Tattoo artists

Abstract

Tattoo artists are exposed to biological hazards, like HBV, HCV, HIV eventually Mycobacterium chelonae. Wet work and glove use favor irritant hand dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis is due mainly to rubber gloves, disinfectants, topical anesthetics, or dressings used in the procedure. Heavy metals used as pigments can induce allergic and photoallergic contact dermatitis, granulomatous reactions, pseudolymphoma, and skin cancers. Mercury is the main allergen, but chromium, cobalt, cadmium, and nickel can also induce adverse reactions due to tattooing. Temporary tattoos, performed usually outside the tattoo studio, contain mainly para-phenylenediamine which can sensitize the client and, eventually, the artist.