Histopathologic Reaction Patterns in Decorative Tattoos

Vangipuram, Ramya; Mask-Bull, Lisa; Tarbox, Michelle; Stetson, Cloyce L.

doi:10.4172/2376-0427.1000232

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 27 publications

(51 reference statements)

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“…2C, D). Although reported before, 16,18,19 the pathomechanism for interface reactions to red tattoo pigment remains unclear. It could be hypothesized that pigment particles, after binding to certain cell surface molecules on basal keratinocytes, form neo-antigens that are recognized by cytotoxic T cells, natural killer (NK) cells or NK-T cells.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Histopathology of Red Tattoo Reactions

Bent¹,

Oyen²,

Rustemeyer³

et al. 2020

The American Journal of Dermatopathology

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Background: Despite popularity of tattoos, complications may occur. In particular, red tattoo reactions due to allergic reactions are the most frequent chronic tattoo reactions. However, little is known about its histopathology and underlying pathomechanisms.Objective: The aim of this article is to analyze the histopathology of red tattoo reactions for diagnostic purposes and to acquire more insight into pathogenesis.Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing the histopathology of 74 skin biopsies of patients with allergic red tattoo reactions. Histopathological findings, such as inflammation patterns, inflammatory cells and pigment depth and color, were semi-quantified with an in-house validated scoring system by 2 independent senior investigators.Results: Histiocytes and lymphocytes were both present in .93%.Histiocytes were the predominant inflammatory cells in 74.3%, but well-defined granulomas were mostly absent (78.0%). Eosinophils were uncommon (8.1%) The predominantly histiocytic reaction combined with interface dermatitis was the main inflammation pattern (37.9%). Most biopsies showed more than one reaction pattern. Interface involvement was observed in 64.8%, despite the intended depth of standard tattoo procedures, in which pigment is placed deeper, in the upper-and mid-dermis. Statistical analyses showed a significant association between inflammation severity and pigment depth (P = 0.024). In 6 cases (8.1%) pigments could not be retrieved histologically. Conclusions:In this cohort we demonstrated that cutaneous reactions to red tattoo ink are frequently characterized by the combination of dermal predominantly histiocytic infiltrates and epidermal interface dermatitis. Allergic reactions to red tattoo pigments probably represent a combination of a subtype IVa and IVc allergic reaction. Clinicians should be aware of the specific histopathology of these reactions and therefore the importance of taking a diagnostic skin biopsy.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Histopathology of Red Tattoo Reactions

Bent¹,

Oyen²,

Rustemeyer³

et al. 2020

The American Journal of Dermatopathology

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“…Since tattoo pigments undergo repeated cycles of capture and release from these melanophages, this distribution of pigments is typical of a normal tattoo . Although these results are not generalizable ( n = 1), none of the complications − common to tattoo reactions (allergic hypersensitivity, infection, granulomatous or lichenoid reactions) were observed by a dermatologist during routine inspection, or by a board-certified histopathologist inspecting the biopsy.…”

Section: Results and Discussionmentioning

confidence: 64%

Solar Freckles: Long-Term Photochromic Tattoos for Intradermal Ultraviolet Radiometry

et al. 2020

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While tattooable nanotechnology for in-skin sensing and communication has been a popular concept in science fiction since the 1990s, the first tattooable intradermal nanosensors have only emerged in the past few years, and none have been demonstrated in human skin. We developed a photochromic tattoo that serves as an intradermal ultraviolet (UV) radiometer that provides naked-eye feedback about UV exposure in real time. These small tattoos, or “solar freckles”, comprise dermally implanted colorimetric UV sensors in the form of nanoencapsulated leuco dyes that become more blue in color with increasing UV irradiance. We demonstrate the tattoos’ functionality for both quantitative and naked-eye UV sensing in porcine skin ex vivo, as well as in human skin in vivo. Solar freckles offer an alternative and complementary approach to self-monitoring UV exposure for the sake of skin cancer prevention. Activated solar freckles provide a visual reminder to protect the skin, and their color disappears rapidly upon removal of UV exposure or application of topical sunscreen. The sensors are implanted in a minimally invasive procedure that lasts only a few seconds, yet remain functional for months to years. These semipermanent tattoos provide an early proof-of-concept for long-term intradermal sensing nanomaterials that provide users with biomedically relevant information in the form of an observable color change.

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Histopathologic Reaction Patterns in Decorative Tattoos

Cited by 2 publications

References 27 publications

Histopathology of Red Tattoo Reactions

Histopathology of Red Tattoo Reactions

Solar Freckles: Long-Term Photochromic Tattoos for Intradermal Ultraviolet Radiometry

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