Comparative analysis of meibomian gland dysfunction in eyes with and without eyelid margin tattoos

@#OBJECTIVE: To compare the presence and severity of meibomian gland (MG) dysfunction among eyes of female subjects with and without eyelid margin tattoos using infrared meibography and colored photographs. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study that involved 38 Filipino females with and without eyelid margin tattoos. Infrared meibography was performed on the upper and lower eyelids of each eye to assess total or partial MG dropout. Colored photographs were taken to evaluate vascularity, irregularity, thickening of the lid margins, and plugging of MG orifices. Severity of MG dysfunction (MGD) was assessed using Arita’s MGD proposed grading scale. Independent t-test was used to compare MG dropout and other lid margin parameters between the two groups. Prevalence ratio and prevalence odds ratio were calculated to measure the likelihood of MGD among eyes with eyelid tattoos. RESULTS: Seventy-four (74) eyes were included in the study (36 in the tattoo group and 38 in the control group). Scores for abnormal vascularity, irregularity, and thickening of the lid margins were significantly higher in the tattoo group compared to the control group (p<0.0000001). However, plugging of gland orifices scores between the two groups were found to be similar (upper eyelid: p=0.65; lower eyelid: p=0.91). Total MG dropout was significantly greater in the tattoo group (upper eyelid: -1.11 ± 0.82; lower eyelid: 1.37 ± 0.75) compared to the control group (upper eyelid: 0.53 ± 0.83; lower eyelid: 0.45 ± 0.76) (upper eyelid: p=0.003; lower eyelid: p=0.000001) for the upper and lower eyelid, respectively). Analysis of total MG dropout between the two groups showed a prevalence ratio of 2.13. CONCLUSION: Eyelid margin tattoos are associated with several eyelid margin abnormalities and increase the risk of meibomian gland droupout.

Escrevendo em mim: me inscrevo e me descrevo / By Writing on me; I subscribe myself and describe myself

O presente trabalho visa apreender o corpo pensado como um espaço de inscrição simbólica. O trabalho é resultado da interlocução entre psicanalistas que, estudando as vicissitudes da adolescência, tomaram como viés a investigação acerca de diferentes modalidades de inscrições e marcas corporais. Como crivo das nossas elaborações psicanalíticas, enfocamos as tatuagens, que se apresentam como formas de linguagem e expressão. Nessa fase da vida, o corpo passa a ocupar espaço privilegiado de manifestações e comunicações de conflitos psíquicos. A investigação aqui proposta reflete sobre as contribuições da psicanálise ao que se refere ao ato de ferir o corpo, como também reflete sobre as inscrições corporais pigmentadas na pele, como possíveis formas identitárias e integradoras, que estabelecem a comunicação entre mundo interno e externo, corpo e mente.

The present study aims to apprehend the body conceived as a space for registration mark. The work is a result of the interlocution between psychoanalysts who, by studying the vicissitudes of adolescence, took as a bias research about different modalities of inscriptions and marks. As sieve of our psychoanalytic elaborations, we focus on the tattoos, which present themselves as forms of language and expression. During this phase of life, the body is to occupy a privileged area of manifestations and communications of conflicts. This research proposed here reflects the contributions of psychoanalysis on both that refers to the act of injuring the body, as well as the inscriptions pigmented body in the skin, as possible forms of identity and integrative, establishing communication between the world inside and outside, between body and mind.

Factores de riesgo sexual y parenteral en los encuestados durante la campaña contra hepatitis virales 2013, Rosario, Argentina / Sexual and parenteral risk factors in subjects surveyed during a campaign against viral hepatitis (2013), Rosario, Argentina

