Réactions dites « allergiques » aux tatouages : prise en charge et algorithme thérapeutique

Non-laser treatment for tattoo removal

Tattoos are increasingly gathering attention in the young population, especially in second to fourth decade of life. With such trends, rate of its removal also has been on the rise. Treatment options for tattoo removal besides lasers are surgery, radiofrequency, infrared light, cryotherapy, dermabrasion and salabrasion. Unfortunately, none of these procedures are associated with satisfactory cosmetic results due to adverse effects such as scarring and dyspigmentation. Although laser treatment has become the gold standard for tattoo removal, it is also associated with some limitations. Some tattoo inks are resistant to laser, and multiple sessions and multiple wavelengths may be required for its complete removal. Considering these limitations, other treatment modalities for tattoo removal must be explored. This article highlights the non-laser treatment options for tattoo removal. We reviewed all published literature identified from electronic databases (MEDLINE and PubMed) till August 2021 to highlight the non-laser treatment options for tattoo removal.

An update on cutaneous complications of permanent tattooing

Introduction: Decorative tattooing involves the introduction of exogenous pigments and/or dyes into the dermis to produce a permanent design.Areas covered: This review provides an overview of the current aspects of cutaneous complications associated with permanent tattooing and permanent make-up based on the previous reviews of interest, case series, and case reports of interest. References for this review were found through a search of PubMed by use of the terms 'tattoo', 'tattoos', or 'tattooing'.Expert opinion: Complications include primarily infections, allergy to tattoo pigments, benign, and sometimes malignant tumors arising on tattoos and the localization of various dermatoses to tattoos. Immunocompromised patients and individuals with chronic conditions should be able to discuss with their physician and ask advice before getting tattooed. Tattoo color allergy still remains an unsolved issue. The identification of current culprit failed. It is most likely a byproduct that appears in situ in the skin during the life of the tattooed bearer. Studies involving expert centers are warranted to establish the best treatments for tattoo allergy. The risk of tattoo associated cancers appears to this author as largely overstated. However, case controls studies on large on cohorts of individuals with or without tattoos could help to evaluate whether tattoos have a possible in role in cancers.

Cutaneous and systemic complications associated with tattooing

Tattooing can result in a wide variety of complications, whose prevalence and incidence remain still unclear. Hypersensitivity reactions (or allergies) to tattoo pigments are currently the most common complication on a tattoo, however they are not predictable. Infections are nowadays directly related to the lack of asepsis and hygiene during the tattooing procedure or during the healing phase. Patients with a known cutaneous disease should be warned of a potential risk of localization of their disease to the tattoo. A skin eruption restricted to a tattoo may reveal sarcoidosis. Patients with chronic conditions and/or impaired immunity should discuss with their physician about the possibility and when to have a tattoo.