Allergy after tattoo laser removal

Dear Practioners,

My questions are in relation to a potential allergy reaction to a tattoo laser treatment. On 1st March 2011 I underwent a laser treatment (Alexandrite device) on a couple a tattoos I have (one on the inner part of my left arm and the other on the back side of my right arm) however, I have noticed that about 04-05 weeks later I started developing mosquito-bites type of thing on the area of the tattoos which can be very itchy and come and go within a few hours. The treatment was performed by a qualified physian and at a reputable clinic. But, the intriguing part is that prior to my latest treatment a had other three treatments at a different clinic some years ago and developed no side effects.
Below I list some facts that maybe of help.

> Both tattoos were done several years ago at different studios
> One of the tattoos had been treated previously and without any post-treatment issues
> Doctor prescribed antibiotic cream for the first week post treatment and another cream to help healling to be used until next treatment
> A week ago I revisited the clinic and was prescribed a new anti-inflamatory cream to be applied for 5 days and then return to using the healling cream
> Such itchy mosquito-bites type of lession continue to come and go at certain times and are scattered on skin areas where the tattoo may not be present
> And now I have started using organic aloe vera gel (98%) for a day but, have yet to see any development

Questions

1) Given the above facts, what would be your diagnosis based on experience?
2)  Is it likely to be permanent?
3) Can treatment be continued at a later stage? and should a new laser type (ie NdYAG)?

Many thanks for your time and answers.

GusDK

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
These itchy rashes which come and go can be due to hives. Hives (medically known as urticaria) are red, itchy, raised areas of skin that appear in varying shapes and sizes. They have a tendency to change size rapidly and to move around, disappearing in one place and reappearing in other places, often in a matter of hours.
The mainstay of treatment of hives is antihistamine which may be necessary for prolonged periods. You can take antihistaminics like Benadryl ( may cause drowsiness) or Loratidine. Also apply calamine lotion on the rashes. Short courses of oral cortisone or steroids are taken for short periods (one to three days) to settle more severe symptoms.
You may take Vitamin C along with the prescribed treatment. Vitamin C is a general anti-allergy supplement. It helps stabilize mast cells so they are less likely to release histamine.
If the symptoms persist then please consult a dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
These itchy rashes which come and go can be due to hives. Hives (medically known as urticaria) are red, itchy, raised areas of skin that appear in varying shapes and sizes. They have a tendency to change size rapidly and to move around, disappearing in one place and reappearing in other places, often in a matter of hours.
The mainstay of treatment of hives is antihistamine which may be necessary for prolonged periods. You can take antihistaminics like Benadryl ( may cause drowsiness) or Loratidine. Also apply calamine lotion on the rashes. Short courses of oral cortisone or steroids are taken for short periods (one to three days) to settle more severe symptoms.
You may take Vitamin C along with the prescribed treatment. Vitamin C is a general anti-allergy supplement. It helps stabilize mast cells so they are less likely to release histamine.
If the symptoms persist then please consult a dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[kc962]

I also had tattoo laser removal and after my second treatment developed this rash. Initially it was around my tattoo and is still the main affected area, however it spread through across my body. I have seen a dermatologist nearly every month for the past 8 months and we have tried creams steroids anti histamines etc and nothing seems to be working! I've even had biopsy done on the affected areas. My dr is left scratching his head and I'm obviously still not permanently treated! Can any one please shed some light.