La enfermedad hepática viral constituye un problema y un desafío para los médicos y sus pacientes. En agosto de 2013 en la ciudad de Rosario se efectuó la Campaña de Detección y Vacunación de Hepatitis Virales. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo caracterizar los principales factores de riesgo sexual (FRS) y parenteral (FRP) de los voluntarios asistentes a dicha campaña. Se llevó a cabo un estudio de corte transversal utilizando como instrumento un cuestionario validado. Se encontró que el 37,1%(IC 95%: 32,8-41,6%) de los encuestados refería al menos un FRS, siendo el más prevalente la presencia de relaciones sexuales inseguras con el 68,9% (61,6-75,6%). El 35,7% (31,4-40,1%) presentó al menos un FRP, destacándose aquí la utilización de piercings y tatuajes con el 74,6% (67,4-80,9%) y el 48% (40,3-55,7%) respectivamente. En los individuos mayores de 60 años,los hombres hicieron referencia a mayor exposición a FRS que las mujeres (37,2% vs 16,2%; p= 0,019); mientras que para los menores de 40 años las mujeres presentaron mayor exposición a FRP (64,5% vs 45,0%; p= 0,016). La prevalencia de factores de riesgo aumentó al disminuir la edad de los respondedores. Los jóvenes entre 18 y 30 años mostraron además, asociación entre los FRS y FRP (p= 0,01). Los factores de riesgo estudiados resultan diferenciarse según grupos etarios y género. Es necesario contemplar una educación dirigida a distintos grupos poblacionales, focalizando en las debilidades propias de cada uno

Viral liver disease is a problem and a challenge for physicians and their patients. A campaign for the detection and vaccination againstviral hepatitis was performed in August 2013 in the city of Rosario, Argentina. This work aims to characterize the main sexual (SRF)and parenteral (PRF) risk factors among those volunteers attending the campaign. A cross-sectional study was conducted using avalidated questionnaire. It was found that 37.1% (95% CI: 32.8-41.6%) of the respondents mentioned at least one SRF; the mostprevalent factor was the presence of unsafe sex with 68.9% (61.6-75.6%). On the other hand, 35.7% (31.4-40.1%) referred atleast one PRF, of which the most frequent were the use of piercings and tattoos with 74.6% (67.4-80.9%) and 48% (40,3-55.7%)respectively. Men reported higher exposure to SRF than women (37.2% vs 16.2%, p= 0.019) among individuals older than 60 years;while for those under 40 years, women were more likely to show PRF (64.5% vs 45.0%, p= 0.016). The prevalence of risk factorswas increased while decreasing age of respondents. Young people between 18 and 30 also showed association between SRF and PRF(p = 0,01). Risk factors studied varied according to age groups and genders. It is necessary to provide education targeted to differentpopulation groups, focusing on their particular characteristics and weaknesses of each of them

Tatuajes traumáticos en Chile tratados con láser Q-switched Nd:YAG: reporte de nueve casos / Traumatic tattoos in Chile treated with Q-switched laser Nd: YAG: report of nine cases

Introducción: Los láser Q-switched (QS) son actualmente los equipos más utilizados en el tratamiento de los tatuajes traumáticos. Reportamos los resultados del tratamiento de nueve pacientes con este tipo de tatuajes. Materiales y métodos: Fue utilizado el láser Revlite (Hoya ConBio®) QS Nd:YAG 1064 nm. Los parámetros del equipo fueron ajustados en cada paciente variando entre los siguientes valores; diámetro de punta (spot size) 4-6 mm, energía 3,5-7 J/cm2 y 5-10 hercios (Hz). El tiempo mínimo entre cada sesión fue de ocho semanas. Se realizaron fotografías antes y después de cada sesión para evaluar el aclaramiento de las lesiones. Resultados: obtuvimos un aclaramiento completo(>95 por ciento) en tres pacientes en 1,6 +/- 0,5 sesiones y un excelente resultado (75 por ciento-95 por ciento) en un paciente luego de siete sesiones láser. De los cinco pacientes restantes, tres de ellos han tenido una buena respuesta (50 por ciento-75 por ciento) en 1,6 +/- 0,5 sesiones, sin embargo dos de ellos siguen en tratamiento. Solo dos pacientes obtuvieron un aclaramiento razonable (25 por ciento-50 por ciento), uno de ellos abandonó y el otro sigue en tratamiento. Conclusiones: El láser QS Nd:YAG1064 nm es eficaz para el tratamiento de los tatuajes traumáticos.

