From the Tattoo Studio to the Emergency Room

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Allergology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Subepidermal skin inking (tattooing) is a popular fashion trend in Western societies.
• Systemic anaphylaxis from tattooing is a rare complication, with limited documented cases.
• Previous reports involved patients with pre-existing severe allergies, lacking specific etiological investigations.

Observation:

• A 59-year-old man presented with grade 3 systemic anaphylaxis five hours after receiving a tattoo.
• Symptoms included progressive swelling and redness of the tattooed arm, face, and tongue.
• The patient had no known history of allergies.

Findings:

• The patient responded well to treatment with corticosteroids and antihistamines.
• Analysis of tattoo inks revealed formaldehyde, nickel, and manganese as potential chemical triggers.
• The patient declined further allergy testing.

Implications:

• Healthcare providers should consider tattoo inks as a potential cause of systemic anaphylaxis.
• Regulatory bodies should consider restricting allergenic compounds in commercial tattoo inks.
• Further research is needed to identify specific allergens in tattoo inks.