanish and Michele that they do not complain is not evidence for no harm, you do not know what is happening under the skin. I do not believe that an old tattoo will make any difference, a new one?

To think that there can be no wrong because there are no complains is questionable, people have cancer with no signs (I do not mean that this could give cancer, it is just an example)

 dear Anna,  I share your opinion that just because we have seen no harm so far does not mean we cannot harm. I am hoping that a dermatologist looks at this question. We physiotherapists just do not know enough about the skin. 

If it is absolutely necessary to put the electrode on that particular zone, if the skin is intact I guess no problem.

but if you can it is preferable to another area, and whenever we speak or galvanic current, iontophoresis I just would not use that area.

Dear Esther, should start research of this subject. 

We have heard of peole who have a tatoo in the electrode area to help them locate electrodes for FES. We do not advocate this but have not heard anecdotally of any problems.  However we would regard it as a risk and keep a close watch on the stimulated area for signs of adverse electrode responses or other skin signs

I have asked around and read some more on tattoos. 

In the Am J Clin Dermatol. 2014 Dec;15(6):525-36. doi: 10.1007/s40257-014-0100-x. Complications of decorative tattoos: recognition and management.

Authors Simunovic C1, Shinohara MM. Abstract

Tattooing is an ancient practice that enjoys continued popularity. Although a modern, professionally performed tattoo is generally safe, complications can occur. A skin biopsy of all tattoo reactions is recommended as some tattoo reactions have systemic implications. Tattoo-related infections are seen days to decades after tattooing, and range from acute pyogenic infections to cutaneous tuberculosis. In particular, non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections happen in tattoos with increasing frequency and are introduced at the time of tattooing through contaminated ink or water used to dilute inks.

Despite a transition in tattoo pigments from metal salts to industrial azo dyes, hypersensitivity reactions also persist, and include eczematous, granulomatous, lichenoid, and pseudoepitheliomatous patterns (among others). Granulomatous tattoo reactions can be a clue to cutaneous or systemic sarcoidosis, particularly in the setting of interferon use. Pseudoepitheliomatous tattoo reactions have substantial overlap with squamous cell carcinoma and keratoacanthoma, making diagnosis and management difficult. Other malignancies and their benign mimics can occur in tattoos, raising questions about the safety of tattoo ink and its role in carcinogenesis.

Sarcoidosis Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis. 2013 Aug 1;30(2):86-102.

Sarcoidosis on tattoos: a review of the literature from 1939 to 2011.

Kluger N1. Abstract

Sarcoidosis is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology characterized by the presence of non-caseating epithelioid cell granulomas in multiple organs. Cutaneous sarcoidosis occurs in approximately 25% of the cases. Sarcoid reactions on old scars, traumatized skin sites and around embedded foreign material have long been observed. For the past 70 years, sarcoidal granulomas on tattoos and permanent make-up have also been documented. Granulomatous and sarcoidal tattoo reactions may be the first and sometimes only cutaneous manifestation of systemic sarcoidosis. This review summarizes the currently available data on this topic and discusses the issues related to the diagnosis, management and physiopathogeny of sarcoidal reactions on tattoos.

Clin Dermatol. 2007 Jul-Aug;25(4):375-82.

Tattoos: dermatological complications.

Kazandjieva J1, Tsankov N. Abstract

From the Eskimo in Greenland to the tribes in Polynesia-the whole world knows the art of tattoo. Despite their wide popularity the relation between the skin diseases and the tattooed pictures aren't studied in depth. With the appearance of professional tattoo studios, the risk of infectiouscomplications was reduced. Simultaneously, on a global scale there has been an increase in pseudolymphoma and allergic reactions caused by the introduction of an exogenous pigment into the dermis. The results of our clinical and therapeutic research and review of literature on the subject outline the major problems related to tattoos, i.e. clinical complications. The summarized data showed infectious diseases transmitted through the process of tattooing and many allergic reactions, granulomas and tumors as complications of a tattoo.

If someone is able to send me all articles as I have only been able to access the abstracts that would be extremely helpful. For this moment, with the knowledge I have now... I think it wise NOT to tape or put electrodes on tattoos.

I have received answer from Dr Tae Hwan Park (plastic surgeon) regarding this question also. He states that: 'I don't think the tape affects or activate ink tatoo to be large or change.

Instead, in the cases of scar revision of tattooing, taping after surgery would help to prevent keloid scar formation.'

Having read more on the topic in the mean time.  I think it wise to CHECK THE TATTOO carefully for any skin changes at all. If these are present, send back to the doctor, ask for a skin biopsy and definitely DO NOT TAPE or apply electrodes to the area. 

Interesting but "think" is not to know.

Once a tattoo has healed, the pigment is stored in dermal fibroblasts. Superficial tape is unlikely to disturb the pigment, unless it were to remove a significant amount of skin (i.e. the entire epidermis and superficial dermis). You'll probably be OK, but it is always better to avoid tattoos if possible because you never know what may happen.

Of the papers you listed, none of them are really relevant to the use of tape. Those papers outline the inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic complications of tattoos.

Thank you Walter for your interesting add. I did not know the ink was stored in the fibroblasts. You are right, there is no literature about taping and tattoos and there are more and more people with tattoos. Hence my  question...I agree with you and Anna, better to be safe than sorry, no taping on tattoos anymore.

Article Electrotherapy on tattoo is to be concerned

Thank you Christopher. As a number of studies show that electrotherapy and taping has very similar outcomes, I think it is safe to stay away from them (with tape) if possible.