A tattoo is permanent, so the decision to have a tattoo should be made after very careful consideration. Legally, a person cannot have a tattoo until they are 18, even with parental consent.

The greatest risk when having a tattoo is infection, particularly for an individual with Barth Syndrome. If you are prone to intermittent neutropenia (low white cell count) then you will have a greater risk of infection and this can make you extremely unwell. We would strongly recommend you consult your medical team for individual advice as they can offer guidance on how your medication can be adapted to minimise your risk. There is no legal age limit for piercings but most reputable piercers will expect parental consent for under 18's. The risks and recommendations for piercings are the same as with tattoos.