Pseudoepitheliomatous epidermal hyperplasia in tattoos: report of three cases.

Cutaneous reactions to tattoos are not uncommon and various histologic patterns have been reported, including lichenoid, granulomatous, eczematous, and pseudolymphomatous reactions. Such patterns may develop with highly variable delay after the tattooing procedure. We report three strikingly similar cases of a fast-occurring, tattoo-induced, cutaneous reaction strictly restricted to the red parts of the tattoos in two cases and displaying an unusual histologic pattern, i.e. pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia. Clinical differential diagnosis of this rare condition includes viral warts, keratoacanthoma, and verrucous carcinoma. It may be difficult to rule out the last two diagnoses and making the diagnosis usually requires full excision of the lesion, comprehensive histologic analysis, and careful follow-up.