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Tattooing Abstracts
|
As a professional service
to scientific investigators, the Academy has developed a comprehensive
micropigmentation bibliography of related textbooks, journals, and
articles for continued research. The list here represents an
accumulation of almost 1,000 abstracts related to the subject of
tattooing located in the medical literature since 1966. The list has
been set up in chronological order. We would appreciate our viewers
sharing with us any additional information on this subject. Please email
the Academy with any new updated bibliography :
Risks associated with tattooing and body piercing. Braithwaite RL, Stephens T, Sterk C, Braithwaite K Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA. [Medline record in process] The purpose of this article is to highlight the importance of including cosmetic body-piercing and tattooing in HIV prevention and education. Little information about risks associated with tattoos or having one's body pierced is evident in the health promotion and disease prevention literature, particularly among adolescents, ethnic groups, and incarcerated populations. It is incumbent that preventionists address behaviors such as tattooing and body piercing as possible vectors for HIV transmission in addition to typical concerns (homosexuality, I.V. drug use, condom use and safer sex practices). This article draws attention to the need for formation of regulatory policy issues related to body piercing and tattooing parlors. Currently, 26 percent of the states have regulatory authority over tattooing establishments, while only 4 states exercise such authority over body-piercing establishments. Implications for future research and policy initiatives are identified. PMID: 10643171, UI: 20107783 Arch Dermatol 2000 Jan;136(1):124-5 Allergic contact dermatitis reaction to henna. Lyon MJ, Shaw JC, Linder JL Publication Types:
PMID: 10632222, UI: 20096083 J Hepatol 1999;31 Suppl 1:88-91 Hepatitis C virus infection in the United States. Alter MJ Hepatitis Branch, Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most common chronic bloodborne infection in the United States, and most infected persons are younger than 50 years old. The relative importance of the two most common exposures associated with transmission of HCV, blood transfusion and intravenous drug use (IVDU), has changed over time. Blood transfusion, which accounted for a substantial proportion of HCV infections acquired >10 years ago, rarely accounts for recently acquired infections. In contrast, IVDU has consistently accounted for a substantial proportion of HCV infections and currently accounts for 60% of HCV transmission while sexual exposures account for up to 20%. Other known exposures (occupational, hemodialysis, household, perinatal) together account for about 10% of infections. In the remaining 10%, no recognized source of infection can be identified, although most persons in this category are associated with low socioeconomic level. Case-control studies have found no association with military service or exposures resulting from medical, surgical or dental procedures, tattooing, acupuncture, ear piercing or foreign travel. Reducing the burden of HCV infection and disease in the United States requires implementation of primary prevention activities that reduce or eliminate HCV transmission and secondary prevention activities that reduce liver and other chronic diseases in HCV-infected persons by identifying them and providing appropriate medical management and antiviral therapy. Surveillance and evaluation activities also are important to determine the effectiveness of these programs in reducing the incidence of disease, identifying persons infected with HCV, and promoting healthy lifestyles and behaviors. Publication Types:
PMID: 10622567, UI: 20086279 Aust Fam Physician 1999 Oct;28(10):1033-4 Conditions responding to lasers. Vascular abnormalities and tattoos. Walter J Neutral Bay Laser & Dermatology Clinic, NSW. rec@laser-clinic.net PMID: 10592581, UI: 20060166 Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg 1999 Nov;15(6):445-7 Extensive lower eyelid pigment spread after blepharopigmentation. Peters NT, Conn H, Cote MA Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine 92612, USA. PURPOSE: To report on a complication of blepharopigmentation. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: An 81-year-old woman underwent cosmetic tattooing of all four eyelids. The pigment immediately spread from the right lower eyelid lash line to the nasojugal fold. The dispersion was so extensive in surface area that nonsurgical techniques for ameliorating the dispersion would not be effective. The unintentionally tattooed skin was excised and reconstructed with a lateral canthal suspension and full thickness skin grafts. Pathologic examination of the excised tissue revealed pigmentation of all layers of the skin and the surface of the orbicularis muscle. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates that extensive pigment spread following blepharopigmentation may require extensive reconstruction to correct the problem. PMID: 10588257, UI: 20053478 Plast Reconstr Surg 1999 Nov;104(6):1936 Solving the problem of color mismatch in nipple-areola reconstruction. O'Donoghue JM, Clough KB, Sarfati I Publication Types:
PMID: 10541207, UI: 20007220 Cornea 1999 Nov;18(6):633-7
Keratopigmentation: a review of corneal tattooing. Mannis MJ, Eghbali K, Schwab IR Department of Ophthalmology, University of California-Davis, Sacramento 95817, USA. mjmannis@ucdavis.edu PMID: 10571290, UI: 20036068 Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd 1999 Oct 23;143(43):2129-30 [Two patients with acute hepatitis B from the same piercing salon]. [Article in Dutch] de Man RA, Bosman A, Stevens-Schretzmeijer M, Niesters HG Academisch Ziekenhuis Rotterdam-Dijkzigt, Rotterdam. devlaming@inw2.azr.nl Hepatitis B was diagnosed in two homosexual men aged 41 and 31 years. Both had undergone piercing on the same day in the same saloon. The word piercing means application of decorations in the skin which is pierced for the purpose. The breeching of the skin combined with the conditions under which this is performed leads to a risk of transmission of especially viral infections. An assumed connection between the patients was supported by the results of molecular-biological examination of the hepatitis B virus isolates. The piercings were applied with the same pair of pincers, which was not sterilized in between. In view of these findings hygienic measures were taken in the piercing saloon in question to prevent future transmission of infections. Piercing entails health risks that are not always recognized either by those who do it or by those who have it done. Publication Types:
PMID: 10568322, UI: 20034317 Burns 1999 Nov;25(7):678 Citrus oil to remove paint from burnt skin. Brown TP, Hill PC, Bailie FB Publication Types:
PMID: 10563702, UI: 20025226 Ann Plast Surg 1999 Nov;43(5):560-9 Complications of aesthetic laser surgery. Aghassi D, Carpo B, Eng K, Grevelink JM Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA. Aesthetic laser surgery is not risk free. It behooves the laser surgeon to become intimately familiar with the potential adverse effects of laser use to guard against and to minimize their occurrence. Moreover, patients must be thoroughly, clearly, and honestly educated about the procedure and its risks so that their expectations are realistic and so that any complications that do occur can be recognized early and treated appropriately. This review summarizes basic laser safety and discusses the nature of complications that may occur during continuous-wave, pulsed dye, pigment-specific, hair removal, and resurfacing laser procedures. Publication Types:
PMID: 10560877, UI: 20023533 J Med Virol 1999 Nov;59(3):290-6 Transmission of hepatitis C virus in Taiwan: prevalence and risk factors based on a nationwide survey. Sun CA, Chen HC, Lu CF, You SL, Mau YC, Ho MS, Lin SH, Chen CJ School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China. A nationwide community-based survey on hepatitis C virus (HCV) was carried out in seven townships in Taiwan. A total of 11,904 men aged 30-64 years were recruited for testing for antibodies against HCV (anti-HCV) by second-generation enzyme immunoassay. A total of 272 seropositive cases and 282 seronegative controls were interviewed to explore risk factors for HCV infection in the study areas. Spouses of 214 seropositive cases were identified to assess the concordance of seropositivity of anti-HCV between spouses; genotypes of HCV were also tested in 26 couples who were both seropositive. A significant geographic variation in seroprevalence of anti-HCV was observed in the study townships (1.6-19.6%). Blood transfusions, medical injections, acupuncture and tattooing were related to an increased anti-HCV seroprevalence showing multivariate-adjusted odds ratios of 8.6, 2.5, 3.1, and 2.2, respectively, with corresponding population attributable risk percentages of 25%, 57%, 16%, and 3%, respectively. The anti-HCV prevalence in spouses of index cases (24%) was significantly higher than that observed in the general population of the study areas (4%). However, a striking interspousal discrepancy in HCV genotypes (20/26 = 77%) was observed among both seropositive couples. Common exposures to medical injections and acupuncture were reported by 15 (58%) of these couples. This study identified some endemic areas of HCV infection in Taiwan. Iatrogenic factors were common vehicles for HCV infection, and a concordance of anti-HCV seropositivity between spouses may primarily be due to extrafamilial iatrogenic infectious sources in study areas. PMID: 10502258, UI: 99432071 Lasers Surg Med 1999;25(2):123-5 Use of the Q-switched alexandrite laser (755 nm, 100 nsec) for eyebrow tattoo removal. Moreno-Arias GA, Camps-Fresneda A Department of Dermatology, General Hospital of Catalonia, Sant Cugat del Valles, Barcelona, Spain. gmoreno@medicina.ub.es BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Permanent tattooing for cosmetic reasons has increased in recent years; as a consequence, there has been an increase of requests for pigment removal due to complications or undesired results. The Q-switched alexandrite laser has been found useful in removing black exogenous pigment, which is the most popular color in eyebrow enhancement. We report the case of a patient with black-pigment eyebrow cosmetic tattoo after treatment with the Q-switched alexandrite laser. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Treatment conditions included 755-nm wavelength, 100 +/- 10-nsec pulse width, and 3-mm spot size. Fluence threshold was determined, and a spot test was made at the first visit. Single impact technique with 10% overlapping was applied to the whole tattoo. Five treatments were performed with a mean fluence of 7 J/cm(2). RESULTS: Complete pigment removal was achieved after five sessions. Superficial bleeding and vesicle formation was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Eyebrow tattooing can be treated efficiently with the use of the Q-switched alexandrite laser when black pigment has been used for cosmetic reasons. Copyright 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc. PMID: 10455217, UI: 99387027 Med J Aust 1999 Jul 5;171(1):14-7 HIV transmission in a prison system in an Australian State. Dolan KA, Wodak A National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney. ndarc8@unsw.edu.au OBJECTIVE: To investigate possible HIV transmission among prison inmates. SETTING: A prison system in an Australian State. PARTICIPANTS: 13 ex-prisoners and their prison contacts. METHODS: Ex-prisoners who claimed to have been infected with HIV in prison and their prison contacts were interviewed about HIV risk behaviour. Entries in prison and community medical records were used by a three-member expert panel to establish the likelihood of primary HIV infection and its possible timing and location. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Determination of whether HIV infection probably occurred in prison. RESULTS: There was a very high probability that at least four of 13 ex-prisoners investigated acquired HIV in prison from shared injection equipment. Another two ex-prisoners most probably acquired HIV infection outside prison. The location of infection for the remaining seven could not be determined. CONCLUSIONS: HIV transmission in prison has substantial public health implications as most drug-using prisoners soon return to the community. HIV prevention strategies known to be effective in community settings, such as methadone maintenance treatment and syringe exchange schemes, should be considered for prisoners. Comments:
PMID: 10451665, UI: 99380972 J Laryngol Otol 1999 Mar;113(3):244-5 Para-incisional tattooing with electrocautery. Hussain A, Lee MS Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, UK. The authors present a technique using electrocautery diathermy to make surgical tattoos. This method has been used in over 300 patients who underwent head and neck surgery at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and Albany Medical College, New York, over a period of five years. A wide variety of operative procedures such as total laryngectomies and neck dissections were performed. The electrocautery surgical tattoos have a major advantage of persisting until the end of the operative procedure by which time other types of tattoos have faded. The technique is widely available, inexpensive, and has to date been complication free. PMID: 10435133, UI: 99363991 Clin Infect Dis 1999 Jul;29(1):225-6 Spinal epidural abscess after tattooing. Chowfin A, Potti A, Paul A, Carson P Department of Medicine, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences and MeritCare Health System, Fargo, 58122, USA. ashishchowfin@meritcare.com PMID: 10433605, UI: 99360987 Br J Ophthalmol 1999 Feb;83(2):219-24 Long-term ultrastructural changes in human corneas after tattooing with non-metallic substances. Sekundo W, Seifert P, Seitz B, Loeffler KU Department of Ophthalmology, University of Marburg, Germany. AIM: To investigate the ultrastructural appearance and the deposition pattern of dye particles in long term non-metallic corneal tattooing. METHODS: Two tattooed human corneas were obtained by keratoplasty. One corneal button was fixed in Karnovsky's solution and the other in Trumps' solution. Both corneas were divided and processed for conventional light (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Five additional formalin fixed corneas with tattoos were retrieved from paraffin for TEM. The time between tattoo and removal of the corneal button/enucleation ranged from 7 to 61 years. All seven corneas were examined using a Jeol JCXA733 microprobe for wave length dispersive analysis in order to exclude any presence of metallic salts in the tattooed area. RESULTS: Histologically, clumps of brown-blackish granules were present mainly in the mid stroma, but also in anterior and partially in the posterior half of the stroma. On TEM, numerous round and oval electron dense particles were seen in the cytoplasm of keratocytes arranged as clusters or large islands. The larger particles appeared black, while the smaller particles were grey. In well fixed tissue a unit membrane was observed around these clusters. No granules were detected in the extracellular matrix. CONCLUSIONS: Keratocytes can actively ingest and retain tattooing particles of non-metallic dyes within their cell membrane for very long periods of time. PMID: 10396202, UI: 99324524 Nippon Rinsho 1999 Jun;57(6):1424-6 [Genoepidemiology and pathogenicity of TT virus in Japanese men with history of intravenous drug abuse and tattoo]. [Article in Japanese] Niitsuma H, Ishii M, Suzuki C, Ojima T Third Department of Internal Medicine, Tohoku University School of Medicine. Blood contamination has been proposed as TTV transmission. We studied the genoprevalence of TTV in Japanese men with history of intravenous drug abuse and/or tattoo. TTV was identified in serum by a polymerase chain reaction. TTV was detected in 89.7 percent of the men with history of intravenous drug abuse and/or tattoo, 74.4 percent of chronic hepatitis C patients, 78.0 percent of the chronic hepatitis B, and 65.8 percent of chronic hepatitis nonB nonC patients. Serum ALT levels of those infected with TTV alone were 27.2 +/- 17.5 IU/L. In the patients with chronic hepatitis C, serum ALT levels of those coinfected with TTV were similar to serum ALT levels of those without TTV infection. These results suggest that TTV causes no or mild hepatitis. PMID: 10391013, UI: 99319486 J Am Acad Dermatol 1999 Jun;40(6 Pt 1):999-1001 Tretinoin in the removal of eyeliner tattoo. Chiang JK, Barsky S, Bronson DM Cook County Hospital, Division of Dermatology, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA. Eyelid tattooing is a commonly performed procedure. For at least 100 years, it has been performed by medical and nonmedical professionals. Complications can occur; the main one is improperly placed pigment. To date, the most frequently reported methods to remove eyeliner tattoos have been laser treatments or surgical correction. We observed a case in which tretinoin was used successfully in the removal of an eyelid tattoo. PMID: 10365935, UI: 99292057 Hautarzt 1999 Mar;50(3):174-80 [Tattoo removal Q-switched ruby laser (694 nm) and the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (532 and 1064 nm). A retrospective study]. [Article in German] Werner S, Drosner M, Raulin C Praxis fur Dermatologie, Phlebologie und Allergologie, Dr.C.Raulin, Karlsruhe. In a retrospective study 47 patients with 68 amateur and 25 professional tattoos were examined, considering clearance of tattoo pigments and the frequency of side effects after finished treatments with the Q-switched ruby (694 nm) and the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (532 and 1064 nm). Black amateur tattoos were found to lighten faster than professional tattoos (13.2 and 18.6 treatments respectively). For the clearance of multicolored tattoos (amateur or professional), similar numbers of laser treatments were needed. Green pigments were removed with the Q-switched ruby laser and red pigments with the frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser (532 nm). Compared to the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm), the Q-switched ruby laser and the frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser (532 nm) more often caused blistering and transient hypopigmentation (5.4% and 7.5% vs. 1.1% (blisters); 8.6% and 15.1% vs. 4.3% (hypopigmentation). PMID: 10231686, UI: 99248468 Gastrointest Endosc 1999 May;49(5):636-9 Idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease associated with colonic tattooing with india ink preparation--case report and review of literature. Gopal DV, Morava-Protzner I, Miller HA, Hemphill DJ Department of Internal Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Publication Types:
PMID: 10228265, UI: 99246304 Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 1999 Jan-Feb;27(1):32-3 Urticaria in a tattooed patient. Bagnato GF, De Pasquale R, Giacobbe O, Chirico G, Ricciardi L, Gangemi S, Purello d'Ambrosio F Department Internal Medicine, University of Messina, Italy. We present a case of urticaria in a tattooed patient due to hypersensitivity to the cobalt chloride contained in the blue ink used for tattoo. The patch test with the series of International Contact Dermatitis Research Group was positive only for chloride cobalt. Cobalt is believed to be responsible for contact urticaria through a non-immunological mechanism. On reviewing the literature we have found no report of contact urticaria to cobalt in tattooed patients. PMID: 10217671, UI: 99237495 J Adolesc Health 1999 Mar;24(3):160-2 Piercing and tattooing in patients with congenital heart disease: patient and physician perspectives. Cetta F, Graham LC, Lichtenberg RC, Warnes CA Section of Pediatric Cardiology and Adult Congenital Heart Disease Clinic, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois 60153, USA. PURPOSE: The frequency and safety of ear piercing and tattooing were assessed in a group of children, adolescents, and adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). Also, a group of physicians who care for adolescents and adults with CHD were surveyed for opinions and experiences regarding piercing and tattooing. METHODS: An eight-question survey was mailed to 445 patients (181 adults and 264 children) from one center. A different five-question survey was mailed to 176 physician members of the International Society of Adult Congenital Cardiac Disease. RESULTS: The patient survey was completed by 152 of 445 (34%) patients (mean age +/- standard deviation 19.8 +/- 16.2 years; range 0.25-67 years). Eighty-eight of 152 (58%) patients were female. Ear piercing occurred in 65 of 152 (43%) patients (mean age 12.4 +/- 8.7 years; range 0.25-45 years). Prior to piercing, only 4 of 65 (6%) patients took antibiotics, but 15 of 65 (23%) had piercing-related infections. No patient had endocarditis. Infections occurred 1 week to 3 years after piercing. All were local skin infections. Tattoos were placed in 8 of 152 (5%) patients (median age 17.5 years; range 13-56 years). No antibiotic use or infections were reported in patients with tattoos. The physician survey was completed by 118 of 176 (67%) physicians. The majority of physicians did not approve of patients having piercing or tattooing performed. However, 60% of physicians believed that antibiotic prophylaxis is indicated for these procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the opinion of many physicians, most patients do not take antibiotic prophylaxis for piercing and tattooing. Patients apparently do not suffer serious sequelae. The efficacy of standard antibiotic regimes as applied to ear piercing and tattooing requires further study, since these procedures are increasingly popular in modern society. PMID: 10195798, UI: 99210173 Cutis 1999 Mar;63(3):173-5 Lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis: a case report and unconventional source of infection. Bary P, Kuriata MA, Cleaver LJ Northeast Regional Medical Center, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Missouri, USA. A 32-year-old white man had a 5-month history of a progressively worsening rash on the dorsal aspect of his left foot. He stated that he engaged in self-tattooing of the left foot prior to the onset of the rash. Further questioning revealed that he had mowed the lawn wearing only sandals on the same day that he had tattooed his foot. The rash was diagnosed as lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis based on clinical appearance, biopsy examination, and fungal culture. Clearing of the lesions was documented following 4 months of therapy with itraconazole. The remaining granulomatous lesions were flattened with intralesional corticosteroid injections. PMID: 10190072, UI: 99206070 J Am Acad Dermatol 1999 Apr;40(4):603-6 A clinical and histologic prospective controlled comparative study of the picosecond titanium:sapphire (795 nm) laser versus the Q-switched alexandrite (752 nm) laser for removing tattoo pigment. Herd RM, Alora MB, Smoller B, Arndt KA, Dover JS Department of Dermatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA. BACKGROUND: Theory predicts that picosecond lasers should be more effective than the currently available nanosecond lasers in removing tattoo ink. In addition to thermal confinement, such pulse widths cause optimal photomechanical disruption of the target. OBJECTIVE: This study compared the efficacy of the picosecond titanium:sapphire (795 nm, 500 psec) laser and the Q-switched alexandrite (752 nm, 50 nsec) laser in the treatment of tattooed guinea pigs. METHODS: Six albino guinea pigs, each with 6 uniformly 1 cm circular black tattoos, were treated. Three of the tattoos were divided into 2; one half was treated with the titanium:sapphire laser and the other half with the alexandrite laser. Fluences used for both lasers were 6.11, 4.24, and 2.39 J/cm2 with spot sizes of 1.25, 1.5, and 2 mm, respectively. The remaining spots served as control. Clinical evaluation and biopsies were performed at baseline and at 11 and 16 weeks after a single laser treatment. RESULTS: Greater clearance of tattoo was observed in titanium:sapphire laser-treated areas in 2 of the 4 surviving guinea pigs. In some areas total clearing was observed after the single titanium:sapphire laser treatment. Clearing improved with higher fluences. No scarring was present. Histologic results showed similar findings. