Background: Hypersensitivity reaction in a tattoo secondary to red ink is a relatively rare complication, particularly as the biochemical composition of tattoo dye has been refined. Most hypersensitivity reactions are amenable to conservative management, but less common is the necessity for full surgical excision and reconstruction.
Methods: A 50-year-old female patient with a chronic tattoo granuloma causing excessive pruritus, erythema, and ulceration, refractory to conservative and minimally invasive techniques, underwent full surgical excision and skin-graft reconstruction of the areas affected by the red dye. Additionally, literature was reviewed for similar reports requiring excision.
Results: The patient reports complete symptomatic resolution and satisfaction with the result. The literature reveals a small set of cases reporting a necessity for surgical excision following red-ink hypersensitivity.
Conclusions: Tattoo hypersensitivity secondary to a red ink-induced allergic reaction is relatively rare. Most cases are amenable to conservative treatment; however, surgical excision and reconstruction provides a viable option in cases refractory to traditional and less invasive management.
Keywords: plastic surgery; reconstruction; tattoo; wound.
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