Clinical Study

Tattoo-Associated Skin Reaction: The Importance of an Early Diagnosis and Proper Treatment

Table 1

Dermatologic disorders and complications after tattooing.

Complications after tattooingClinical featuresOnset of symptoms

Allergic disordersAllergic dermatitisDays to weeks
Photoallergic reactionAfter sun exposure

Skin infectionsErysipelasFirst few days
Gangrene =
Sepsis =
Impetigo =
Ecthyma =
Cellulitis =
TetanusWeeks to years
Lepra =
Syphilis =

Viral infectionsMolluscum contagiosumWeeks to months
Verruca vulgaris =
Hepatitis B, C =
AIDS =

MycosesTinea cutis glabraeAfter weeks
ZygomycosesAfter months

TumorsLymphomaYears
Carcinoma basocellular =
Carcinoma spinocellular =
keratoacanthoma =
Melanoma =

Skin disease localized in tattooed areaPsoriasisWeeks to years
Lichen planus =
Morphea =
Pseudolymphoma =
Pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia =