Tinea on a Tattoo

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Tattoo prevalence has significantly increased globally over the past two decades.
• Tattoos can be associated with various complications, including inflammatory reactions, infections, and skin cancers.
• Fungal infections, specifically dermatophytosis, are a rare but possible complication of tattooing.

Observation:

• A case of a 29-year-old immunocompetent female presenting with an erythematous-squamous plaque on a new tattoo.
• The lesion exhibited characteristics of tinea corporis, with centrifugal growth and a raised, vesiculopustular edge.
• Mycological examination confirmed Microsporum canis as the causative agent, likely acquired from a pet dog.

Findings:

• The patient was successfully treated with oral and topical terbinafine within 21 days.
• The infection occurred during the tattoo's healing phase, approximately 18 days post-application.
• This case highlights direct contact with an infected animal as a transmission route for tattoo-associated dermatophytosis.

Implications:

• Dermatophyte infections of tattoos, though rare, should be considered in differential diagnoses for tattoo-related skin lesions.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing tattoo-associated fungal infections.
• Awareness of potential zoonotic transmission routes, such as from pets, is important for tattoo recipients.