(LEX 18)– A tattoo artist says that a proposed regulation prohibiting the tattooing of scarred skin will be troubling for cancer survivors and others who use tattoos to cover scars.

Louisa Kleinert is a Louisville tattoo artist who specializes in making scars beautiful again.

“I work with trauma victims of all types,” said Kleinert.

Her customers vary from breast cancer survivors to people scarred in accidents or by their own accord.

“I’ve seen a lot of burned victims who have lost their eyebrows or eyelashes due to other trauma. I could talk about this for hours,” she said.

Her passion is personal. She said she watched her mother beat breast cancer and knows why some want to cover a bad memory. That’s why she does a wide variety of work.

“That covers concealment, meaning skin toned like colors to camouflage a scar, or to recreate a nipple for breast cancer survivors who lost their natural born nipple,” she said.

Kleinert took to Facebook when she learned about the proposed regulation that would prohibit tattooing scarred skin.

“If they are going to regulate this, they need to regulate it with the health and wellness of people in mind, and not try to ban it entirely,” said Kleinert.

A spokesman from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services sent LEX 18 a statement.

“Regulations in this area have not been updated for about 15 years. The Department for Public Health (DPH) filed the proposed new regs 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.”

Kleinert said that she hopes people will speak up.