Reactions to the different pigments in tattoos: a report of two cases

• Published in: Anais brasileiros de dermatología Vol. 85; no. 5; pp. 708 - 711
• Main Authors: Cruz, Fernanda André Martins, Lage, Denise, Frigério, Rafaela Marega, Zaniboni, Mariana Colombini, Arruda, Lúcia Helena Fávaro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil 01-09-2010
• Subjects: Adrenal Cortex Hormones - therapeutic use; Adult; Coloring Agents - adverse effects; Dermatitis, Phototoxic - etiology; Dermatitis, Phototoxic - pathology; Female; Humans; Leg Dermatoses - chemically induced; Leg Dermatoses - pathology; Male; Pseudolymphoma - chemically induced; Pseudolymphoma - pathology; Tattooing - adverse effects
• ISSN: 1806-4841
• DOI: 10.1590/S0365-05962010000500019

Tattoos are defined as the intentional or accidental deposit of pigment into the skin. These pigments have been associated with various dermatoses such as allergic contact dermatitis, lichenoid dermatitis, photoinduced reactions, and granulomatous, sarcoid and pseudolymphomatous reactions. The objective of this report was to describe the various types of reactions to pigments and the importance of recognizing them clinically. Two cases are reported: one of lichenoid dermatitis resulting from a reaction to the red pigment of a tattoo and the other of a pseudolymphoma resulting from a reaction to red and lilac pigments and a photo-induced reaction to a yellow pigment. Removal generally requires multiple forms of treatment, most of which fail to remove the colors completely.