What is sarcoidosis on a tattoo?

Author: Kaci Rosenbaum  |  Last update: Monday, December 8, 2025

Tattoo-associated sarcoidosis with severe uveitis is a condition where inflammation is usually restricted to the tattooed area and the uveal region but lung involvement, including lung nodule and lymphadenopathy, is also reported. This sarcoidosis phenomenon was first published in 1969 with three case reports.

What causes sarcoidosis in tattoos?

The etiology of tattoo sarcoidosis is unknown, but it may arise from chronic antigenic stimulation in predisposed patients. The differential diagnosis for tattoo-associated skin lesions in sarcoidosis includes T-cell lymphoma, infection, keloid, and discoid lupus erythematosus.

What does skin sarcoidosis look like?

Sarcoidosis of the skin can look many ways. The most common lesions are small bumps and broad, raised skin lesions. They are often red-brown or purple, but can also be flesh colored or shades of tan or brown. They can be smooth or rough.

How do you treat sarcoidal granulomas from tattoos?

Sarcoidal reactions associated with tattoos are mainly treated with high- or ultra-high-potency topical or intralesional steroids that we offered for both patients.

What illness is linked to tattoos?

If equipment used to create a tattoo has infected blood on it, you can get diseases that are spread through blood. Examples include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. To lower your risk, get vaccinated for hepatitis B before you get a tattoo.

Sarcoidosis & my tattooed skin, Humira/Amgevita helps, autoimmune disease skin symptoms

Can a tattoo trigger autoimmune disease?

In conclusion, a growing body of evidence suggests a possible role of some tattoo ink compounds as triggers for the immune system, and the lack of extensive studies on different autoimmune diseases does not allow physicians to advise patients with consistent data.

What is the most common infection with tattoos?

What types of infections can tattoos cause? Two common forms are: Superficial infections that affect only the outer layer of skin, such as impetigo. Deep bacterial infections, such as erysipelas, cellulitis and sepsis.

What is the main cause of sarcoidosis?

The cause of sarcoidosis is not known. Experts think it results from a mix of genetic and environmental factors that cause the body's immune system to overreact to a substance it doesn't know. Some people have gene changes that make their immune system more likely to overreact to triggers.

Do tattoo granulomas go away?

Treatment of granulomatous reactions to tattoos has variable success. Topical or intralesional corticosteroid injection or laser ablation may be beneficial; however, these treatments may cause areas of hypopigmentation or scarring within the tattoo. Some reactions may resolve spontaneously.

Can injectable granulomas go away?

Foreign body granulomas occur several months to years after injection at all implantation sites at the same time. Without treatment, they may grow to the size of beans, remain virtually unchanged for some years, and then resolve spontaneously.

What can be mistaken for sarcoidosis?

4. Possible Errors in the Diagnosis of Sarcoidosis
  • 4.1. Respiratory Tuberculosis. ...
  • 4.2. Malignancy and Sarcoidosis. ...
  • 4.3. Pneumoconiosis. ...
  • 4.4. Sarcoid-like Reactions Induced by Drugs (DISR) ...
  • 4.5. Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis. ...
  • 4.6. Vasculitis and Connective Tissue Diseases. ...
  • 4.7. Common Variable Immunodeficiency Syndrome (CVID)

What is the first stage of sarcoidosis?

Stage 1: Granulomas in your lymph nodes only. Stage 2: Granulomas in your lymph nodes and lungs. Stage 3: Granulomas in your lungs only. Stage 4: X-rays show pulmonary fibrosis, or permanent scarring of your lungs.

What famous people have sarcoidosis?

FAMOUS PEOPLE WITH SARCOIDOSIS
  • Tisha CAMPBELL-MARTIN. American actress, singer, and dancer. Tisha Campbell-Martin is a famous actress staring in many movies and Television series, including 'Martin' and 'My Wife and Kids'. ...
  • Karen DUFFY. Writer, model and actress. ...
  • Emilia FOX. Actress, presenter and producer, UK.

Should I worry if I have sarcoidosis?

For many people with sarcoidosis, symptoms often improve without treatment within a few months or years. In these cases, the symptoms are not usually severe. However, some people find their symptoms develop gradually and get worse over time, to the point where their health becomes severely affected.

Why are tattoos bad for your immune system?

The particles in pigments are bulky and difficult for an immune cell's enzymes to degrade.

What does scar sarcoidosis look like?

Sarcoidosis can develop in a scar, tattoo, or piercing. When it does, it often causes one or more tiny bumps. The affected skin may feel lumpy, firmer than normal, sore, or itchy. Some people develop discolored skin and swelling.

How do you treat sarcoidosis in tattoos?

A treatment with steroids and methotrexate (MTX) was started leading to a complete remission of the disease within 6 months. Tattoo associated sarcoidosis, has been reported since 1939 (1). It may have a systemic or localized involvement and diagnosis, besides clinical features, primarily relies on histopathology.

Can your body reject tattoo ink?

Yes, your body can reject tattoo ink. This is often evident in symptoms like itching, swelling, and raised skin. Tattoo ink rejection is typically due to an allergic reaction to the ink. In such cases, removal or medical attention may be necessary.

What do tattoo granulomas look like?

Granulomatous reactions

The term granuloma refers to the particular kind of cells that cause the reaction. A foreign body reaction to pigment may cause raised red bumps at the site of the tattoo that are made up of epithelioid cells, lymphocytes and a few giant cells.

Who usually gets sarcoidosis?

Once thought rare, sarcoidosis is now known to be common and affects people worldwide. The disease can affect people of any age, race and gender. However, it is most common among adults between the ages of 20 and 40 and in certain ethnic groups.

What is life expectancy with sarcoidosis?

What Is the Life Expectancy for Sarcoidosis? There is no cure for sarcoidosis, and in many cases, no treatment is required and patients recover on their own. Most patients have a normal life expectancy. About 1 to 8 percent of cases are fatal, and it depends on the severity and location of the disease.

How do you treat sarcoidosis in the skin?

Medications your dermatologist may prescribe include:
  • Hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine: These medications reduce inflammation, which can shrink the lesions on your skin.
  • Antibiotic: While you may think of this medication as treatment for an infection, an antibiotic can also reduce inflammation.

What is tattoo sepsis?

Tattoos and body piercings provide an opening in the skin that can allow germs to enter your body and cause infections. These infections could cause sepsis. It's for this reason that anyone who receives a tattoo or piercing must take special care to reduce the risk of contracting an infection.

Is Aquaphor good for tattoos?

Eucerin Aquaphor's gentle and non-irritating formula helps to alleviate discomfort, itchiness, and redness associated with brand new tattoos. By providing a soothing and calming effect, it allows the skin to heal undisturbed, promoting a smoother and more comfortable recovery.

Previous article
How often do I use hair treatment?
Next article
How often should black hair be oiled?