Abstract
Background:
A 15-year-old Hispanic adolescent with multiple amateur India ink tattoos developed a recurrent, eczematous pruritic eruption several weeks after each treatment with the Q-switched ruby laser.
Objective:
To determine if the patient was having an allergic reaction to tattoo dye pigment or an allergic contact dermatitis.
Methods:
Open- and closed-patch testing was performed to Polysporin® ointment, which revealed a 2+ vesicular reaction.
Conclusion:
Delayed-type hypersensitivity responses to contact allergens can very closely mimic the less common allergic reactions to dye pigment from tattoos. Open- and closed-patch testing to topical medications should be performed on any patient suspected of having an allergic reaction to tattoo dye pigment.
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