Introduction: Q-switched are the most used lasers in the treatment of traumatic tattoos. We report the results of treatment of nine patients with these tattoos. Materials and Methods: We used the Revlite QS Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser(Hoya ConBio®). The device parameters were adjusted for each patient varying between the following values; spot size4-6 mm, energy 3,5-7 J/cm2 and 5-10 Hz. The minimum time in between each session was eight weeks. Photographs were taken before and after each session to assess the clearance of the lesions. Results: We achieved a complete clearance (>95 percent) in three patients at 1.6 +/- 0.5 sessions and excellent results (75 percent-95 percent) in one patient after seven laser sessions. Of the remaining five patients, three of them have had a good response (50 percent-75 percent) in 1.6 +/- 0.5 sessions, however two of them are still under treatment. Only two patients had a reasonable clearance (25 percent-50 percent). Conclusion: QS laser Nd: YAG 1064 nm is effective in the treatment of traumatic tattoos.

Clinical Observation of Tattooed Prisoners / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the characteristics of tattoos on prisoners. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to investigate the clinical characteristics of tattooed prisoners and compare them with other previously reported data. METHODS: Between November 2006 and August 2010, we selected 98 tattooed men in a correctional institution in Seoul and investigated their personal and clinical information, including the average age of their first tattoo, sites of tattoos, contents of tattoos, motivations for getting tattooed, removal of tattoos, and occurrences of medical complications, etc. RESULTS: The most common educational level was the high school graduated group (39.8%). Most tattooed prisoners had a religion (83.7%). Thirty-three of the men (33.7%) had self-injuries. The average age of their first tattoo was 18.5 years, and the average number of tattoos was 2.7. Fifty-three of the tattooed prisoners (54.1%) were first-time offenders. There was a correlation between the number of tattoos and the rate of recidivism. Left arm was the most common site of tattoos (23.6%). Most of the tattoos were performed by others, especially friends (56.1%). Half of the prisoners received their tattoos in society. The most common tattoo material was Chinese ink (41.8%), and the most common motivation for getting tattoos was curiosity (48.0%). Among the various contents of the tattoos, letters were the most frequent (28.1%). Complications were observed in 16 cases (16.3%); hypertrophic scar, keloid, local skin infections, and allergic reactions such as itching. Most of the tattooed prisoners had regrets (80.6%) and requested tattoo removal. Embarrassment was the most common motivation for tattoo removal (35.4%). Removal of tattoos was attempted in 37 cases (37.8%). CONCLUSION: Most of the study results are compatible with those of previous studies. However, education level, religion, and contents of tattoos were slightly different. Further, we obtained new information regarding motivation for tattoo removal, correlation between the number of tattoos and number of crimes, and the attitudes toward their tattoos. We hope the obtained results will be helpful for understanding people with tattoos tattoo in a correctional institution.

Escala de atitudes frente à tatuagem: elaboração e evidências de validade e precisão / Scale of attitudes towards tattoos: production and proof of validity and accuracy

Construiu-se uma medida de atitudes diante da tatuagem, reunindo evidências de sua validade fatorial e confiabilidade. A Escala de Atitudes frente à Tatuagem foi testada em dois estudos. No Estudo 1, participaram 273 estudantes universitários equitativamente distribuídos quanto ao gênero, com idade média de 25 anos, que responderam à Escala de Atitudes frente à Tatuagem e perguntas demográficas. Verificou-se que seus itens apresentaram poder discriminativo satisfatório, assim como emergiu a estrutura unifatorial esperada, com alfa de Cronbach de 0,96. No Estudo 2, participaram 245 estudantes universitários, a maioria do gênero masculino (55 por cento), com idade média de 21 anos. Todos responderam à Escala de Atitudes frente à Tatuagem e à perguntas demográficas. Por meio de análise fatorial confirmatória, corroborou-se a estrutura unifatorial indicada previamente, com alfa de Cronbach de 0,93. Conclui-se que esse instrumento reúne evidências de validade fatorial e confiabilidade, podendo ser empregado para medir atitudes diante da tatuagem entre estudantes universitários.

