Cosmetic tattoo pigment reaction
Tanya Greywal1, Philip R Cohen
1School of Medicine. tgreywal@gmail.com.
Dermatology Online Journal
|September 13, 2016
Summary
A rare lymphocytic reaction to cosmetic tattoos can occur, affecting both tattooed and non-tattooed skin. This reaction to black tattoo pigment typically resolves with corticosteroid and antihistamine treatment.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pathology
- Cosmetic Science
Background:
- Cutaneous reactions to tattoos are typically granulomatous or lichenoid.
- Cosmetic tattoos, especially with black dye, can elicit diverse inflammatory responses.
Observation:
- A patient presented with a lymphocytic reaction to cosmetic eyebrow and eyelash tattoos.
- The reaction extended beyond tattooed areas to involve non-tattooed facial skin.
- Histopathology revealed a perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate secondary to exogenous pigment.
Findings:
- Perivascular lymphocytic reaction is an uncommon tattoo complication.
- This patient's reaction was atypical: no prior tattoos, rapid onset, black dye reaction, and spread to non-tattooed skin.
- Symptoms and lesions resolved with systemic/topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines.
Implications:
- Highlights an unusual adverse reaction to cosmetic tattoo pigment.
- Suggests the need for awareness of disseminated cutaneous reactions post-tattooing.
- Underscores the efficacy of combined immunosuppressive and antihistamine therapy for tattoo reactions.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Pigmentation
4.9K
The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
4.9K
01:30Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions
89
Drug-related allergies are immune-mediated responses triggered by the administration of pharmacological agents. These hypersensitivity reactions are classified based on the immune mechanisms involved. The four primary types—Type I, II, III, and IV—are mediated by different immunological pathways and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Type I Hypersensitivity/ IgE-Mediated Reactions: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) immediately mediates Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Upon initial...
89
01:14Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
4.1K
The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
4.1K
01:27Allergic Drug Reactions
1.6K
Allergic reactions related to drugs are hypersensitivity responses driven by the immune system and bear no connection to the drug's therapeutic action. While drugs in isolation do not trigger an immune response, they can interact with endogenous proteins to form antigens. These antigens stimulate lymphocytes to produce antibodies. IgE-type antibodies attach themselves to mast cells. Upon subsequent exposure to the same stimulus, the antigen-antibody interaction is initiated, unleashing...
1.6K
01:19Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions
85
Type III hypersensitivity reactions occur when antigen–antibody complexes form and activate the complement system. Normally, these complexes help the clearance of antigens by phagocytes and red blood cells. However, when large numbers of immune complexes are present, they can deposit in tissues—particularly in the walls of blood vessels—leading to inflammation and tissue injury. These deposits trigger complement activation and neutrophil recruitment, resulting in serum...
85
01:30Skin Cancer
6.5K
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
6.5K