Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 29, 2025
06:37
Skin Tattooing As A Novel Approach For DNA Vaccine Delivery
Published on: October 18, 2012
16.1K
Necrotizing Fasciitis Occurring After a Conventional Tattoo
Malvine Vogel1, Jonathan De Bodt1, Jean-Marie Jacques1
1Emergency Department, Epicura Hospitals, Hornu, BEL.
Cureus
|April 2, 2024
Summary
A serious skin infection, necrotizing fasciitis, developed in a patient after a home tattoo session. Despite using modern tools, poor hygiene led to this severe outcome, highlighting the importance of sterile practices in tattooing.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe bacterial infection that destroys soft tissue.
- Previous cases of necrotizing fasciitis linked to tattooing involved traditional Samoan practices.
- This case explores necrotizing fasciitis following conventional tattooing.
Observation:
- A 34-year-old presented with septic shock and renal failure post-tattoo.
- Clinical examination revealed a skin infection at the tattoo site.
- The tattoo was performed at home by a licensed artist using modern equipment.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis.
- Treatment included fasciotomy, deep tissue sampling, vacuum-assisted closure, and antibiotics.
- Culture results guided antibiotic therapy, leading to rapid recovery.
Implications:
- This is the first reported case of post-conventional tattoo necrotizing fasciitis in Belgium.
- Lack of hygiene precautions, not the tattooing method, is implicated in this severe infection.
- Emphasizes the critical need for strict sterile techniques in all tattooing procedures, regardless of style or tools used.
