Med Lasers.  2024 Dec;13(4):224-227. 10.25289/ML.24.031.

Treatment of a refractory allergic reaction to a red tattoo with the combination of picosecond neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser, fractional carbon dioxide laser, and corticosteroid intralesional injections: a case report

• Lee H
• Lee J
• Lee SJ
• Cho HK

• KMID: 2564472
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.25289/ML.24.031

Abstract

Allergic reactions to tattoo pigments, particularly red ink, are a known complication of tattooing. This paper reports the case of a 21-year-old female with a refractory allergic reaction to red tattoo ink on her shoulder, presenting with swelling, itching, and erythema. She was treated with a picosecond neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser combined with a fractional carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) laser and corticosteroid intralesional injections. Significant improvement was observed after four treatment sessions, and complete resolution of the tattoo and symptoms was achieved after ten sessions. This case highlights the potential of combining picosecond and fractional CO ₂ lasers with corticosteroid therapy in managing refractory tattoo allergies, suggesting further studies to assess the broader efficacy of this treatment approach.

Keyword

Allergic reaction; Carbon dioxide lasers; Corticosteroid; Picosecond laser; Tattoo