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the picosecond titanium:sapphire laser is more effective than the Q-switched alexandrite laser in removing tattoo pigment and may be of significant clinical utility. PMID: 10188681, UI: 99202564 J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 1999 Jan;12(1):51-3 Systemic sarcoidosis presenting with multiple tattoo granulomas and an extra-tattoo cutaneous granuloma. Papageorgiou PP, Hongcharu W, Chu AC Department of Dermatology, Imperial College School of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK. We describe a 29 year old Caucasian man who developed cutaneous sarcoidosis manifesting itself as a tumour at the left outer canthus clinically mimicking a basal cell carcinoma and nine tattoo granulomas. Subsequent investigation revealed that the patient was also suffering from systemic sarcoidosis. PMID: 10188151, UI: 99203966 Surg Endosc 1999 Apr;13(4):397-400 Safety of preoperation endoscopic tattoo with india ink for identification of colonic lesions. McArthur CS, Roayaie S, Waye JD Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Medical Center, 650 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA. BACKGROUND: Colonic tattooing with india ink is a widely practiced technique regarded as safe, accurate, and reliable. In this series, the largest reported, the safety of this technique is studied. METHODS: A retrospective study of 8,125 consecutive patients who undersent colonoscopy over a 64-month period was conducted. India ink colonic mucosal tattooing was used for either preoperative marking or future endoscopic identification of a lesion. RESULTS: During the study, 195 patients underwent endoscopic injection of india ink. Of these, 50 patients were marked before surgery, and 145 underwent marking with the intent of facilitating future endoscopic localization. Patients were followed by either telephone interviews or physical examination. None of the patients developed fever, persistent abdominal pain, or abdominal tenderness on examination. All surgeons were interviewed. They uniformly reported the tattoo as intensely visible and of great utility in locating the lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative mucosal tattooing with india ink is recommended as a safe and necessary procedure. PMID: 10094755, UI: 99194885 Int J Circumpolar Health 1998;57 Suppl 1:49-54 The Tyrolean Iceman and excavated human remains as sources of information about the past, the present, and the future. Sjovold T Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden. The 5,200-year-old mummy of the so-called "Iceman" found in the Tyrolean Alps in September 1991 has not only provided unique information about the European Stone Age, but has also supported disciplines of glaciology and paleoclimatology, contributed to medical history, age-at-death determination, and plastic surgery. The Iceman is the oldest known case of medical tattooing. Since the body is unique, new noninvasive methods had to be developed to investigate it. Stereolithographic skull models were produced to study the skull. Age determination was partly based on computer tomography. These methods may even be used for present or future medical or forensic practice. Furthermore, a collection of identified skulls from a charnel house in Austria, dating from about 1780 AD to 1990 AD, has been used for testing and developing osteological methods, though the inclusion of the skulls in the charnel house is formally classified a second burial. These skulls have been studied by permission from the local Catholic church. Careful respect for the ancestors is crucial in both these and other cases. In return, access to the remains of ancestors provides information which may shed light upon the past, the present, and even help survival in the future. Publication Types:
PMID: 10093245, UI: 99193205 Dermatol Surg 1999 Jan;25(1):10-4 MicroNews MICROPIGMENTATION: The Journal of the American
Academy of Micropigmentation The journal contains articles about Topical Anesthesia, Iron Oxide Color, non grafted areloa tattooing, MRI update, photographic case studies, camouflage makeup, legal issues and insurance updates, training and certification as well as a section on international news.
Comparison of the Q-switched alexandrite, Nd:YAG, and ruby lasers in treating blue-black tattoos. Leuenberger ML, Mulas MW, Hata TR, Goldman MP, Fitzpatrick RE, Grevelink JM Massachusetts General Hospital Dermatology Laser Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, USA. BACKGROUND: A new generation of highly selective short-pulsed lasers has emerged in recent years for the treatment of tattoos. Several studies (including reports by the present investigators) have proven the efficacy of each of the three commercially available, FDA approved devices; namely, the Q-switched alexandrite, Q-switched Nd:YAG and Q-switched ruby lasers. Considerable differences among the three have been reported in relation to the rate of clearing of the tattoo ink particles, tissue effects, beam profile, wound healing, and side effects. OBJECTIVE: This study was primarily conducted to examine and compare the clinical response of patients with blue-black tattoos simultaneously treated with three different Q-switched lasers (alexandrite, Nd:YAG, ruby) with a focus on the percentage of tattoo lightening/clearance and the occurrence or non-occurrence of pigmentary change as a side effect. METHODS: A total of forty-two blue-black tattoos seen at two laser centers (Massachusetts General Hospital Dermatology Laser Center and Laser and Skin Surgery Center of La Jolla) were simultaneously treated with three types of Q-switched lasers: a Candela Q-switched alexandrite laser (755nm 50-100 nanoseconds, 3.0 mm spot size, 6-8 J/cm2); a Continuum Biomedical Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (1064nm, 10-20 nanoseconds, 3.0 mm spot size, 5-10 J/cm2); and a Spectrum Q-switched ruby laser (694 nm, 25-40 nanoseconds, 5.0 mm spot size, 4-10 J/cm2). Paired t-tests and McNemar tests were used to compare the treatment outcome and pigmentation side effects between sites per tattoo, with each site representative of one of the three lasers. The statistical significance level was set at p < .05. RESULTS: Overall, the Q-switched ruby laser had a significant difference in tattoo lightening versus the Q-switched Nd:YAG and Q-switched alexandrite lasers. An increase in the number of treatments paralleled a statistically significant increase in tattoo clearance for all three Q-switched lasers. CONCLUSION: The Q-switched ruby laser had the highest clearance rate in blue-black tattoos and the highest incidence of long-lasting hypopigmentation. The Nd:YAG had no incidence of hypopigmentation. PMID: 9935085, UI: 99131784 Br J Dermatol 1998 Nov;139(5):926-7 Bedlow AJ, Wong E, Cook MG, Marsden RA Publication Types:
Comments:
PMID: 9892974, UI: 99111373 Dermatol Surg 1998 Dec;24(12):1308-11 Successful removal of traumatic tattoos in Asian skin with a Q-switched alexandrite laser. Chang SE, Choi JH, Moon KC, Koh JK, Sung KJ University of Ulsan, Asan Medical Center, College of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, Seoul, Korea. BACKGROUND: Traumatic tattoos result from mechanical penetration of the skin by foreign-body particles associated with puncture, abrasive, or explosive trauma. Until the recent development of the Q-switched lasers, it was not possible to remove tattoo pigments without scar and pigmentary changes. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the Q-switched alexandrite laser (wavelength, 755 nm; pulsewidth, 100 ns), in treating the 27 cases of Asian skin with 36 traumatic tattoos and to observe any side effects such as scarring or pigmentary change. METHODS: The results of treatments on 16 patients with 19 penetrant tattoos, 10 patients with 16 abrasive tattoos and 1 patient with bomb explosion were clinically analyzed. RESULTS: Greater than 76% removal of tattooed pigments required an average of 1.7 treatment sessions in penetrant tattoos in contrast with 2.4 sessions in abrasive tattoos. The excellent removal of traumatic tattoos required 7.5 J/cm2 except the scarred region of one explosive tattoo and one abrasive tattoo on soil. There were no permanent side effects such as scar or permanent pigmentary changes. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the Q-switched alexandrite laser is a safe and highly effective modality for removal of various traumatic tattoos without scar or permanent pigmentary change in Asian skin. PMID: 9865194, UI: 99082713 Ann Plast Surg 1998 Nov;41(5):555-65 Q-switched ruby laser treatment of tattoos and benign pigmented skin lesions: a critical review. Raulin C, Schonermark MP, Greve B, Werner S Laserklinik, Karlsruhe, Germany. The Q-switched ruby laser (694 nm, 25-40 nsec) is an effective and safe therapeutic device for the treatment of tattoos and well-defined, benign, pigmented epidermal and dermal lesions. Because of its selective mode of action, dermal pigments of natural and artificial origin are destroyed photothermically and removed without scar. This method is exceptionally suited for the elimination of lay and professional tattoos, traumatic tattoos, and permanent makeup. Other frequent indications include benign pigmented lesions such as lentigines, freckles, cafe-au-lait spots, seborrheic keratosis, and Becker nevi. As a dermal pigmented lesion, the nevus of Ota is perfectly treatable. However, chloasma can no longer be considered an indication for ruby laser treatment due to unsatisfactory results. Melanocytic nevi and congenital nevi should be treated only in clinical studies. The effectiveness of the long-term epilation of dark hair with this laser device has to be verified in future investigations. Particularly attractive is the nonproblematic and straightforward removal of pigmented lesions in precarious anatomic regions like the lips, eyelids, and genitals (e.g., benign melanosis of the lips or of the penis, seborrheic keratosis of the lid angle). Publication Types:
PMID: 9827962, UI: 99043664 J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 1998 Sep;11(2):187-8 Chronic eczematous reaction to red tattoo. Pauluzzi P, Giordani M, Guarneri GF, Pascone M Publication Types:
