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Traumatic tattoo from battery-operated earrings
M D Gibney1, S W Fosko, R J Segal
1Department of Dermatology, Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center, Missouri, USA.
Cutis
|February 18, 1998
Summary
Traumatic tattoos from battery-operated devices can occur. Mohs micrographic surgery effectively removed an iron-containing traumatic tattoo, yielding good cosmetic results.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Traumatic tattoos arise from exogenous pigment deposition into the dermis.
- Common causes include accidents with pencils, gunpowder, and asphalt.
- Battery-operated devices represent a novel, underreported cause.
Observation:
- A case involving a traumatic tattoo caused by a battery-operated device is presented.
- The tattoo contained iron particles, indicated by its characteristics.
- The patient underwent surgical removal of the tattoo.
Findings:
- Mohs' micrographic surgery was employed for tattoo removal.
- The procedure achieved complete pigment excision.
- An acceptable cosmetic outcome was observed post-surgery.
Implications:
- Battery-operated devices should be recognized as a potential cause of traumatic tattooing.
- Mohs' surgery offers a viable and effective treatment option for traumatic tattoos.
- This case highlights the importance of considering diverse etiologies for dermal pigment deposition.