Forensic Dermatology of Tattoos: Part 1. Epidemiology of Tattoos in a Forensic Setting

A tattoo is a form of body modification that is created by inoculating pigment into the skin. Forensic dermatology involves the medical and legal assessment of the skin, mucosa, hair and nails to evaluate injury or death. Tattoos can have an integral role in a forensic dermatology evaluation. The forensic dermatology of tattoos is presented in four contributions. Part 1) discusses the epidemiology of tattoos in a forensic setting. Part 2) examines the types of tattoos that can present in a forensic setting. The third contribution in the series (Part 3) considers the cutaneous diseases, infections, lesions, and cancers with tattoos in a forensic setting. The fourth paper in the series (Part 4) discusses the forensic aspects of tattoos. The prevalence of tattoos, the composition of tattoo ink, the reasons for acquiring a tattoo, and the groups of individuals associated with tattoos are presented in this contribution. It has been estimated that 20% to 33% of the population have at least one tattoo. The motivation for electively acquiring a tattoo is variable. Motivating factors to have a tattoo are multifold: beauty, art, and fashion, individuality, personal narratives, physical endurance, group affiliations and commitment, resistance, spirituality and cultural tradition, addiction, sexual motivation, and lastly no specific reason. In some individuals, the acquisition of a tattoo is not an elective decision. Gangs, military personnel, prisoners, and victims of personal atrocity are some of the groups of individuals who have tattoos. A complete understanding of the forensic significance of tattoos is essential not only for the forensic pathologist but also for other individuals who assess those with tattoos.