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Diffuse Urticarial Reaction Associated with Titanium Dioxide Following Laser Tattoo Removal Treatments.
Hal Bret Willardson1, Todd T Kobayashi2, Jason G Arnold2
11 Transitional Year Intern, Transitional Year Program, San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium (SAUSHEC) , San Antonio, Texas.
Photomedicine and Laser Surgery
|January 7, 2017
Summary
Widespread allergic reactions after laser tattoo removal are rare. This case links titanium dioxide in tattoos to severe, persistent hives, resolved by surgical excision.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergology
- Laser Medicine
Background:
- Allergic reactions to laser tattoo removal are uncommon but can be severe.
- Titanium dioxide is a pigment used in tattoos, and its role in adverse reactions is under investigation.
Observation:
- A 46-year-old female developed widespread urticaria, erythema, and pruritus after Nd:YAG laser tattoo removal.
- The reaction was resistant to antihistamines and corticosteroids.
- Surgical excision of the tattoo revealed high levels of titanium dioxide.
Findings:
- This is the first documented case of a diffuse urticarial reaction linked to titanium dioxide in tattoo pigment following laser removal.
- The patient experienced complete resolution of symptoms post-excision without further medical treatment.
Implications:
- Titanium dioxide in tattoos may trigger severe, recalcitrant allergic reactions to laser removal.
- Surgical excision can be a viable treatment for such refractory cases.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanism of titanium dioxide-induced hypersensitivity.
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