The authors built and checked for evidence of the factorial validity and reliability of a scale for measuring attitudes towards tattoos. The Attitudes Towards Tattoos Scale was tested in two studies. In Study 1, participants comprised 273 undergraduate students, equally distributed with respect to gender, with an average age of 25. They answered the Attitudes Towards Tattoos Scale and demographic questions. It was found that the items showed adequate discriminative power, and the expected unifactorial structure was identified, with Cronbach's Alpha (α) of 0.96. 245 undergraduate students participated In Study 2, most of them male (55 percent), with an average age of 21. They answered the Attitudes Towards Tattoos Scale and demographic questions. Based on confirmatory factor analysis, the unifactorial structure found in the previous study was corroborated, and an α of 0.93 was observed. These findings suggest the Attitudes Towards Tattoos Scale presents evidence of factorial validity and reliability, and may be used among undergraduate students to measure attitudes towards tattoos.

Standard guidelines of care: Lasers for tattoos and pigmented lesions.

Introduction: Lasers have revolutionized the treatment of pigmentary disorders and have become the mainstay of therapy for many of them. Machines: Though different laser machines are used, Quality-switched (QS) lasers are considered as the gold standard for treatment of pigmented lesions. Proper knowledge of the physics of laser machine, methodology, dosage schedules, etc., is mandatory. Physician Qualification: Laser may be administered by a dermatologist, who has received adequate background training in lasers during postgraduation or later at a center that provides education and training in lasers, or in focused workshops which provide such trainings. He should have adequate knowledge of the machines, parameters, cooling systems, and aftercare. Facility: The procedure may be performed in the physician's minor procedure room. Indications: Epidermal lesions: Cafι au lait macules (CALM), lentigines, freckles, solar lentigo, nevus spilus, pigmented seborrheic keratosis, dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN). Dermal lesions: Nevus of Ota, Blue nevus, Hori's nevus (acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules). Tattoos: Amateur, professional, cosmetic, medicinal, and traumatic. Mixed epidermal and dermal lesions: Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), nevus spilus, periorbital and perioral pigmentation, acquired melanocytic nevi (moles), melasma and Becker's Nevus. Contraindications: Absolute: Active local infection, photo-aggravated skin diseases and medical conditions, tattoo granuloma, allergic reactions to tattoo pigment, unstable vitiligo and psoriasis. Relative: Keloid and keloidal tendencies, patient on isotretinoin, history of herpes simplex, patient who is not co-operative or has unrealistic expectation. Patient selection: Proper patient selection is important. Investigations to identify any underlying cause for pigmentation are important; concurrent topical and systemic drug therapy may be needed. History of scarring, response to previous injuries, degree of tanning needs to be considered. Detailed counseling about the need for multiple sessions is required. Informed consent should be taken in all cases. Treatment sessions: Epidermal lesions need an average of 1−6 sessions, while dermal lesions need average of 4−10. Some tattoos may need up to 20 sessions. All lesions may not clear completely and only lightening may be achieved even after multiple sessions in many cases. Future maintenance treatments may be needed. Hence, a realistic expectation and proper counseling is very important. Epidermal lesions are likely to recur even after complete clearing. Therefore, there is a need for continued sun protection. Dermal lesions and tattoos tend to remain clear after treatment (except conditions as dermal melasma). Laser parameters: Laser parameters vary with area, type of pigmentation and machine used. Complications and their management: Postinflammatory pigmentation changes are common in dark skin patients. Textural changes and scarring occur rarely.

