Abstract
Pseudo tattoo is the application of pigmentogen substance on the skin according to pre-drawn shapes for aesthetic purposes. The most common ink used in skin tattoo is henna; however, other kind of inks is also used to carry out this type of tattoo. The use of tattoo inks could be the cause of various skin reactions. We report two cases of contact dermatitis following use of pseudo tattoo ink in two patients. These two patients are not members of the same family, but the same tattoo ink was used in both cases. The patch tests performed in both cases were positive for nickel sulphate 5%. Analysis of the sample of the ink noted the presence of a substantial amount of nickel. The outcome was favourable in both cases under treatment with a cream of betamethasone dipropionate.
Highlights
Pseudo tattoo is the painting of the skin with a pigment in order to change its color for aesthetic purposes
We report two cases of contact dermatitis after a pseudo tattoo ink in Togo
The diagnosis established in our two cases was contact dermatitis in the presence of cutaneous lesions limited to the tattooed area and the positivity of the patch test for nickel
Summary
Pseudo tattoo is the painting of the skin with a pigment in order to change its color for aesthetic purposes. A patch test using European standard battery containing phenylenediamine, performed 8 weeks after the treatment showed an intensive positive reaction to nickel sulfate 5% with erythema, edema and vesicles. A 12-years old female, with no history of nickel allergy, consulted in dermatology unit for vesicular and bullous lesions, pruritus of the hands and forearms since 4 days (Figure 2) These signs and symptoms occurred 72 hours after a pseudo tattoo with black ink made in China. The patch test using the European standard battery containing phenylenediamine performed 10 weeks after the treatment showed a weak positive reaction to nickel sulphate 5% with erythema and edema. Chemical analysis of this ink performed in a laboratory of the University of Lomé, using atomic absorption spectrophotometry method showed that it contains 0.6204 mg/kg of nickel, 0.4539 mg/kg of cadmium and 0.2982 mg/kg of lead
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