Histopathology of Dermatologic Complications of Tattoos

Abstract

:Tattoos are characterized by the introduction of exogenous pigments into the dermis. Tattoos usually serve cosmetic purposes, although they may have other causes, such as traumatic pigment implants in accidents or medical-related tattoos in the context of radiotherapy. Dermatologic adverse reactions are relatively uncommon, and they include infections, immune-mediated reactions, cutaneous lesions secondary to the Koebner phenomenon, exacerbation of preexisting dermatosis, benign and malignant neoplasms, and a miscellaneous group of dermatologic conditions that may appear in a preexisting tattoo. The aim of this study is to review the types of histopathologic reactions that may appear in a preexisting permanent tattoo.

Cutaneous Adverse Reactions Associated with Tattoos and Permanent Makeup Pigments

“…Histologically, allergic reactions to tattoos have consisted of epidermal reactions (acanthosis, hyperkeratosis, or parakeratosis) associated with a persistent inflammatory infiltrate in the dermis, mainly composed of lymphocytes [1,5,30] (Figure 3). Additional cellular infiltrates, including macrophages, histiocytes, plasma cells, eosinophils, or neutrophils, have been variably present [5,30]. Granulomas have been occasionally observed, either in association with epidermal reactions or independently [5,30].…”

“…Additional cellular infiltrates, including macrophages, histiocytes, plasma cells, eosinophils, or neutrophils, have been variably present [5,30]. Granulomas have been occasionally observed, either in association with epidermal reactions or independently [5,30].…”

“…Additional cellular infiltrates, including macrophages, histiocytes, plasma cells, eosinophils, or neutrophils, have been variably present [5,30]. Granulomas have been occasionally observed, either in association with epidermal reactions or independently [5,30]. The primary diagnosis can be classified depending on the predominant reaction observed following biopsy [1,5,31]: Lichenoid reactions are primarily associated with red ink [3].…”