Cold contact urticaria triggered by a permanent tattoo

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Allergology
• Immunology

Background:

• Cold contact urticaria (CCU) is a physical urticaria triggered by cold stimuli.
• Symptoms range from localized hives to systemic anaphylaxis.
• Current management focuses on cold avoidance and H1 antihistamines.

Observation:

• A case of cold contact urticaria in a 38-year-old woman is presented.
• The urticaria onset was specifically linked to a recently tattooed area.
• This suggests a localized trigger in a previously sensitized individual.

Findings:

• The tattoo site acted as an unusual focal point for cold-induced urticarial reactions.
• This case highlights the potential for external factors to initiate or exacerbate inducible urticarias.
• The etiology of cold contact urticaria is often idiopathic but can be secondary.

Implications:

• Further investigation into localized triggers for inducible urticarias is warranted.
• Healthcare providers should consider recent skin trauma or alterations, like tattoos, as potential factors.
• This case broadens the understanding of cold contact urticaria's diverse presentation and potential triggers.