Tattooing is a process of implantation of permanent pigment granules in the skin. Tattoos can be decorative, medical or accidental. There has been a exponential increase in decorative tattooing as a body art in teenagers and young adults. Unfortunately there are no legislations to promote safe tattooing, hence complications are quite common. Superficial and deep local infections, systemic infections, allergic reactions, photodermatitis, granulomatous reactions and lichenoid reactions may occur. Skin diseases localised on the tattooed area, such as eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, and morphea can be occasionally seen. When used as a camouflage technique, colour mismatch and patient dissatisfaction are common complications. On the other hand, regrets after a tattoo are also seen and requests for tattoo removal are rising. Laser tattoo removal using Q-switched lasers are the safest; however, complications can occur. Acute complications include pain, blistering, crusting and pinpoint hemorrhage. Among the delayed complications pigmentary changes, hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation, paradoxical darkening of cosmetic tattoos and allergic reactions can be seen. Another common complication is the presence of residual pigmentation or ghost images. Scarring and textural changes are potential irreversible complications. In addition, tattoo removal can be a prolonged tedious procedure, particularly with professional tattoos, which are difficult to erase as compared to amateur tattoos. Hence the adage, stop and think before you ink holds very much true in the present scenario.

Palisaded encapsulated neuroma (PEN) is a distinctive benign neural tumor, which usually presents as a solitary skin-colored papule or a nodule. It is a benign lesion and may clinically mimic a cutaneous neurofibroma, melanocytic nevi, or cutaneous schwannoma. Here we report a rare case of multifocal cutaneous PENs and its differentiation from cutaneous schwannomas, which is possible by histopathology.

Lichen scrofulosorum (LS), a tuberculid affecting children and young adults, usually presents with asymptomatic skin-coloured to erythematous follicular and perifollicular papules over the trunk and extremities. An underlying focus of tuberculosis can be detected, but occasionally other mycobacterial infections may be responsible. The eruption is associated with a positive tuberculin test or positive interferon-gamma release assay. Perifollicular granulomas and absence of bacilli are the histopathological characteristics. LS can go unsuspected because of its waxing and waning course and close resemblance to other dermatoses. This article reviews the different clinical presentations and various associations of LS. We reiterate that the focus of internal infection may be subtle and go undetected, emphasizing the need for correct diagnosis and early treatment.