PMID: 9784053, UI: 98455374 Ann Dermatol Venereol 1998 Apr;125(4):261-3 [Seborrheic keratosis erupting in a tattoo]. [Article in French] Nicolle E, Bessis D, Guilhou JJ Service de Dermatologie-Phlebologie, Hopital Saint-Eloi, Montpellier. INTRODUCTION: Decorative tattoos have been associated with inflammatory reactions and transmission of infectious diseases. Cutaneous tumors have rarely been reported. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 26-year-old man who presented eruptive seborrheic keratoses strictly localized on the area of a decorative tattoo. No other lesion was present anywhere else on the cutaneous surface. Three years later the lesions remained stable. COMMENTS: To our knowledge, this is the first report of eruptive seborrhelc keratoses on a tattoo. In our observation, the role of human papillomavirus contamination during tattoo procedure is discussed. PMID: 9747264, UI: 98419401 Ann Dermatol Venereol 1998 Jan;125(1):21-2 [Lichenoid contact dermatitis from the ink of a red pen]. [Article in French] Colin-Chamley N, Cambie MP, Barhoum K, Kalis B Service de Dermatologie, Hopital C. Huriez, CHRU, Lille. INTRODUCTION: Numerous cutaneous inflammatory reactions have been reported in literature, after using red dyes; most of them are lichenoid reactions and occur after tattooing. Few reports have mentioned inflammatory complications after using red ink. CASE REPORT: A 21-year-old woman was examined for papular erythematous, pruritic lesions on the back of her left hand. They developed within the area of a red inked pen writing, a few days before. There was an isomorphic reaction on the cheek which was in contact with the hand during sleep. Diagnosis of lichen reaction to red ink was made, and histologically confirmed on the hand. DISCUSSION: We report the first case to our knowledge of lichen reaction to red inked pen, which can be compared to hypersensitivity reactions to red pigment reported in literature. A Koebner phenomenon by friction, usual with lichen, is possible, but doesn't explain the reaction on the cheek. A contact dermatitis to red pigment of ink can also be suggested, although mostly eczema-like reactions have so far been reported; it seems moreover that lichenoid reactions reported only occur after intradermal injection of pigment during tattooing. This contact mechanism would nevertheless explain both localizations of lichen reaction in our patient. PMID: 9747201, UI: 98419338 J Am Acad Dermatol 1998 Sep;39(3):488-90 A reaction to a red lip cosmetic tattoo. Duke D, Urioste SS, Dover JS, Anderson RR Wellman Laboratories of Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA. PMID: 9738787, UI: 98409167 Int J Dermatol 1998 Aug;37(8):617-21 Dermatography as a new treatment for alopecia areata of the eyebrows. van der Velden EM, Drost BH, Ijsselmuiden OE, Baruchin AM, Hulsebosch HJ Department of Dermato-Venereology, Academic Hospital Rotterdam-Dijkzigt, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata is considered to be an autoimmune disease. It consists of patchy hair loss of the scalp and the eyebrows, making it a disfiguring condition. This 10-year study was designed to assess the usefulness of the treatment of the eyebrows with dermatography as a relatively quick and simple method to obtain a cosmetically satisfactory result. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The eyebrow areas were covered with a halftone pattern of tiny dots of color pigments, using a Van der Velden Derma-injector, without anesthesia. On average, two to three dermatography sessions of 1 h were required. The follow-up was 4 years. RESULTS: Thirty three patients, most of whom had been previously treated with a sensitizer such as dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), were treated with dermatography. Four patients had also been treated by a beautician with a crude form of tattooing. The results in 30 patients were excellent. In three patients the results were good. CONCLUSIONS: Dermatography is a technique offering a good alternative for time-consuming, troublesome treatment modalities that often have considerable side-effects. With dermatography, no side-effects were found. PMID: 9732013, UI: 98400762 Adv Nurse Pract 1998 Jun;6(6):26-31, 82 The living canvas. Greif J, Hewitt W In the United States, body art has gradually moved from the fringes of society into the mainstream. This article focuses on the health issues surrounding this practice. The literature cites numerous infectious diseases and complications resulting from or linked to body art. Tattoos have been linked to skin neoplasms, piercing has been associated with hepatitis B and C risk, and branding is strongly associated with infection. Although it is a theoretical risk, no documented cases of HIV have been acquired from a tattoo or piercing. In general, tattooing, piercing and branding are unlicensed and unregulated industries. In many communities, tattoo artists and establishments are not subject to health inspections, body art practitioners are not required to be trained in anatomy, infection control or universal precautions, and the contents of tattoo dyes have never received FDA approval. Healing times for body art are variable, depending on type and location. Obtaining body art is a long-term commitment, and patients should be fully aware of this. Publication Types:
PMID: 9708051, UI: 98373345 Contact Dermatitis 1998 Jun;38(6):346-7 Allergic reaction to India ink in a black tattoo. Gallo R, Parodi A, Cozzani E, Guarrera M Department of Dermatology, University of Genoa, Italy. PMID: 9687043, UI: 98349832 J Periodontol 1998 Jun;69(6):724-8 Management of gingival vitiligo with the use of a tattoo technique. Center JM, Mancini S, Baker GI, Mock D, Tenenbaum HC Mount Sinai Hospital Department of Dentistry, Toronto, ON. The purpose of this report is to describe the management of gingival vitiligo in a black female. This patient was referred by her psychiatrist to the Mount Sinai Hospital Dental Department (Toronto) for assessment of progressive loss in gingival pigmentation. According to her psychiatrist this loss of pigmentation, which the patient indicated may be considered in Africa as a hallmark of HIV infection, was a significant exogenous factor in relation to the patient's ongoing clinical depression. After obtaining informed consent, a modification of a tattooing method used for skin was applied to the patient's attached gingival tissues. Test sites were tattooed prior to performing full gingival tattooing under local anaesthesia. The results demonstrate that it was possible to restore this patient's gingival pigmentation in a highly esthetically acceptable manner. The resulting coloration was reminiscent of the patient's natural pigmentation that had been lost ostensibly because of her systemic disorder. Our findings also showed that the artificial pigmentation established via the tattoo method was stable 4 months postoperatively and continues to be stable, as expected. A profound improvement in the patient's mood was noted. PMID: 9660342, UI: 98321779 Br J Dermatol 1998 Feb;138(2):359-60 Metallothionein expression in tattooed skin. Hanada K, Hashimoto I Publication Types:
PMID: 9602894, UI: 98265604 Gesundheitswesen 1998 Mar;60(3):170-2 [Development of public health regulations for tattooing and piercing and their realization]. [Article in German] Zolondek U, Stelling R, Hohmann H Gesundheitsamt Bremen. In the course of prevention of infectious diseases the Public Health office of the city of Bremen has made increase efforts to improve hygienic conditions in tattoo and piercing studios. Defined and practicable hygienic standards have been developed and formulated for and in cooperation with the studios. Supported by intense personal counselling of the studios the hygienic standards are now--after 6-9 months--widely accepted and increasingly observed in practice. This programme has been--as a crucial point--supplemented by intense information for the general public and the customers of the studios in order to support (and control) the practice of hygienic standards in tattooing and piercing also from this point of view. PMID: 9583275, UI: 98244110 Gastrointest Endosc 1998 Mar;47(3):257-60 India ink tattooing in the esophagus. Shaffer RT, Francis JM, Carrougher JG, Root SS, Angueira CE, Szyjkowski R, Kadakia SC Department of Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234-6200, USA. BACKGROUND: Precise endoscopic measurement of esophageal landmarks is difficult and inaccurate because of the ability of the esophagus to lengthen and foreshorten. METHODS: Nineteen patients enrolled to date in a study of Barrett's esophagus had an India ink tattoo placed at the most proximal level of the squamocolumnar junction and were examined endoscopically at 3, 9, 15, 24, and 36 months. RESULTS: Eighteen of nineteen patients (94.7%) were judged to have a good to excellent tattoo persistence at 3 months. One of the 19 patients (5.3%) had poor tattoo persistence and was retattooed at the 3-month interval. Eventually, 15 of the 15 patients (100%) who remained in the study had a good or excellent tattoo persistence at 36 months. There were no complications related to India ink tattooing including chest pain, bleeding, or perforation. At follow-up endoscopy, no ulcers, inflammation, break in the mucosa, or pain were noted. CONCLUSION: India ink tattooing in the esophagus is safe and persistent and may be used as an effective method for longitudinal follow-up of lesions in the esophagus. PMID: 9540879, UI: 98199947 Clin Exp Dermatol 1997 Sep;22(5):254-5 Sarcoidosis presenting as nodules in both tattoos and scars. Murdoch SR, Fenton DA Publication Types:
PMID: 9536554, UI: 98197619 Eur J Oral Sci 1998 Feb;106(1):582-7 Mercury content in amalgam tattoos of human oral mucosa and its relation to local tissue reactions. Forsell M, Larsson B, Ljungqvist A, Carlmark B, Johansson O Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Mucosal biopsies from 48 patients with and 9 without amalgam tattoos were analysed with respect to their mercury content, distribution of mercury in the tissue, and histological tissue reactions. The distribution of mercury was assessed by autometallography (AMG), a silver amplification technique. The mercury content was determined by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), a multielemental analysis. Mercury was observed in connective tissue where it was confined to fibroblasts and macrophages, in vessel walls and in structures with the histological character of nerve fibres. A correlation was found between the histopathological tissue reaction, the type of mercury deposition, the intensity of the AMG reaction, and the mercury content. Mercury was also found in patients with amalgam dental fillings but without amalgam tattoos. PMID: 9527359, UI: 98186590 Cornea 1998 Mar;17(2):169-73 Lamellar intrastromal corneal tattoo for treating iris defects. Burris TE, Holmes-Higgin DK, Silvestrini TA Northwest Corneal Services, Portland, Oregon 97223, USA. PURPOSE: Defects in the iris are associated with clinically significant optical anomalies, such as glare and peripheral light scatter; however, current artificial-iris technology remains inadequate. The purpose of this study was to explore the practicality of a lamellar intrastromal tattoo technique as a treatment modality to correct optical and cosmetic defects resulting from simulated iris abnormalities in eye-bank eyes. METHODS: Simulated iris defects (abnormally large pupil, sector iridectomy, iridodialysis, and aniridia) were produced in a series of eye-bank eyes. Depending on the simulated iris defect, one or two lamellar channel(s) were created at 50% depth of the cornea via a peripheral incision (1.8 mm) with specialized proprietary instruments (KeraVision, Inc., Fremont, CA, U.S.A.). Commercially available tattoo pigment was inserted through the lamellar channel(s) and blended into the defective region of the iris. RESULTS: The tattoo treatment was relatively simple to perform. Tattoo pigment was inserted uniformly through the small incision, and adequate color blending to match the recipient iris was achieved. The intrastromal tattoo effectively obscured light. CONCLUSION: The lamellar intrastromal tattoo technique appeared to be efficacious for treating different types of iris defects in eye-bank eyes. Further investigation of this technique in nonsighted patient eyes is warranted. Comments:
PMID: 9520193, UI: 98179015 Plast Reconstr Surg 1998 Apr;101(4):1150-1 MRI interaction with tattoo pigments. Kanal E, Shellock FG Publication Types:
