Don't Go Breaking My Heart: Not Your Ordinary Tattoo Reaction.
Brian McKenna1, Jack Lee, Shyam Raghavan
1University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA.
The American Journal of Dermatopathology
|June 28, 2023
Summary
Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) can develop in tattoos. This report details a rare case of NL arising in a polychromic tattoo, highlighting a potential link between tattoo ink and this chronic skin condition.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a rare granulomatous dermatitis.
- Its association with diabetes and systemic diseases is debated.
- Tattoo-associated NL is exceptionally uncommon.
Observation:
- A 53-year-old woman presented with NL lesions.
- The lesions were located within a polychromic tattoo on her lower leg.
- The tattoo had been present for 13 years, with red ink being used.
Findings:
- Histopathology revealed both active and chronic "burnt-out" NL.
- The NL appeared to originate specifically from the tattoo site.
- This represents the fourth reported case of tattoo-associated NL.
Implications:
- Tattoo ink, particularly red ink, may act as a trigger for necrobiosis lipoidica.
- Further research is needed to understand the pathogenesis of tattoo-induced NL.
- Clinicians should consider tattoo history in patients presenting with NL.
