title: Severe adverse events related to tattooing: an retrospective analysis of 11 years.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The incidence of tattoos has been increased markedly during the last 20 years.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To analyze the patient files for severe adverse medical reactions related to tattooing.
  
  
  METHODS
  Academic Teaching Hospital in South-East Germany.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective investigation from March 2001 to May 2012.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The incidence of severe adverse medical reactions has been estimated as 0.02%. Infectious and non-infectious severe reactions have been observed. The consequences were medical drug therapies and surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Tattooing may be associated with severe adverse medical reactions with significant morbidity. Regulations, education and at least hygienic controls are tools to increase consumer safety.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Academic Teaching Hospital Dresden-Friedrichstadt, Dresden, Germany.
authors.forename: Uwe
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Wollina