Tattoo reactions-An epidemic on the surge: A report of 3 cases

Abstract

Tattooing has been practiced in India since ancient era. It has tremendous religious and spiritual significance. In addition, tattooing for cosmetic purposes has become quite popular in recent times. With this increasing trend, there is also an increased risk of adverse effects. Here, we have described two cases of lichenoid reaction developing to red ink in double- colored tattoos and a case of sarcoidal reaction to green tattoo.

Tattoo reaction: Case series

“…Currently data is lacking regarding the safety of tattoo pigment ingredients. Also, none of the tattoo ink or additives are FDA approved [4].…”

Hypersensitive reaction to tattoos: A growing menace in rural India

“…Tattooing was associated with many complications[3456] and allergic contact dermatitis due to delayed hypersensitivity reaction to different pigments is the most common complication. [2930] Ink used for tattoo differs among each artists and also its composition, exact chemistry of such formulations may be difficult to identify.…”

“…Other reactions include superficial and deep local infections, systemic infections, allergic reaction, and skin diseases localized on tattooed area, such as eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, and morphea. [34567] About 1%–5% of tattooed people have tattoo-related bacterial infections after receiving a tattoo. These infections can be common bacterial infections or atypical mycobacterial like Mycobacterium haemophilum .…”

Tattoo: inoculating lupus vulgaris

“…The most common skin reactions to tattoo reported in the literature include (1) a transient acute inflammatory reaction (focal oedema, pruritus, papules, or nodules) due to trauma of the skin with needles (2) medical complications such as superficial and deep local infections, systemic infections, allergic contact dermatitis, photodermatitis, granulomatous and lichenoid reactions, and (3) skin diseases localized on tattooed area (eczema, psoriasis, lichen, and morphea). 3 Complications of tattoos can also be divided into cutaneous or systemic and can have an impact on the quality of life. 4 Cutaneous complications can occur either immediately or be delayed hypersensitivity reaction to tattoo ink.…”