Tattoo L81.82

Exogenous storage of colored particles in the corium. Depending on the aetiology, 2 main groups are distinguished:

• DecorativeTattoo (Decorative Tattoo)
• Dirty tattoo (traumatic tattoo).

Furthermore you can choose between:

• permanent or permanent tattoo

and

• Temporary Tattoo (Temptoo)

be distinguished (see henna below)

By investigating the origin and dynamics of the cutaneous cells (macrophages) that capture and "store" the particles of pigments contained in tattoos, it can be shown that these cells are subject to a continuous life cycle. That is, the cutaneous pigment particles undergo a continuous cycle of "capture, release and recapture". The longevity and localisation of the colouring particles are thus subject to a continuous temporal interplay, which is determined by the lifetime of the macrophages (Baranska et al. 2018). Nevertheless, the "tattoo" remains true to its original location. The consequences of e.g. extensive tattoos on the immune system of the body, which can be deduced from this knowledge, are completely unknown so far.

In general, there is a risk of microbial infections from contaminated instruments.

Contact allergic reactions to the introduced dyes have been frequently described (see also under jewelry tattooing).

Phototoxic and granulomatous local reactions. The case reported by Kim et al. 2016 reported a case of acute sarcoidosis(Löfgren's syndrome) under combined anti-CTLA-4 (ipilimumab)/anti-PD1(nivolumab) therapy of a metastatic urinary bladder carcinoma, which manifested primarily in a tattoo, proves an increased susceptibility of the tattooed regions.

Furthermore, lichenoid and pseudolymphomatous reactions to tattoos have been described.

Furthermore, Köbner phenomena have been demonstrated in tattoo areas (see below Tattoos and side effects).

The acronym TAGU stands for "tattoo-associated granulomas with uveitis" and refers to a rare, bilateral intraocular inflammation and concomitant development of sarcoid skin reactions in tattoo areas (Carvajal Bedoya G et al. 2020).

The term "tattoo" is derived from the Tahitian "ta tatau" ("to strike").

The health risk of tattoos is classified as low by the vast majority of the population (Federal Institute for Risk Assessment). However, it is now known that color pigments are permanently deposited in lymph nodes as nanoparticles.The pigments can be hazardous to health, depending on their chemical structure, e.g. through contamination with metals.

Little is also known about the "decomposition" of the color pigments by laser and its effects.

The Ordinance (Bundesrechtsverordnung) on Agents for Tattooing including Certain Comparable Substances and Preparations contains a list of substances and dyes that may not be used in tattooing in Germany. In particular, azo dyes are listed, which are also often used in paints for motor vehicle construction. The ordinance was published in the Federal Law Gazette on November 27, 2008; the ordinance came into force on May 1, 2009.

1. Baranska A et al. (2018) Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strict removal. J Exp Med 215:1115-1133.

2. Carvajal Bedoya G et al (2020) Tattoo Granulomas With Uveitis. J Investig Med High Impact Case Rep 8:2324709620975968.

3. Kim C et al.(2016) Systemic sarcoidosis first manifesting in a tattoo in the setting of immune checkpoint inhibition. BMJ Case Rep 26 pii: bcr2016216217.
4. Kluger N (2018) Tattoo-associated uveitis with or without systemic sarcoidosis: a comparative review of the literature. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 32:1852-1861.
5. www.bfr.bund.de/fragen-und-antworten-zu-taetowieurungsmittel -187854.html.