Marcas corporais na adolescência: (im)possibilidades de simbolização / Body marks in adolescence: (im)possibilities of symbolic representation / Marcas corporales en la adolescencia: (im) posibilidades de simbolización

Na adolescência, o corpo é tomado por intensas modificações biológicas e psíquicas que podem ser equiparadas a uma vivência de invasão. O trabalho psíquico próprio da adolescência encontra no corpo um cenário privilegiado de expressão. Objetiva-se, neste artigo, por meio das contribuições da Psicanálise, propor uma leitura de problemáticas da adolescência nas quais a busca por marcas corporais pode expressar as (im)possibilidades de simbolização das conflitivas próprias dessa etapa. Dessa maneira, as expressões no corpo são abordadas não apenas como recursos de elaboração do excesso, próprio da experiência de ressignificação da adolescência, mas, principalmente, como manifestações que podem revelar o fracasso desse processo. O uso de tatuagens e piercings, circunscritos ao contexto adolescente, é abordado com o intuito de enfatizar que essas marcas corporais ocorrem simultaneamente às intensas transformações da adolescência. Esses fenômenos são abordados, privilegiando-se a singularidade dessa idade da vida.

During adolescence, the body is affected by intense biological and psychological changes that can be compared to a kind of invasion experience. The psychic work inherent to adolescence finds a privileged scenario for expression in the body. Based on contributions of psychoanalysis, this article proposes a possible interpretation of problems typical of adolescence, in which the search for body marks and traces can express (im)possibilities of symbolic conflicts inherent to that period of life. Thus, body expressions are approached not only as resources for the elaboration of excess, characteristic of the experience of re-signifying in adolescence, but mainly as manifestations which can reveal a sort of failure in the process. The use of tattoos and piercing is approached in order to emphasize that these body marks come together with the intense changes that occur during adolescence. The investigation of those phenomena takes into account the uniqueness of that period of life.

En la adolescencia el cuerpo es tomado por intensas modificaciones biológicas y psíquicas que pueden ser comparables a una vivencia de invasión. El trabajo psíquico propio de la adolescencia encuentra en el cuerpo un escenario privilegiado de expresión. Este artículo, tiene por objetivo proponer, por medio de contribuciones del psicoanálisis, un abordaje de problemáticas de la adolescencia, en las cuales la búsqueda por marcas corporales pueden expresar las (im) posibilidades de simbolización de las conflictivas. Las expresiones en el cuerpo son abordadas no sólo como recursos de elaboración del exceso, propio de la experiencia de resignificación de la adolescencia, sino también, y principalmente, como manifestaciones que revelan el fracaso de este proceso. El uso de tatuajes y piercings, circunscritos al contexto adolescente, es abordado con el objetivo de enfatizar que estas marcas corporales ocurren simultáneamente con intensas transformaciones. Estos fenómenos son abordados privilegiándose la singularidad de esta etapa de la vida.

Tatuajes y piercing: consideraciones sobre el alcance de una ordenanza municipal en la ciudad de Córdoba / Tattoos and piercing: considerations about the scope of a municipal statue in Cordoba city

Las ordenanzas municipales son herramientas legales, a través de las cuales los municipios o comunas ejercen un control sobre diversas actividades, algunas de las cuales como el caso de la práctica de tatuajes y piercing, pueden ser nocivas para la salud. La Municipalidad de Córdoba a través de la Ordenanza Nº 10962, sancionada el 6 de Octubre de 2005, intenta controlar esta ancestral práctica realizada sobre la piel humana. El presente trabajo tiene como finalidad analizar el articulado de esta Ordenanza y hacer algunas consideraciones sobre su utilidad en la prevención de enfermedades.

Municipal statues are legal tools ratified by the municipal legislative power, stablishing rules in the corresponding scope. This rules have the aim of regulating different activities, over which the Municipality police power is excercised. Many of this activities are related to public health, because they can cause diseases in the population exposed to them. The practice of tattoing and piercing is one of this activities able to cause diseases. Due to this fact, the Municipality of Córdoba has sanctioned statue 10962 in order to control this ancestral practice.

