Publication:

Tattoo: inoculating lupus vulgaris

Tattooing remains a common custom in various countries and cultures. Tattooing has been practiced in India since ancient era. It has tremendous religious and spiritual significance. In addition, tattooing for cosmetic purposes has become quite popular in recent times. With this increasing trend, there is also an increased risk of adverse effects. A tattoo is the deposition of exogenous pigment in to the dermis. Decorative tattoos are more common. Cutaneous reactions to tattoos are uncommonly reported in literature. We report an uncommon occurrence of tattoo inoculated cutaneous tuberculosis presenting as lupus vulgaris in young adult who responded to standard antitubercular therapy.