[A permanent discoloration of the skin surrounding a tattoo].

A 64-year-old man visited the dermatology department because of an asymptomatic discoloration of the skin surrounding a tattoo. Based on the clinical presentation we diagnosed a 'blow-out', which is a chronic halo around a recently placed tattoo caused by diffusion of tattoo inks in the lower dermis or subcutis.

Assessment of cytotoxicity and sensitization potential of intradermally injected tattoo inks in reconstructed human skin.

Background: The number of people within the European population having at least one tattoo has increased notably, and with it the number of tattoo-associated clinical complications. Despite this, safety information and testing regarding tattoo inks remain limited.

Objective: To assess cytotoxicity and sensitization potential of 16 tattoo inks after intradermal injection into reconstructed human skin (RHS).

Cutaneous non-allergic complications in tattoos: An overview of the literature.

Tattooing is creating a permanent design by placing exogenous pigment particles and additives into the dermis. An adverse reaction may occur due to the act of tattooing and subsequent application of aftercare products. Numerous articles report the wide spectrum of adverse reactions related to tattooing, ranging from superficial infections and vasculitis to Koebner triggered autoimmune diseases.

[Morgellons, a 'socially transmitted' disease].

Background: Morgellons disease is a controversial condition characterised by a great variety of skin-related symptoms such as wounds, itch and pain and whereby the patient strongly believes these are caused by threads or fibres penetrating the skin. The subject is often discussed in social media, which leads to increasing numbers of patients who think they have the condition.

Case Description: A 56-year-old woman had been suffering for three years of compulsive behaviour involving her hair and scratching her skin.

Comparison of the skin sensitization potential of 3 red and 2 black tattoo inks using interleukin-18 as a biomarker in a reconstructed human skin model.

Background: During the last decade, the number of people with ≥1 tattoo has increased noticeably within the European population. Despite this, limited safety information is available for tattoo inks.

Objectives: To test the skin sensitization potential of 5 tattoo inks in vitro by using reconstructed human skin (RHS) and the contact sensitization biomarker interleukin (IL)-18.

[A boy with a chronic swelling of the upper lip].

A 14-year-old boy developed a chronic painless swelling of the upper lip. Histology of a skin biopsy showed non-necrotizing tuberculoid granulomas. The diagnosis cheilitis granulomatosa was made.