The histopathologic spectrum of decorative tattoo complications
Corresponding Author
Michi M. Shinohara
Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
Michi M Shinohara, MD
Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine
University of Washington
Box 356524
Seattle, Washington DC 98195, USA
Tel: +1 206 543 5290
Fax: +1 206 543 2489
e-mail: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorJennifer Nguyen
Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Search for more papers by this authorJennifer Gardner
Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Search for more papers by this authorMisha Rosenbach
Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Search for more papers by this authorRosalie Elenitsas
Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Michi M. Shinohara
Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
Michi M Shinohara, MD
Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine
University of Washington
Box 356524
Seattle, Washington DC 98195, USA
Tel: +1 206 543 5290
Fax: +1 206 543 2489
e-mail: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorJennifer Nguyen
Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Search for more papers by this authorJennifer Gardner
Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Search for more papers by this authorMisha Rosenbach
Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Search for more papers by this authorRosalie Elenitsas
Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Tattooing for ornamental purposes is an ancient practice that remains popular in modern times. Tattoos are encountered by the dermatopathologist either as incidental findings on skin biopsies or because of complications specific to the tattoo. A range of neoplasms and inflammatory conditions are seen in association with tattoos, many of which may be attributed to hypersensitivity to tattoo inks. The composition of tattoo inks is highly variable, and inks can contain numerous potentially allergenic or carcinogenic compounds. Infections with bacterial, viral and fungal species can occur after tattooing, sometimes after substantial delay. Atypical mycobacterial infections in particular are increasingly reported; special stains for mycobacteria should be performed and cultures recommended particularly when dense, mixed or granulomatous infiltrates are present.
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