Chemical characterization of inks in skin reactions to tattoo

Abstract

Skin reactions are well described complications of tattooing, usually provoked by red inks. Chemical characterizations of these inks are usually based on limited subjects and techniques. This study aimed to determine the organic and inorganic composition of inks using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XANES) and Raman spectroscopy, in a cohort of patients with cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions to tattoo. A retrospective multicenter study was performed, including 15 patients diagnosed with skin reactions to tattoos. Almost half of these patients developed skin reactions on black inks. XRF identified known allergenic metals – titanium, chromium, manganese, nickel and copper – in almost all cases. XANES spectroscopy distinguished zinc and iron present in ink from these elements in endogenous biomolecules. Raman spectroscopy showed the presence of both reported (azo pigments, quinacridone) and unreported (carbon black, phtalocyanine) putative organic sensitizer compounds, and also defined the phase in which Ti was engaged. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this paper reports the largest cohort of skin hypersensitivity reactions analyzed by multiple complementary techniques. With almost half the patients presenting skin reaction on black tattoo, the study suggests that black modern inks should also be considered to provoke skin reactions, probably because of the common association of carbon black with potential allergenic metals within these inks. Analysis of more skin reactions to tattoos is needed to identify the relevant chemical compounds and help render tattoo ink composition safer.

Assessing the efficacy of a 100 ps Nd:YAG laser for tattoo removal in a minipig model

“…However, targeted 532 nm lasers designed for green light can effectively address these pigments [26]. Red tattoos, typically composed of organic pigments [27], exhibit good response to 532 nm lasers that coincide with their absorption peak [4]. Conversely, yellow tattoos with broad absorption spectra pose greater difficulty in achieving complete clearance [28].…”

Atomic spectrometry update: review of advances in elemental speciation

“…Some people suffer hypersensitivity reactions of the skin from the use of tattoo inks and potential insights as to the causes have been investigated using XRF, XANES and Raman spectroscopy. 83 Analysis of skin biopsies of affected patients showed the presence of a suite of metals, Cr, Cu Fe, Mn, Ni, Ti and Zn, which could have tattoo ink origins and also the pigment carbon black. XANES analysis identified that the Fe species were present as oxyhydroxides, and that Fe III+ was present in an octahedral environment, suggesting that the Fe present was not of endogenous origin.…”

Epidural analgesia and tattoos: a modified technique to minimise risks and improve safety

“…These hazardous substances are thought to be particularly dangerous when tattoos are extensive. Given these concerns, there is a renewed interest in further studying the possible toxic effects25 27 28 34–36 or malignancies30–33 37 38 associated with tattoos.…”

“…The WHO has now established regulatory measures for tattoo ink components23 25 in addition to other existing international recommendations,42–44 but quality control and monitoring remain difficult and unreliable. This situation—coupled with the increasing number of individuals with large tattoos and, consequently, a growing number of CNBs in tattooed areas—increases the likelihood of diagnosed pathological cases in the near future 5 23 34 40 45…”