Clinical Presentations of Granulomatous Skin Reactions Following Tattooing and Cosmetic Micropigmentation: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

Tattooing and cosmetic micropigmentation are widely practiced procedures that are usually considered safe, but they can cause delayed granulomatous reactions and can comprise more than localized foreign-body reactions. This review synthesizes available evidence on granulomatous cutaneous reactions following tattooing and cosmetic micropigmentation, focusing on clinical presentation, histopathology, systemic associations, treatments, and outcomes. Across the included studies, granulomatous reactions occurred commonly with black and red pigments and presented as papular or nodular lesions with variable latency. Histological findings were consistent with non-caseating granulomas, and a substantial proportion of patients demonstrated ocular or systemic involvement, particularly sarcoidosis. Therapeutic approaches varied, most commonly involving immunosuppressive treatments, with generally favorable outcomes reported. Overall, granulomatous reactions associated with tattooing and micropigmentation, although uncommon, carry important clinical implications and should prompt consideration of systemic evaluation rather than being regarded as isolated cutaneous events.