Abstract:Tattoos are well known to cause skin problems and the number of reported adverse reactions after tattooing has increased. Illegally imported tattoo ink is unrestrained and can contain unknown ingredients and contamination thereby posing a serious health hazard. We present a case illustrating the risk of pronounced phototoxic allergic reaction and other severe complications after using home kit tattoo ink.
Section: Bacteria Isolated From Wound Swab or Abscess Drainage (Refermentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Rare complications of tattoo-related infections caused by S. aureus are the toxic shock syndrome (TSS) caused by toxigenic strains of S. aureus (35) and the staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) (37).…”
Section: Other Bacterial Infectious Complicationsmentioning
Inappropriate hygiene measures in tattoo parlors and non-medical wound care are major risk factors for tattoo-related infections. In addition, facultative pathogenic bacterial species can be isolated from tattoo inks in use, which may pose a serious health risk.
Section: Bacteria Isolated From Wound Swab or Abscess Drainage (Refermentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Rare complications of tattoo-related infections caused by S. aureus are the toxic shock syndrome (TSS) caused by toxigenic strains of S. aureus (35) and the staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) (37).…”
Section: Other Bacterial Infectious Complicationsmentioning
Inappropriate hygiene measures in tattoo parlors and non-medical wound care are major risk factors for tattoo-related infections. In addition, facultative pathogenic bacterial species can be isolated from tattoo inks in use, which may pose a serious health risk.
“…Illegal inks that have not been evaluated for human fitness are likely to contain unknown ingredients and have serious side effects. Mikkelsen et al [ 21 ] reported a case of exfoliative dermatitis that occurred after using a home kit tattoo ink purchased in China. The patient had serious side effects showing edema, redness, pus formation, and dry crustation all over the body.…”
BACKGROUND
Compared to earlier, there has been an increase in the tattoo procedures for cosmetic purposes; and there has also been an increase in the tattoo procedures performed by non-medical personnel. In South Korea, only tattoos performed by a doctor are considered legal; however, there is still some debate over whether tattoo procedures performed by non-healthcare providers should be considered legal.
CASE SUMMARY
A 28-year-old woman visited our hospital with pain in both nipples and heat sensation over the last 4 d. She had a history of a nipple tattoo performed by an unlicensed person. Pinpoint bleeding was noted in both areolar areas, and the exudate mixed with pus and orange color ink was discharged. Oral medication and tulle with foam dressing were performed under the impression of cellulitis and allergic reaction. After 4 wk, nipples remained dark brown in color, resulting in a color mismatch between the nipple and orange-colored areola. The size of the areola was also found to be distinctly asymmetrical after healing. This complication may have been caused by the use of illegal ink or unsanitary procedures, or a problem may have occurred in the post-tattoo management stage.
CONCLUSION
Doctors use approved ink, aseptic procedure and appropriate postoperative care, and appropriate management can be performed in case of complications.
BackgroundTattoos were historically associated with deviant behaviours or religious and other social purposes, but in the last decades, they have gained increasing popularity and have become a mainstream. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the literature evidence about decorative tattoos complications, considering both infective and non-infective risks.MethodsThis systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement. We searched the following electronic bibliographic databases: PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science (science and social science citation index).ResultsThe literature search resulted in 6473 studies. A total of 207 full articles were considered potentially relevant and were reviewed independently by researchers. After full-text evaluation, 152 of 207 articles were excluded, as they did not meet selection criteria. The remaining 55 studies were included in the systematic review and their quality assessment was performed. Ten studies reported microbiological complications, 37 reported non-microbiological effects and eight reported either microbiological and non-microbiological complications.ConclusionsSeveral well-known and uncommon risks are associated with tattooing and tattoo after-care. Public health authorities could take into account health education programmes for tattooists and customers in order to prevent health complications in people with tattoos.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020177972.
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