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Updated: Dec 18, 2025

Skin Tattooing As A Novel Approach For DNA Vaccine Delivery
Published on: October 18, 2012
Lichen planus pemphigoides after body tattooing
Agnes Lim1, Po Yin Tang2, Choon Chiat Oh1
1Department of Dermatology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
Abstract:
Decorative tattooing is very popular worldwide and is associated with cutaneous complications, ranging from infections to localized or generalized skin reactions. We report a case of a patient presenting with generalized violaceous pruritic papular lesions 1 month after obtaining a black ink tattoo. Histological examination of a papular lesion distal to the tattoo site showed focal band-like lymphocytic infiltrate. He subsequently developed bullae over the papular lesions, with elevated serum BP180 antibody levels. A diagnosis of generalized lichen planus and lichen planus pemphigoides was made. He responded to treatment with potent topical corticosteroids and ciclosporin. We also reviewed the presentation and treatment of published cases of lichenoid reactions in the literature. With the increasing popularity of tattoos, awareness of this potential complication and possible treatments is important.
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