Tatuajes y "piercing" / Tattoos and piercing

A pesar de estar en el siglo XXI se ha retomado el lenguaje con códigos de comunicación arcaicos. Los jóvenes forman su identidad mediante la interacción con sus pares y los tatuajes y "piercing" tienen sus propios códigos, que son interpretados por el grupo que los lleva. Actualmente los tatuajes y los "piercing" encuentran su lugar predominante en la población adolescente, donde se han reinstalado por ser "moda" y generalmente se aceptan por estar generalizados. Asimismo los observamos en poblaciones marginales: de drogadictos y carcelarias. Realizarse un tatuaje y/o "piercing" implica ciertos riesgos, entre los que podemos mencionar la transmisión de infecciones que pueden ser localizadas en las zonas del tatuaje y/o "piercing"; y/o generalizadas como las virósicas algunas de las cuales conllevan riesgos de salud como el virus del HIV, de las hepatitis A,B,C. Pueden observarse también reacciones alérgicas, de hipersensibilidad, liquenoides, granulomatosas y varias como cicatrices hipertróficas y queloides; asimismo desencadenar un primer episodio de psoriasis, lupus, etc. Dentro de las recomendaciones para informar a la población deberíamos incluir: que las regiones del cuerpo más riesgosas para la realización de los mismos (que debieran evitarse) son aquellas que asientan en cabeza (incluyendo boca, nariz), cuello y órganos genitales. También es importante tener la vacunación antitetánica actualizada, considerar las condiciones de higiene del local donde se va a asistir y el tipo de material a utilizar, debiendo ser en lo posible material descartable. Los cuidados durante los primeros días post práctica son: mantener la zona limpia y seca, baños cortos, secarse sin frotado y no exponerse al sol por tres o cuatro meses. Asimismo es aconsejable ante cualquier reacción concurrir a la consulta profesional.

In spite of being in the XXI century, several archaic codes of communication language have been restablished. Young people form their identity by peer interaction, and tattoos and piercing have their own codes interpreted by the group by whom are exhibited. Nowadays tattoos and piercing have taken their place among adolescents where they have been reinstalled as "fashion" and widely accepted. Also, there are used in marginal populations such as drug users and prison inmates. Having a tattoo and/or piercing implies certain risks among which we are the transition of infectious diseases that could be localized at the site of the tattoo/piercing, or generalized as viral infections such HIV, and hepatitis A, B, or C. Other possible complications are the appearance of allergic, hypersensitivity, lichenoid, and granulomatous reactions, or the triggering of a first episode of psoriasis, lupus, etc. In the recommendations to inform the population we should include that the body regions more unsafe for these practices are: the head (including mouth and nose), neck, and genitalia. Is also very important to have tetanus vaccines updated, considering the hygiene conditions of the tattoo parlor and the quality of the material that is going to be used which should be disposable if possible. The local care in the first days post-practice are: keeping the region clean and dry, short showers, dry without rubbing, and avoid the sun for three or four months. Also is advisable in the case of any reaction seek for professional advice.

The Removal of Eyebrow Tattoos by the Q-switched Alexandrite Laser / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Women sometimes have eyebrows tattooed for cosmetic purpose. But until recently, the removal of tattoos has been difficult. Several laser techniques have been proposed for the removal of tattoos. The lasers that have been used most successfully are the Q-switched systems because of their ability to target tattoo pigment selectively with minimal risk of adverse tissue response. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the clinical effectiveness of the newest Q-switched system, the alexandrite laser, in removing both eyebrow tattoos and to observe side effects such as scarring or permanent pigmentary changes. METHODS: Forty seven patients with both eyebrows tattooed were treated with the Q-switched alexandrite laser (755 nm, 100 ns) at eight week intervals and clinically evaluated.

An experimental study about treatment inverval of tatto treated by Q-switched ND: Yag laser in rabbits

Until the recent development of the Q-switched lasers, it was not possible to remove tattoos without permanent scarring and pigmentary changes. Among the Q-switched lasers which was introduced under the concept of selective photothermolysis, Q-switched Nd-YAG laser has a longer wave(1064nm), deeper penetration, and lesser pigmentary change of skin than other type Q-switched laser. So, proved effectivity in removing pigmented lesion and tattoos without scarring and pigmentary changes. But repeated treatment is essential for a good result and than there is no agreement on the treatment interval in using Q-switched Nd-YAG laser. In this experiment, the author tattooed on the back skin of rabbits and treated them twice using Q-switched Nd-YAG laser in 5 groups of different treatment interval(1,2,4,6,8 weeks). The authors analysed the histology and final therapeutic results of the 5 groups to find a reasonable and shorter treatment interval by which we can obtain an effective therapeutic result without causing permanent tissue injury and change of the skin texture. The result shows that the 4 week treatment interval of Q-switched Nd-YAG laser for the tattoo removal in rabbits is the shortest term by which we can get effective therapeutic results without permanent scar and pigmentary changes.

