Kentucky's Department for Public Health has filed new proposed regulations for tattooing within the state. The most controversial regulation involves prohibiting tattooing over scarred skin.

Kentucky's Department for Public Health has filed new proposed regulations for tattooing within the state. The most controversial regulation involves prohibiting tattooing over scarred skin. It isn't clear why it's proposed the ban, but people like Alex Drake, who has a tattoo covering a scar, strongly disagree with it. "Scars can make people uncomfortable or even embarrassed," Drake said. "They can be a constant reminder of a tragic accident or a bad time in somebody's life."Dermatologist Elizabeth Muennich can only think of one reason for the proposed ban."I think one of the issues is they might be worried about tattooing over melanoma scars and that is a concern," Muennich said.She said it's important to look at skin cancer scars in case of reoccurence.Other than that, she doesn't think tattooing scarred skin poses any major health or safety risks."You have other types of scars that would benefit from tattooing and would benefit from better cosmesis. You can't paint this broadly," Muennich said.In a statement, the department said:"Regulations in this area have not been updated for about 15 years. The Department for Public Health (DPH) filed the proposed new regs earlier this month. Public comments are being accepted through the end of May. A public hearing is also scheduled for May 28 at the Cabinet. DPH will review and analyze all comments and then determine what changes, if any, need to be made to the regulations. Comments can be directed to Chase Coffey, Executive Administrative Assistant, Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, 275 East Main Street 5 W-A, Frankfort, KY 40621; Phone: 502-564-6746; Fax: 502-564-7091; CHFSregs@ky.gov."

Kentucky's Department for Public Health has filed new proposed regulations for tattooing within the state. The most controversial regulation involves prohibiting tattooing over scarred skin.

It isn't clear why it's proposed the ban, but people like Alex Drake, who has a tattoo covering a scar, strongly disagree with it.


"Scars can make people uncomfortable or even embarrassed," Drake said. "They can be a constant reminder of a tragic accident or a bad time in somebody's life."

Dermatologist Elizabeth Muennich can only think of one reason for the proposed ban.

"I think one of the issues is they might be worried about tattooing over melanoma scars and that is a concern," Muennich said.

She said it's important to look at skin cancer scars in case of reoccurence.

Other than that, she doesn't think tattooing scarred skin poses any major health or safety risks.

"You have other types of scars that would benefit from tattooing and would benefit from better cosmesis. You can't paint this broadly," Muennich said.

In a statement, the department said:

"Regulations in this area have not been updated for about 15 years. The Department for Public Health (DPH) filed the proposed new regs earlier this month. Public comments are being accepted through the end of May. A public hearing is also scheduled for May 28 at the Cabinet. DPH will review and analyze all comments and then determine what changes, if any, need to be made to the regulations. Comments can be directed to Chase Coffey, Executive Administrative Assistant, Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, 275 East Main Street 5 W-A, Frankfort, KY 40621; Phone: 502-564-6746; Fax: 502-564-7091; CHFSregs@ky.gov."