Identification of pigments related to allergic tattoo reactions in 104 human skin biopsies

Jørgen Serup, Katrina Hutton Carlsen, Nils Dommershausen, Mitra Sepehri, Bernhard Hesse, Christian Seim, Andreas Luch, Ines Schreiver

60 Citationer (Scopus)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Red tattoos are prone to allergic reactions. The identity of the allergen(s) is mostly unknown.

OBJECTIVES: Chemical analysis of human skin biopsies from chronic allergic reactions in red tattoos to identify culprit pigment(s) and metals.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred four dermatome biopsies were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS/MS) for identification of commonly used organic pigments. Metal concentrations were assessed by inductively coupled plasma (ICP)-MS and x-ray fluorescence (XRF). Fourteen patients had cross-reactions in other red tattoos.

RESULTS: In total, the identified pigments were mainly azo Pigment Red (P.R.) 22 (35%), P.R. 210 (24%), P.R. 170 (12%), P.R. 5 (0.9%), P.R. 112 (0.9%), and Pigment Orange (P.O.) 13 (11%). P.R. 122 (0.9%) and Pigment Violet (P.V.) 23 (8%) were also common. P.R. 22, P.R. 170, and P.R. 210 also dominated in patients with cross-reactions. In 22% of the biopsies, no red pigment was detected. Element analysis indicated the presence of the sensitizers nickel and chromium.

CONCLUSIONS: P.R. 22, P.R. 170, and P.R. 210 were identified as the prevailing pigments behind chronic allergic reactions in red tattoos. The epitope causing the reaction might be a pigment-degradation product. Metal contamination may derive from different sources, and its role in red tattoo allergy cannot be ascertained.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftContact Dermatitis
Vol/bind82
Udgave nummer2
Sider (fra-til)73-82
Antal sider10
ISSN0105-1873
DOI
StatusUdgivet - feb. 2020

Fingeraftryk

Dyk ned i forskningsemnerne om 'Identification of pigments related to allergic tattoo reactions in 104 human skin biopsies'. Sammen danner de et unikt fingeraftryk.

Citationsformater