Generalized eczematous reaction after fractional carbon dioxide laser therapy for tattoo allergy

Abstract

a netherlands institute for pigment disorders (snip), department of dermatology, academic medical Centre, university of amsterdam, amsterdam, the netherlands; b department of dermatology, academic medical Centre, university of amsterdam, amsterdam, the netherlands; c department of dermatology, Vu medical Centre, Vu university, amsterdam, the netherlands

Ablative laser surgery for allergic tattoo reactions: a retrospective study

“…She was treated with oral antihistamines and topical potent corticosteroids resulting in gradual improvement of the eczematous reaction. This case was reported previously [18].…”

“…In one patient a generalised eczematous allergic reaction was observed after fractional ablation, treated in our Academic Tattoo Clinic. More cases of generalised allergic reactions after fractional laser therapy to treat allergic tattoo reactions have been reported [ 18 , 23 ]. We assume that full surface ablation completely eliminates pigment-containing cells, thereby preventing systematic uptake.…”

“…We assume that full surface ablation completely eliminates pigment-containing cells, thereby preventing systematic uptake. However, in fractional ablation, the ablative channels are small and surrounded by coagulation zones which may be responsible for systemic uptake of allergens [ 18 ]. In addition, dyspigmentation is reported several times.…”

“…Millán Cayetano et al considered the continuous wave CO 2 laser as an effective, safe and precise treatment for improving red tattoo reactions in six patients [16]. Fractional ablation was effectively and safely used for the removal of allergic tattoo reactions in three patients [17,18]. Apart from these small studies, clinical efficacy has been studied insufficiently.…”

Late-onset pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia developing within a red ink tattoo

“…Our patient was treated with excellent cosmetic results by surgical excision, which is the treatment of choice, particularly for small and well-defined lesions. Carbon dioxide laser treatment is the main alternative, especially for larger lesions, as it effectively ablates the hypertrophic tissue and leads to fragmentation of the pigment particles into smaller sizes, which can then be eliminated by physiological processes [37,38]. However, it should be kept in mind that the latter may result in a significant alteration in the structure and chemical properties of red pigment particles associated with allergenic or toxic potential [37,38].…”