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PMID: 9514359, UI: 98173294 Arch Dermatol 1998 Feb;134(2):167-71 Comparison of responses of tattoos to picosecond and nanosecond Q-switched neodymium: YAG lasers. Ross V, Naseef G, Lin G, Kelly M, Michaud N, Flotte TJ, Raythen J, Anderson RR Department of Dermatology, Wellman Laboratories of Photomedicine, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that picosecond laser pulses are more effective than nanosecond domain pulses in clearing of tattoos. DESIGN: Intratattoo comparison trial of 2 laser treatment modalities. SETTING: A large interdisciplinary biomedical laser laboratory on the campus of a tertiary medical center. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients with black tattoos were enrolled; all 16 patients completed the study. INTERVENTION: We treated designated parts of the same tattoo with 35-picosecond and 10-nanosecond pulses from 2 neodymium:YAG lasers. Patients received a total of 4 treatments at 4-week intervals. All laser pulse parameters were held constant except pulse duration. Radiation exposure was 0.65 J/cm2 at the skin surface. Biopsies were performed for routine microscopic and electron microscopic analysis at the initial treatment session and 4 weeks after the final treatment in 8 consenting patients. Also, ink samples were irradiated in vitro. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: In vivo, on the completion of treatment, a panel of dermatologists not associated with the study (and blinded to the treatment type) evaluated photographs to assess tattoo lightening. Formalin-fixed specimens were examined for qualitative epidermal and dermal changes as well as depth of pigment alteration. Electron micrographs were examined for particle electron density and size changes (in vivo and in vitro). The gross in vitro optical density changes were measured. RESULTS: In 12 of 16 tattoos, there was significant lightening in the picosecond-treated areas compared with those treated with nanosecond pulses. Mean depth of pigment alteration was greater for picosecond pulses, but the difference was not significant. In vivo biopsy specimens showed similar electron-lucent changes for both pulse durations. In vitro results were similar for both pulse durations, showing increases in particle sizes and decreased electron density as well as gross ink lightening. CONCLUSIONS: Picosecond pulses are more efficient than nanosecond pulses in clearing black tattoos. Black tattoos clear principally by laser-induced changes in the intrinsic optical properties of the ink. PMID: 9487208, UI: 98148188 Lasers Surg Med 1998;22(2):103-8 Effective treatment of traumatic tattoos with a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Troilius AM Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Malmoe, Sweden. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: It is well known that the Q-switched Nd:Yag (QSNd:YAG) laser works well in the treatment of blue-black tattoos and benign pigmented lesions. It is less well known that this laser can also treat traumatic tattoos after accidents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients with traumatic tattoos were treated with a QSNd:YAG laser, 1064 nm. RESULTS: Gravel, mascara, high explosives, and older tattoos responded best with total clearance after 2-5 treatments. Hard materials such as asphalt, amalgam, and metal needed 6-11 treatments, and there was not always complete clearance. Transcient hypopigmentation but no scarring was seen. CONCLUSION: QSNd:YAG laser treatment of traumatic tattoos is effective, atraumatic, and a good alternative to mechanical dermabrasion or other conventional therapies. PMID: 9484703, UI: 98145735 Br J Dermatol 1997 Sep;137(3):405-10 The Q-switched neodymium:YAG laser and tattoos: a microscopic analysis of laser-tattoo interactions. Ferguson JE, Andrew SM, Jones CJ, August PJ Dermatology Centre, Hope Hospital, Salford, U.K. The Nd:YAG laser effectively removes or lightens amateur and professional tattoos. The biomechanics of the removal of tattoo particles at the cellular level are incompletely understood. We examined biopsies obtained from 35 amateur and professional tattoos (including coloured tattoos), treated on three or more occasions with the Nd:YAG laser. Biopsies taken immediately after laser treatment showed vacuolation with complete clearance of tattoo particles in the most superficial layers of the dermis, as assessed by light and electron microscopy. We propose that the 'disappearance' of the tattoo particle arises from the formation of atomic species and gaseous products, which are rapidly dissolved in the extracellular fluid. Residual fragmented particles that are commonly found in the mid- and lower dermis are rephagocytosed. The interaction between the Nd:YAG laser and black tattoo particles at 1064 nm, and red tattoo particles at 532 nm, appears to be specific, as there was little evidence of thermal damage to adjacent cells or stromal collagen. PMID: 9349338, UI: 98010051 Contact Dermatitis 1997 Dec;37(6):295 Allergic contact dermatitis from black tattoo. Treudler R, Tebbe B, Krengel S, Orfanos CE Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Benjamin Franklin, Free University of Berlin, Germany. PMID: 9455634, UI: 98116812 Hautarzt 1997 Sep;48(9):666-70 [Delayed type allergic reaction to red azo dye in tattooing]. [Article in German] Waldmann I, Vakilzadeh F Hautklinik, Stadtischen Krankenhaus GmbH Hildesheim. Allergic reactions in tattoos are comparatively rare. In most cases the reactions are caused by different red pigments. While in the past these reactions have been ascribed to mercury salts (cinnebar) and cadmium sulphide, now synthetic inorganic azo dyes have also been found to be responsible for such reactions. A 42-year-old man presented with an allergic reaction in the red parts of his tattoos. Histologically a chronic granulomatous, partly fibrous inflammation with transfollicular elimination of pigment granules was found. Spontaneous regression in a part of the inflammatory reaction was observed, simultaneously with depigmentation and scarring of the overlying skin. The pigment used for tattooing was found to be an aromatic azo derivative. In addition to a positive cutaneous reaction to the dye, the patient also showed a positive patch test to Napthol AS, used for the coupling of different dyes in the textile industry. PMID: 9410854, UI: 98001985 Br J Rheumatol 1997 Oct;36(10):1133-4 Tattooing-induced psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Punzi L, Rizzi E, Pianon M, Rossini P, Gambari PF Publication Types:
PMID: 9374939, UI: 98042352 Acta Derm Venereol 1997 Nov;77(6):497 CO2 laser treatment causes local tattoo allergic reaction to become generalized. Zemtsov A, Wilson L Publication Types:
PMID: 9395003, UI: 98057021 Dermatol Surg 1997 Nov;23(11):1108 Tattoo formation from suture or from cosmetics? Muscarella VA Publication Types:
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PMID: 9391573, UI: 98053061 J Infect 1997 Sep;35(2):203 Polymicrobial septicaemia with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes following traditional tattooing. Korman TM, Grayson ML, Turnidge JD Publication Types:
PMID: 9354366, UI: 98014457 Hautarzt 1997 Jul;48(7):462-70 [Q-switched ruby laser in dermatologic therapy. Use and indications]. [Article in German] Michel S, Hohenleutner U, Baumler W, Landthaler M Dermatologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitat Regensburg. The Q-switched ruby laser (QSRL) with its wavelength of 694 nm and a pulse duration of around 40 nsec is an effective modality for the removal of tattoos and cutaneous pigmented lesions. Based on the principle of selective photothermolysis, selective damage to cutaneous pigment or pigmented cells is possible, allowing the scar-free elimination of endogenous or exogenous pigment in the skin. Main indications for the treatment with the QSRL are tattoos (amateur, professional, accidental, or cosmetic) and lentigines but the QSRL can also be used for lightening or even removing other pigmented lesions such as nevus spilus or cafe au lait macules. Furthermore, pigmented lesions of mucous membranes can be removed easily. Since treatment results in postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, myoplasma, and Becker' nevus have proven to be inconsistent, the QSRL cannot be routinely recommended for these lesions. Melanocytic lesions are generally not treated, with the exception of nevus of Ota and nevus of ito where there exacts a lack of therapeutic alternatives. Non-pigmented cells, which exist in nearly all melanocytic lesions, do not absorb the light of the QSRL and, therefore, do not react to this particular treatment. No information is available on the risk of partially damaged cells to become malignant after QSRL treatment. The QSRL is an excellent therapy for the removal of endogenous and exogenous pigment because of both the excellent treatment results and the lack of side effects, which are limited to transient hypo- and hyperpigmentation. The QSRL has occurred a wide range of applications within the field of dermatology. Publication Types:
PMID: 9333625, UI: 97411254 Hautarzt 1997 Jun;48(6):410-3 [Lichenoid pseudolymphomatous tattooing reaction]. [Article in German] Amann U, Luger TA, Metze D Universitats-Hautklinik Munster. A 35 year old patient developed swellings in the red colored areas of his tattoo. Histological examination revealed a lichenoid, pseudolymphomatous infiltrative pattern, that could be distinguished from frank lymphoma by means of electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry and molecular biology. The presence of dermal dendritic cells suggests a dermal-allergic pathogenesis of non-granulomatous tattoo reactions. Therapy of choice is an excision of the inflamed areas. PMID: 9333618, UI: 97403913 Allergy 1997 Aug;52(8):870-1 Anaphylaxis to topical bacitracin. Dyck ED, Vadas P Department of Medicine, Wellesley Hospital, University of Toronto, ON, Canada. PMID: 9284988, UI: 97430889 Pediatr Dermatol 1997 Jul-Aug;14(4):325-6 Q-switched ruby laser treatment of traumatic tattooing induced by pencil point puncture in children. Knoell KA, Schreiber AJ, Kutenplon M, Milgraum SS University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, USA. Traumatic tattoos induced by pencil point puncture in children may result in persistent disfigurement if left untreated. The Q-switched ruby laser effectively removes darkly colored cutaneous chromophores with minimal disruption of unaffected skin. We present a young patient with pencil point induced traumatic tattooing of the face, suffered 1 year prior to presentation, who was successfully treated with the Q-switched ruby laser with excellent cosmetic results. PMID: 9263320, UI: 97408801 Br J Plast Surg 1997 Jul;50(5):331-4 Nipple-areola reconstruction by tattooing and nipple sharing. Bhatty MA, Berry RB Department of Plastic Surgery, Shotley Bridge Hospital, Consett, UK. In a reconstructed breast the nipple-areola complex can be restored by various techniques, most of which are complicated and may leave residual scarring at the donor site. The primary intradermal tattooing and nipple sharing technique for nipple-areola reconstruction is simple and can be done under local anaesthesia. We present our experience of 31 patients who had 32 areolar reconstructions using intradermal tattooing (one patient had bilateral breast reconstruction). Seventeen patients had a nipple reconstruction by the nipple sharing technique. At follow-up of 2 months to 4 years, 4 patients have required further tattooing because of fading of the pigment and 1 patient has a gross areolar colour mismatch. There have been no nipple graft failures and the reconstructed nipples have adequate projection. PMID: 9245866, UI: 97388632 Dermatol Clin 1997 Jul;15(3):409-17 Laser treatment of tattoos. Kilmer SL Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Northern California, USA. All three Q-switched laser systems can effectively remove most tattoos with minimal scarring or other adverse sequelae. Despite advances in laser technology, all tattoos cannot be completely eliminated, and several wavelengths remain necessary to optimally treat multicolored tattoos. The major advantage of Q-switched laser irradiation to effect tattoo removal is the low risk of scarring associated with treatment. Limitations include the need for multiple treatment sessions, minimal to incomplete responses in some cases, and the possibility of pigmentary and textural changes. Research continues in an effort to perfect laser removal of tattoos. Publication Types:
PMID: 9189678, UI: 97333518 Plast Reconstr Surg 1997 May;99(6):1717-20 MRI interaction with tattoo pigments: case report, pathophysiology, and management. Kreidstein ML, Giguere D, Freiberg A Department of Surgery, Toronto Hospital, Ontario, Canada. A case is reported in which the presence of a decorative tattoo resulted in pain and termination of an MRI study. The ferromagnetic nature of the tattoo and iron oxide tattoo pigments is demonstrated. The pathophysiology of tattoo/MRI interaction is discussed, as is an approach to the prevention and treatment of this complication. Comments:
PMID: 9145144, UI: 97290487 Contact Dermatitis 1997 Mar;36(3):176-7 Cutaneous reaction to cosmetic lip tattooing. Tresukosol P, Ophaswongse S, Kullavanijaya P Institute of Dermatology, Bangkok, Thailand. PMID: 9145283, UI: 97290637 J Viral Hepat 1997 Mar;4(2):135-8 Exposure to hepatitis B and C of tattooists in Victoria in 1984. Thompson SC, Goudey RE, Breschkin AM, Carnie J, Catton M Epidemiology and Social Research Unit, Macfarlane Burnet Centre for Medical Research, Victoria, Australia. Although tattooing is recognized as a risk factor for transmission of hepatitis C, the efficiency with which transmission occurs is unknown. Sera stored from a serosurvey of tattooists undertaken in 1984 to test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) provided the opportunity to determine the prevalence of serological markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in tattooists at that time. The stored sera had been obtained from five unregistered and 36 of 37 (97%) of the registered tattooists operating in 1984. Serological status for hepatitis B (hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAb) and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAb) in standard assays) or hepatitis C (HCV antibody reactivity in second and third generation tests, confirmed by recombinant immunoblot assay) was determined. No sera was HIV positive or HBsAg positive. Of 35 specimens tested for HCV specific antibody, only two (5.6%) were positive despite markers of HBV in 48.6% of the same sera. As acute HBV infection was common amongst tattooists prior to 1984, it is clear that hepatitis B vaccination would be of benefit to this group. Despite frequent needlestick injuries reported by tattooists at the time, the low seroprevalence of HCV in this group suggests that HCV may not be transmitted efficiently by intradermal inoculation using solid-bore tattooing needles. PMID: 9097270, UI: 97251588 Cutis 1997 Mar;59(3):113-5 Systemic sarcoidosis presenting in the black dye of a tattoo. Jones MS, Maloney ME, Helm KF Department of Dermatology, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey Medical Center, Hershey 17033, USA. Sarcoidosis is an idiopathic granulomatous disease with many cutaneous manifestations and a known predilection for scars and areas of previous trauma. We report the first case of systemic sarcoidosis presenting in only the black dye of a tattoo. The skin manifestations of sarcoidosis and the histologic differential diagnosis of granulomas are reviewed. PMID: 9071547, UI: 97225174 Cutis 1997 Mar;59(3):111-2 Malignant melanoma in a tattoo: case report and review of the literature. Soroush V, Gurevitch AW, Peng SK Department of Pathology, UCLA School of Medicine, Torrance 90509, USA. Several benign and malignant lesions have occurred in tattoos, including verrucae, granulomas, allergic reactions, basal cell carcinomas, and squamous cell carcinomas. In addition, seven documented cases of malignant melanoma occurring in tattoos have been reported in the English literature. We describe another patient with malignant melanoma in a tattoo. PMID: 9071546, UI: 97225173 Aust N Z J Public Health 1997 Feb;21(1):22-8 Evaluation of infection control in registered tattooing premises in Victoria, 1994. Goudey RE, Thompson SC Epidemiology and Social Research Unit, Macfarlane Burnet Centre for Medical Research, Melbourne, Vic. rgoudey@hna.ffh.vic.gov.au Tattooists at a random sample of registered tattooing premises were surveyed for self-reported compliance with infection-control practices specified in the Victorian Standards of practice for tattooing, and some were observed while tattooing. Of 35 respondents, 94 per cent reported that they believed their practice fully met the standards, yet 19 per cent of tattooists did not have a copy of the standards at their premises. Most believed the standards could be improved. There was considerable discrepancy between reported practice and that observed. Few tattooists understood or implemented universal precautions, and while most wore gloves, there was low level of use of eye and clothing protection. Tattooists touched many surfaces that had not been cleaned or disinfected between clients. Ultrasonic cleaners were generally operated without lids. Because of this, they were a danger both to operators and their clients. At no premises was equipment used that had been both cleaned according to the standards and sterilised in an autoclave that had passed a sterilisation test. The situation in Victoria is similar to that identified in other states. There is an urgent need for training of tattooists and the environmental health officers who supervise them. PMID: 9141724, UI: 97286577 Aust N Z J Public Health 1997 Feb;21(1):17-22 Knowledge of and attitudes to infection control of tattooists at registered premises in Victoria, 1994. Goudey RE, Thompson SC Department of Human Services, Gippsland Region, Warragul, Vic. rgoudey@hna.ffh.vic.gov.au Historically, the relationship between health authorities and tattooists has been marked by suspicion and mutual distrust, with tattooists being stereotyped as having little concern for hygiene, and considered largely ineducable about infection control. In this study, a random sample of tattooists working at one-third of the 65 registered tattooing premises in Victoria completed a questionnaire that recorded demographic information and knowledge and attitudes to Standards of practice for tattooing 1990, which specifies guidelines for infection control in Victorian tattooing premises. Of these premises, 89 per cent participated and 36 of 37 tattooists working therein (22 metropolitan, 14 country) completed the questionnaire; 81 per cent were male. Reports by the tattooists indicated that: 50 per cent had not commenced immunisation for hepatitis B; that 78, 42 and 34 per cent either had not been tested or were unsure whether they had been tested for hepatitis C, hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); and that no tattooist was a hepatitis B carrier or was positive for hepatitis C or HIV. Respondents acknowledged the potential for transmission of infectious diseases through tattooing, endorsed formal training in tattooing and infection control for new tattooists, and supported continuing education in infection control for existing tattooists. Most were critical of environmental health officers, particularly for inaction in not closing and prosecuting unregistered tattooists. Despite deficiencies in the knowledge and training of tattooists in infection control, they recognise its importance and are willing to attend appropriate training. PMID: 9141723, UI: 97286576 Gastrointest Endosc 1997 Feb;45(2):153-6 Long-term safety of India ink tattoos in the colon. Shatz BA, Weinstock LB, Swanson PE, Thyssen EP Department of Medicine, Jewish Hospital of St. Louis, Washington University Medical Center, Missouri, USA. BACKGROUND: When the India ink tattoo is used as a guide for follow-up examinations, the tattoo may remain in the colon for the remainder of that patient's life. This raises the question of the long-term safety of India ink tattoos. The long-term clinical and histologic consequences of the tattoo have not been studied in a large group of patients. METHODS: Biopsy specimens were taken from all tattoo marks encountered during postpolypectomy surveillance colonoscopy in 55 patients. Seventeen of these patients were followed serially with two biopsies in 16 patients and three biopsies in 1 patient. A total of 74 biopsy specimens were obtained from tattoos that had been placed an average of 36 months prior to biopsy (range 1.5 to 117 months). RESULTS: There were no clinical complications such as infection, fever, or abdominal pain in any of the 55 patients. There were no endoscopic abnormalities on or adjacent to the tattoos. There were no histologic changes seen at the tattoo sites in 48 patients, mild chronic inflammation in 6 patients, and hyperplastic change in 1 patient. There were no neoplastic changes of the mucosa overlying the tattoo. CONCLUSIONS: Small-volume India ink tattooing of the colon appears to remain endoscopically identifiable over a long term and to be safe based on histologic analysis of sequential biopsies. PMID: 9041001, UI: 97193410 Harefuah 1997 Jan 15;132(2):128-30 [Uvulectomy and blue gingiva tattoo among Ethiopian immigrants in Israel]. [Article in Hebrew] Menachem S, Portugheiz E Publication Types:
PMID: 9119297, UI: 97188154 Aesthetic Plast Surg 1997 Jan-Feb;21(1):48-51 Needle dermabrasion. Camirand A, Doucet J In this article we describe a technique of needle dermabrasion (tattoo without pigment) used to improve achromic, hypertrophic, and unsightly scars. It is simple, safe (no complications), and it gives us consistently good results. PMID: 9204168, UI: 97348101 Dermatol Surg 1997 Jan;23(1):60-1 Ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser treatment of an iron oxide flesh-colored tattoo. Herbich GJ Flesh-colored tattoos darken with traditional tattoo removal lasers. An alternative method was tried. A pulsed carbon dioxide laser was used to remove a facial iron oxide flesh-colored tattoo. It resulted in significant clearing without scarring or textural changes. This is a significant improvement over other reported laser treatments. If this laser is used to remove tattoos elsewhere on skin other than the face, an increased risk of scarring may occur. PMID: 9107297, UI: 97261343 J Am Acad Dermatol 1997 Jan;36(1):122-5 Laser treatment of tattoos: a prospective, paired, comparison study of the Q-switched Nd:YAG (1064 nm), frequency-doubled Q-switched Nd:YAG (532 nm), and Q-switched ruby lasers. Goyal S, Arndt KA, Stern RS, O'Hare D, Dover JS Department of Dermatology, Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Publication Types:
PMID: 8996281, UI: 97149473 Dermatol Surg 1996 Dec;22(12):1040-2 Tattoo formation from absorbable synthetic suture and successful removal with Q-switched ruby laser. Bernstein LJ, Palaia DA, Bank D, Geronemus RG Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York, NY 10016, USA. BACKGROUND: Traumatic tattoos result from accidental or unintentional deposition of exogenous pigment within injured skin. Pigments may consist of heavy metals, vegetable matter, or commercial dyes. OBJECTIVE: The clinical and histologic description of a traumatic tattoo resulting from a surgical procedure using undyed, braided, synthetic, absorbable suture material and its removal with the Q-switched ruby laser (694 nm, 28 nsec). METHODS: The pigmented linear lesion was biopsied and processed using standard histological methods. Subsequently, the area was treated on two occasions with the Q-switched ruby laser. RESULTS: The pigmented lesion was completely removed with the Q-switched laser treatments. CONCLUSION: We report on the occurrence of a traumatic tattoo resulting from synthetic suture material and complete removal with the Q-switched ruby laser. Comments:
