Sarcoid granuloma on black tattoo

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006 Nov;55(5 Suppl):S71-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2005.12.022. Epub 2006 Aug 28.

Abstract

We report the case of a patient with a black and turquoise tattoo who developed sarcoid granulomas on the areas of black pigment. Patch tests showed a positive reaction to nickel, cobalt, and cadmium; spectrophotometric analysis of the black pigment revealed the presence of nickel and cobalt among other metals. Although the pathogenesis of sarcoid granulomas is unknown, it seems that a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction is one of the mechanisms involved.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cobalt / adverse effects
  • Drug Hypersensitivity*
  • Female
  • Granuloma / chemically induced*
  • Granuloma / immunology
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity, Delayed / chemically induced*
  • Nickel / adverse effects
  • Pigmentation
  • Tattooing / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Cobalt
  • Nickel