title: Successful medical treatment of a severe reaction to red tattoo pigment.
abstract: Tattoo allergies are often eczematous skin rashes that can be complicated by ulceration and infection. These allergies are difficult to resolve, sometimes requiring surgical or laser intervention, with varying success. Here we present a case of a 29-year-old woman with a serious skin allergic reaction to red tattoo ink that ulcerated and became secondarily infected. The patient expressed a desire to have the tattoo allergic reaction treated while preserving the cosmetic appearance of her tattoo for sentimental reasons. This case is being presented to provide an effective treatment algorithm for managing allergic tattoo reactions with ulceration and co-infection, while preserving the aesthetic integrity of the tattoo.
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Feldstein
authors.forename: Jared
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jagdeo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013653:Tattooing / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D004396:Coloring Agents