PMID: 9078317, UI: 97233081 Dermatol Surg 1996 Dec;22(12):999-1001 The Q-switched ND:YAG laser effectively treats tattoos in darkly pigmented skin. Jones A, Roddey P, Orengo I, Rosen T Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA. BACKGROUND: Laser therapy for removal of cosmetic tattoos has been proven efficacious in lighter skin. Few studies have been reported using the Q-switched neodymium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser to treat tattoos in darkly pigmented or type VU skin, however. OBJECTIVE: To report results using the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser to remove tattoos from type VI skin. METHODS: Eight darkly pigmented patients had 15 amateur tattoos treated with the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Treatments numbered three or four on average and were given at 8-week intervals. Results were rated by the patients and by a panel of four physicians. RESULTS: Eight of 15 tattoos were rated as 75-95% cleared after therapy. Another five tattoos were 50% cleared. Two tattoos were only 25% cleared, but underwent only two treatments. None of the patients reported any changes in texture of their skin post therapy. Thirteen of 15 tattoos were removed without any change in the color of the involved skin. The other two tattoos were removed with only slight lightening of the skin. CONCLUSION: When treating patients in whom there is a significant risk for keloid scarring or destruction of natural pigment as a consequence of tattoo removal, the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser appears to be an excellent choice of therapy. PMID: 9078310, UI: 97233074 Burns 1996 Dec;22(8):627-30 Management of hypopigmentation following burn injury. Grover R, Morgan BD RAFT Institute of Plastic Surgery, Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, Middlesex, UK. Hypopigmentation is a troublesome often permanent sequelae following burn injury, particularly in dark races. A number of methods have been described to treat this phenomenon ranging from primary closure, split skin and particulate grafting as well as semipermanent and permanent camouflage. This article reviews the pathophysiology of this condition and discusses the indications for using each technique as well as the potential for future developments in melanocyte culture. Publication Types:
PMID: 8982542, UI: 97137192 Plast Reconstr Surg 1996 Dec;98(7):1315-6 Tattoo allergy. Goldberg HM Publication Types:
PMID: 8942925, UI: 97098384 Handchir Mikrochir Plast Chir 1996 Nov;28(6):328-33 [Utilization potential of the CO2-laser in dermal changes]. [Article in German] Happak W, Kuzbari R, Flowers A, Freilinger G Abteilung fur Wiederherstellende und Plastische Chirurgie, Universitatsklinik fur Chirurgie Wien. 44 patients with various cutaneous lesions including 18 tattoos, 13 hypertrophic scars or keloids, 4 xanthelasmas, 4 capillary haemangiomas, and 5 other benign cutaneous lesions were treated by CO2-Laser. 28 of these patients were reexamined after a follow-up period of three to four years. Good results were achieved with the CO2-Laser in the treatment of tattoos, xanthelasmas, and haemangiomas. Satisfactory results were obtained in one patient with peri-ungual Koenen-tumors and in two patients with perianal condylomas. Keloids and plantar warts recurred after an initial improvement. The attempts to remove hypertrophic scars did not bring the desired results. In four cases a superficial local wound infection led to a delayed healing process together with an aesthetically unsatisfying final appearance. CO2-Laser treatment brings certain advantages in selected cases where traditional techniques of plastic surgery have a higher complication rate and are additionally a greater burden for the patient. Particularly larger tattoos, multiple xanthelasmas, and capillary haemangiomas are successfully removed with the CO2-Laser, despite the time consuming method for the attending physician. PMID: 9064259, UI: 97142168 Br J Dermatol 1996 Oct;135(4):586-91 Evaluation of the Nd/YAG laser for treatment of amateur and professional tattoos. Ferguson JE, August PJ Skin Hospital, Salford, U.K. Two hundred and twenty-one amateur tattoos and 27 professional tattoos were treated with a Nd/YAG laser (lambda 1064 nm and 532 nm). The response was expressed as the percentage area cleared of tattoo. Seventy-nine per cent of amateur black tattoos were > or = 75% clear after one to five treatments (mean 2) at 1064 nm. The response of professional tattoos was slower and less complete. Seventy-four per cent of black professional tattoos were > or = 75% clear after one to 11 treatments (mean 6.3) at 1064 nm. Red tattoos responded well to 532 nm and were > or = 75% clear after one to five treatments. Yellow, orange, blue and green tattoos were resistant to treatment. Side-effects included minor scarring in 1.2% of tattoos and transient pigmentary changes in 77% of patients. Publication Types:
PMID: 8915151, UI: 97072385 Am J Surg Pathol 1996 Oct;20(10):1266-70 Endoscopic tattoo agents in the colon. Tissue responses and clinical implications. Lane KL, Vallera R, Washington K, Gottfried MR Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA. Laparoscopic surgery frequently requires tattooing of endoscopically identified sites for localization during surgery. Some tattooing agents cause serious tissue injury, which must be recognized in pathologic examination. Seven surgically resected colons were reviewed after injection with methylene blue or India ink at intervals of 1 day to 7 weeks before surgery. Early reactions to India ink included necrosis, edema, and neutrophilic infiltration in the submucosa and muscularis propria. Vessels were inflamed but without fibrinoid necrosis. Early reactions to methylene blue included ischemic ulceration, necrosis, and eosinophilic infiltration in the submucosa as well as fibrinoid necrosis of vessel walls. In the repair of methylene-blue injury, obliterative intimal fibrosis was seen in vessels. Such changes were absent in the colons injected with India ink. The India ink remained remained visible with the naked eye and microscopically 7 weeks after injection. Methylene blue was not grossly visible 7 days after injection, and only microscopic particles of pigment remained in widely scattered macrophages. In light of these findings, the amount of ink injected should be minimized and the injection site should be completely resected at surgery. Methylene blue is a poor tattoo agent, but its occasional use continues, and pathologists should recognize the resulting reaction. PMID: 8827034, UI: 96424572 Hautarzt 1996 Sep;47(9):682-5 [Use of dermatography as treatment method in various medical specialties]. [Article in German] IJsselmuiden OE, van der Velden EM, Beekhuis WH, Baruchin AM, Noorman van der Dussen MF, Klauss V Niedergelassener Hautarzt, Dortmund. Dermatography is the application of tattooing techniques in medicine. In the past, several techniques were tried but none led to reproducible results. Dermatography has been improved over the last ten years, providing techniques which are both generally applicable and reproducible. It is a suitable treatment modality for permanently camouflaging disturbing discolorations and scars. This paper covers technical and medical aspects of dermatography, as well the indications. PMID: 8999023, UI: 97068755 Am J Gastroenterol 1996 Sep;91(9):1804-8 Colonic tattooing with India ink: benefits, risks, and alternatives. Nizam R, Siddiqi N, Landas SK, Kaplan DS, Holtzapple PG Division of Gastroenterology, S.U.N.Y. Health Science Center, Syracuse, USA. OBJECTIVE: To provide comprehensive information on key issues concerning colonic tattooing with India ink in reported literature. METHODS: A total of 735 citations on India ink alone were present in the English literature (1966-1995), including 16 on India ink and colonic tattooing. Nine major studies were identified and reviewed for 1) preparation before tattooing (type of ink used, sterilization process, colonic preparation, and antibiotic prophylaxis), 2) the tattooing process (technique and volume injected), 3) success in localization, and 4) complications. RESULTS: A'total of 447 cases of colonic tattooing with India ink have been reported. Major indication was preoperative marking of tumor site. Various India ink preparations were used. Ink was unsterilized in 57% (255/447), autoclaved in 42% (187/447), and gas sterilized in 1% (5/447) of cases. Colonic preparation varied similarly. Prophylactic antibiotics were used in 1% (5/447) of cases. Dilution of India ink varied from undiluted to 1:100 (with 0.9% saline). The volume injected ranged from 0.1 to 2 ml per site injected, commonly with tangential needle insertion and delivery of ink into the submucosa in the majority of the cases. Intraoperative localization was easier with multiple tattoo injections. Five reports of complications have been made. In only one instance did overt clinical complications develop. Risk of a clinical complication with colonic tattooing with India ink is 0.22%. CONCLUSION: Marked variability in technique, as well as potential for reporting bias, limit the quantitative conclusions. In general, colonic tattooing with India ink is a safe, accurate, and inexpensive method for preoperative marking and prospective study of colonic lesions. Publication Types:
J Am Acad Dermatol 1996 Sep;35(3 Pt 1):477-9 Black tattoo reaction: the peacock's tale. Tope WD, Arbiser JL, Duncan LM Dermatology Associates of San Diego County, Encinitas, California, USA. PMID: 8784292, UI: 96378729 Ann Plast Surg 1996 Aug;37(2):220-31 Cutaneous lasers: a review. Rosenbach A, Alster TS Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, Washington, DC, USA. Lasers are versatile instruments capable of treating an ever-increasing array of cutaneous conditions. Various vascular, pigmented, epidermal, and dermal lesions can be selectively destroyed without damaging normal uninvolved skin structures by utilizing lasers that correspond to the absorption characteristics of the intended target. Recently, lasers have been used with much success in the treatment of rhytides, photodamaged skin, and scarring. The rapid development of laser technology has made many lasers obsolete that only a few years ago were considered state of the art. Lasers are more reliable, emit light at higher energies with shorter pulse widths, and at faster delivery rates. As is typically the case with high-technology devices, lasers are becoming less expensive and more consolidated. For this reason, laser techniques will continue to evolve and new indications for their use will, no doubt, be discovered in the near feature. Physicians treating the skin are in a unique position to study the clinical and histological effects of lasers, as the skin remains an easy-access organ. Laser medicine and surgery will continue to be enhanced by the contributions made through the investigative efforts of laser surgeons treating the skin. Publication Types:
