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Urticaria in a tattooed patient.
G F Bagnato1, R De Pasquale, O Giacobbe
1Department Internal Medicine, University of Messina, Italy.
Allergologia Et Immunopathologia
|April 27, 1999
Summary
A tattooed individual developed contact urticaria from cobalt chloride in blue tattoo ink. Patch testing confirmed hypersensitivity to cobalt, a rare cause of tattoo-related allergic reactions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergy and Immunology
Background:
- Tattooing is a common practice, but can lead to various cutaneous reactions.
- Hypersensitivity reactions to tattoo inks are increasingly reported.
- Cobalt allergy is a known contact allergen, but rarely associated with tattoos.
Observation:
- A patient presented with urticaria localized to blue tattoos.
- Standard patch testing revealed a specific hypersensitivity to cobalt chloride.
- The reaction was attributed to the cobalt pigment in the tattoo ink.
Findings:
- The case demonstrates a rare instance of contact urticaria caused by cobalt chloride in tattoo ink.
- Patch testing confirmed cobalt chloride as the sole causative agent.
- The mechanism is presumed to be non-immunological hypersensitivity.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering tattoo ink components in diagnosing cutaneous reactions.
- Suggests cobalt allergy should be considered in patients with unexplained urticaria or dermatitis after tattooing.
- Underscores the need for further investigation into tattoo ink allergens and their clinical manifestations.