Tattoo may be linked to total hair loss and loss of sweating in a man

A 36-year-old man developed widespread skin inflammation, complete hair loss and an inability to sweat after receiving a red forearm tattoo, with patch testing suggesting an immune reaction to red ink; removal of the ink and immunosuppressive treatment restored hair but did not restore sweating.

A recent clinical report describes a man who developed widespread skin inflammation, complete hair loss and loss of sweating after getting a red forearm tattoo in 2020. Symptoms began about four months after the tattoo and progressed over several months. Doctors and researchers linked the reaction to components of the red tattoo ink based on skin patch testing. The patient underwent surgical removal of inflamed tattoo fragments and received immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory treatment. Reported facts: - The patient developed itchy, eczematous changes that progressed to erythroderma, alopecia universalis and anhidrosis after a red tattoo applied in 2020. - Skin patch tests indicated an aggravated immune response likely triggered by components of the red ink. - Surgical removal of the inflamed tattoo fragments and use of immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory drugs coincided with restoration of hair growth and halted progression of vitiligo, while anhidrosis persisted. - The study notes that red inks are most commonly implicated in chronic allergic reactions and highlights concerns about tattoo ink composition and regulation. Summary: The case illustrates a severe systemic reaction associated with red tattoo ink and the clinical challenges in managing such reactions. Researchers report the need for careful evaluation of tattoo ink composition and note regulatory attention to ink constituents; the broader implications and next steps are undetermined at this time.