PMID: 8863989, UI: 97017388 J Am Acad Dermatol 1996 Jul;35(1):101-2 Surgical pearl: Q-switched Nd:YAG laser removal of eyeliner tattoo. Geronemus RG Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York, NY 10016, USA. PMID: 8682942, UI: 96272976 Med J Aust 1996 Jun 3;164(11):681-6 5. Update on lasers in dermatology. Goodman GJ, Bekhor PS, Richards SW Skin and Cancer Foundation of Victoria, Melbourne, VIC. A range of lasers with acceptably low rates of side effects is now available. Improved laser therapy has been made possible by combining wavelengths that are selectively absorbed by the target and pulses short enough to prevent heat transfer to surrounding tissue. Carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers are useful for treating disorders of skin surface texture and topography (wrinkles, scars, sun damage, benign skin appendages and rhinophyma). Vascular lasers, such as the flashlamp-pumped dye laser, are particularly effective for treating port-wine stains, haemangiomas, telangiectasia, rosacea and spider naevi. Q-switched lasers, which allow ultrashort high intensity pulses, are effective for treating most tattoos and some benign pigmented lesions. PMID: 8657033, UI: 96257307 Exp Dermatol 1996 Jun;5(3):168-72 Tattooing increases the number of Langerhans cells in skin: an immunocytochemical study. Karanth SS Department of Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, India. Tattooing is an act of permanent marking of the skin with indelible patterns by pricking and inserting pigments. Langerhans cells (LCS) are dendritic cells normally present in suprabasal layers of the epidermis of the skin. To assess whether there were any effects caused by the tattooing on Langerhans cell population and cutaneous nerves, skin from affected areas (n = 15) was compared with controls (n = 10). Frozen sections were immunostained with antisera to S-100. No discernible change either in distribution or in number of Langerhans cells and nerves was seen upon comparison with control skin taken from different areas, but all of the specimens taken from affected areas had a significant increase in the number of Langerhans cells (p < 0.001) even after several years of tattooing with no change in the cutaneous nerves. Thus, the study shows persistent stimulation of Langerhans cell population in tattooed skin. PMID: 8840157, UI: 96437440 Aust N Z J Public Health 1996 Jun;20(3):317-8 Hepatitis C transmission through tattooing: a case report. Thompson SC, Hernberger F, Wale E, Crofts N Macfarlane Burnet Centre for Medical Research, Melbourne. We report the case of a prisoner for whom tattooing was the likely source of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Many of the tattoos were carried out within prison using equipment that was multiply shared with other prisoners with limited access to means of disinfection. This case supports previous reports that prison is a risk factor for HCV infection and that HCV can be transmitted through tattooing. Use of unsterilised equipment for tattooing within prison must be a high-risk activity, given the high prevalence of HCV infection among those incarcerated. Harm reduction approaches are required to diminish risk in this environment. PMID: 8768424, UI: 96349550 Gesundheitswesen 1996 Jun;58(6):319-21 [The ruby laser: can removal of pigmented skin changes with the ruby laser be done by non-physician personnel]? [Article in German] Michel S, Hohenleutner U, Landthaler M Dermatologische Klinik und Poliklinik der Universitat Regensburg. Chromophores of the skin, especially melanin and exogenous pigments (e.g., tattoos), absorb red ruby laser light (694 nm) comparatively well. Selective photothermolysis of melanin, melanosomes, and tattoo particles theoretically leads to clearing or removing of cutaneous pigmented lesions and tattoos. The excellent cosmetic results after ruby laser treatment are leading to the increasingly widespread use of these costly laser systems. Not only physicians, but also cosmeticians and masseurs work with ruby lasers to remove tattoos and cutaneous pigmented lesions, often without correct dermatological diagnosis. An ever-increasing number of patients present themselves at our department with nevi previously treated with ruby laser. The dimensions and potential sequelae of these treatments are still unknown. Therefore, we present the principles of ruby laser treatment and its indications, side effects, and the main risks. PMID: 8766846, UI: 96327311 J Laryngol Otol 1996 Jun;110(6):609-10 A silver tattoo of the nasal mucosa after silver nitrate cautery. Mayall F, Wild D Department of Histopathology and Cytology, Waikato Hospital, New Zealand. We report a silver tattoo of the nasal mucosa that occurred after silver nitrate cautery for nasal bleeding. This type of tattoo is a very rare potential mimic of melanoma and appears not to have been described before. It has similar features to an amalgam tattoo of the oral mucosa on histology and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). PMID: 8763391, UI: 96288337 Dermatol Surg 1996 May;22(5):485-6 Trends in tattooing. Smith SR, Matheson BK, Riffenburgh RH Publication Types:
PMID: 8634820, UI: 96217452 Ann Plast Surg 1996 Apr;36(4):401-2 A new technique of dermabrasion for traumatic tattoos. Cronin ED, Haber JL St. Joseph Hospital, Houston, TX 77002, USA. We describe the use of a pinpoint bur to remove traumatic tattooing. The dermabrasion is concentrated on the affected tissues without damage to the surrounding normal skin. With this method, deeper areas of pigmentation are no more difficult to remove than superficial deposits. This technique is easily reproduced and highly effective. PMID: 8728585, UI: 96292632 Ann Plast Surg 1996 Apr;36(4):398-400 Traumatic tattooing: treatment with the Q-switched ruby laser: a case study. Achauer BM, VanderKam VM Division of Plastic Surgery, Beckman Laser Institute, University of California Irvine, USA. This case report details the successful treatment of extensive, facial traumatic tattooing in an adult male. The Q-switched ruby laser was utilized. It is demonstrated to be an excellent tool for the treatment of traumatic tattooing. The results achieved are superior to other methods and complications reported with other treatment options are minimized. PMID: 8728584, UI: 96292631 Arch Dermatol 1996 Apr;132(4):412-6 Motivation for tattoo removal. Armstrong ML, Stuppy DJ, Gabriel DC, Anderson RR School of Nursing, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, USA. BACKGROUND AND DESIGN: Motivational issues surrounding tattoo removal are important to understand because tattooing is flourishing, thus creating many requests for tattoo removal. A descriptive study and a 67-item survey were used to examine characteristics of tattooed patients seeking laser therapy for tattoo removal. The setting was the Laser Dermatology Center, Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, a large metropolitan ambulatory clinic. Patients queried were 64 tattooed males and 41 tattooed females between the ages of 17 and 62 years with a wide variety of vocational and professional occupations. We assessed risk factors surrounding tattooing decisions and experiences that might later influence their motivation to have the tattoos removed by laser therapy. RESULTS: Motivation, treatment, and cost, in terms of money, pain, and risk of disfigurement all entered into the decision making to have the tattoos removed. Strong elements of purchase and possession risks were documented as well as an improved sense of self and maturity. The patient's maturation was in contrast to the notion of a waiting room filled with ill-behaved stereotypical tattooed individuals. Most participants impulsively obtained their tattoos for internal expectations of self-identity at an early age and were still internally motivated to dissociate from the past and improve self-identity. CONCLUSIONS: Poor decision making and subsequent personal regret seem to be frequent motivations for tattoo removal, thus viable methods and accessibility to tattoo removal programs are important. In addition, educational programs for adolescents about tattooing to reduce risks and promote dissuasion should be implemented. PMID: 8629844, UI: 96218732 Arch Dermatol 1996 Apr;132(4):403-7 Skin reflectance-guided laser selections for treatment of decorative tattoos. Hodersdal M, Bech-Thomsen N, Wulf HC Laboratory of Photobiology, Department of Dermatology, The National University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark. BACKGROUND AND DESIGN: A fundamental idea of laser treatment of tattoos is that the wavelength must be well absorbed by the tattoo color. In this study, absorption by different tattoo colors was therefore measured in vivo by skin reflectance to establish optimal laser wavelengths for different tattoo colors. Spectral reflectance by tattooed skin and by normal, uninvolved skin was measured in 10-nm steps in a wavelength range from 300 to 800 nm on eight human volunteers with a total of 13 tattoos, which consisted of 14 different tattoo colors. Wavelength ranges for maximal absorption were established. RESULTS: We found that tattoos absorbed maximally in the following ranges: red tattoos, from 505 to 560 nm (green spectrum); green tattoos, from 630 to 730 nm (red spectrum); and a blue-green tattoo, in two ranges from 400 to 450 nm and from 505 to 560 nm (blue-purple and green spectrums, respectively). Yellow tattoos absorbed maximally from 450 to 510 nm (blue-green spectrum), purple tattoos-absorbed maximally from 550 to 640 nm (green-yellow-orange-red spectrum), blue tattoos absorbed maximally from 620 to 730 nm (red spectrum), and orange tattoos absorbed maximally from 500 to 525 nm (green spectrum). Black and gray absorbed broadly in the visible spectrum, but these colors were most effective from 600 to 800 nm. Optimal and suboptimal laser wavelengths are proposed. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that wavelength ranges should be established for maximal tattoo absorption before laser treatment of decorative tattoos to select the most optimal laser wavelength present. PMID: 8629843, UI: 96218731 J Am Acad Dermatol 1996 Apr;34(4):653-6 Laser treatment of tattoos in darkly pigmented patients: efficacy and side effects. Grevelink JM, Duke D, van Leeuwen RL, Gonzalez E, DeCoste SD, Anderson RR Dermatology Laser Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114, USA. BACKGROUND: Many modalities for the treatment of tattoos and pigmented lesions produce a greater risk of complications in Fitzpatrick types V and VI skin because of an increased incidence of adverse pigmentary changes and keloidal scarring. In fair-skinned persons Q-switched lasers have proved effective in removing pigmented lesions and tattoos without scarring. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the efficacy and effects of Q-switched lasers on a small series of darkly pigmented patients with tattoos. METHODS: Four patients of Ethiopian origin with facial and neck tribal tattoos were treated with both the Q-switched ruby and Nd:YAG lasers. One black woman with a multicolored tattoo on the mid chest was treated with the Q-switched ruby laser. RESULTS: Clearing of all lesions was seen. The treatments did not result in scarring or permanent pigment changes other than the ones intended. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that in darkly pigmented patients, Q-switched laser treatment of tattoos can be performed successfully. The longer wavelength Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is recommended when removing tattoos in darker complected persons. A test treatment is advised before treatment of large skin areas. PMID: 8601656, UI: 96176732 Lancet 1996 Feb 24;347(9000):541 Hepatitis C transmission by cosmetic tattooing in women. Sun DX, Zhang FG, Geng YQ, Xi DS Publication Types:
PMID: 8596286, UI: 96174727 Australas J Dermatol 1996 Feb;37(1):50-3 Ritual Samoan body tattooing and associated sporotrichosis. Choong KY, Roberts LJ Dermatology Outpatient Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia. A 36 year old Samoan male who developed cutaneous sporotrichosis as a result of traditional body tattooing is reported. It is considered that the tattooing procedure was responsible for introducing the infection. He was treated with itraconazole, which produced resolution of the lesions. PMID: 8936073, UI: 97090165 Ann Plast Surg 1996 Feb;36(2):193 Micropigmentation. Larson D Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA. PMID: 8919386, UI: 97078462 Plast Surg Nurs 1996 Fall;16(3):156-61, 165 Creating a realistic breast: the nipple-areola reconstruction. Ainslie NB, Ojeda-Fournier H University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Plastic Surgery, Houston, USA. Breast reconstruction is a multi-stage process, leaving many patients overwhelmed by the surgeries they have had to endure by the time they reach the final stages. Patients, however, are encouraged to complete their new breast by undergoing nipple and areolar reconstruction. These last two procedures improve the aesthetic result by transforming the |
