Granulomatous tattoo reaction treated with topical allopurinol.

ABSTRACT

Granulomatous reactions to tattoo ink have been frequently associated with exogenous pigment, although sometimes they are the manifestation of a cutaneous or an underlying systemic sarcoidosis. We report a case of a patient with a granulomatous reaction to a black tattoo pigment treated with 3% topical allopurinol for 3 months. We observed complete resolution without any side-effects. Examination and follow-up ruled out sarcoidosis. Oral allopurinol has been proven to be effective for the management of granulomatous reactions to tattoos. Based on the significant improvement we have described in our patient, we recommend new studies to reveal all the potential benefits of the topical use of allopurinol for the treatment of granulomatous reactions to tattoo ink.