[Removal of dirt tattooing with Q-switched laser]

In present times treatment of traumatic tattoos with Q-switched laser systems is an alternative to conventional therapy. In our study, 19 patients were treated with the Q-switched ruby laser, including 4 patients with explosive trauma and 2 after pointed pencil penetration. One patient was treated with the Q-switched Nd:YAG-laser, while we tried both systems on another one. Pigmentation after abrasive trauma is easily removed or improved. Deeper penetration of foreign bodies demands more intensive and more frequent therapy. Immediate removal of foreign bodies after an accident is the best treatment.