An experimental study about treatment inverval of tatto treated by Q-switched ND: Yag laser in rabbits

Until the recent development of the Q-switched lasers, it was not possible to remove tattoos without permanent scarring and pigmentary changes. Among the Q-switched lasers which was introduced under the concept of selective photothermolysis, Q-switched Nd-YAG laser has a longer wave(1064nm), deeper penetration, and lesser pigmentary change of skin than other type Q-switched laser. So, proved effectivity in removing pigmented lesion and tattoos without scarring and pigmentary changes. But repeated treatment is essential for a good result and than there is no agreement on the treatment interval in using Q-switched Nd-YAG laser. In this experiment, the author tattooed on the back skin of rabbits and treated them twice using Q-switched Nd-YAG laser in 5 groups of different treatment interval(1,2,4,6,8 weeks). The authors analysed the histology and final therapeutic results of the 5 groups to find a reasonable and shorter treatment interval by which we can obtain an effective therapeutic result without causing permanent tissue injury and change of the skin texture. The result shows that the 4 week treatment interval of Q-switched Nd-YAG laser for the tattoo removal in rabbits is the shortest term by which we can get effective therapeutic results without permanent scar and pigmentary changes.

Clinical Observation of Tattoos in the Korean Youths / 대한피부과학회지

A clinical observation of tattoos was made during physical exarnination for conscription in Choongchengnarndo and northern area of Seoul from April to August, 1988. The result were as follows : 1. The most common educational level of tattoo pstient was in the middle school graduated group (55.9%). 2. The average age when first tattoo was made was 17.3% years. 3. Left arm was the most favorite site (44.45b). 4. Most of motivation for being tattooed was curiosity, heroism, for fun(51.2%). 5. Girl friends name, heart or heart and arrow, rose and one-mind were the most common contents of tattoos. 6. The average number of tattoo was 2.5. 7. More Tattoos were tattooed by themselves than by others (55.9%). 8. Most common tattoo material was chinese ink. 9. The complications of tattoo were found in 23 case (5.2%); hypertropic scar, keloid, post inflammatory hyper/hypo pigmentation and pyoderma. 10. The removal of tattoos were tried in 95 case (21.6%). The most frequent methods used were cigarette burning and scratching with a knife.

A Clinical and Histopathological Study of Tattoos: I. A Clinical Study / 대한피부과학회지

128 individuals with tattoos, who were seen during physical examination for conscription from February to May, 1985, were taken for a clinical study of tattoos. The results were as follows: 1. The color of the tattoos were blue-black or light blue. The materials most commonly employed were Chinese ink stick and others were Chinese ink, black ink, blue ink, and smokeless coal powder. 2. The tattoos were made by tattooed themselves or by their friends and sewing needles were punctured to introduce particles of pigment into the skin in all cases. 3. As to the sites of tattoos, left forearm was the favorite(42.4%) and others were left upper arm(28. l%), right forearm(5. 5%), right upper arm(5 1%) etc. 4. Among 271 tattoos of 100 kinds, a rose was most frequently seen(5. 9%) and others were a symbol of love(4. 8%), a butterfly(4.l%), - I (one mind) (3.7%), patience (3. 7%) etc. 5. The complications of tattooing were found in 8. 6p, of the tattooed and they were pyoderma, hypertrophic scar, keloid, lymphadenopathy, post-inflammatory ]yper-and hypopigmentation, and scar formation about tattoos. 6. The removd of tatoos were tried all by tattooed themselves. The most frequent method used was scratching up with a knife and others were cigarette burn, attatchment of bean-curd, rubbing with salt, and chemical burns with hydrochloric acid. etc.