We have an unusual case of a teenage patient who recived an injury from a
fluorescent marker pen. This has resulted in a 'tottoo' which glows in
discos and is very visible (green/yellow) in white light.
Our intention is to use selective photothermolysis to destroy the blob of
pigment. I have looked to find the absorption of such inks, but have only
found some 'generic' spectra. I am aware of 'Blak-ray' professional tattos
and their problems. However the tatto fraternity advise overtattoing with
black or other standard pigments to allow the fluorescent pigment to
'escape' through the new healing tatto. Not the course of action for a
facial 'blob' as in our case.
I imagine that some intense pulsed long-wave UV may thermally disrupt this
pigment, but have absolutely no experience of such a technique. Perhaps the
yellow/green dye may be amenable to visible laser treatment? Has anyone out
there got any experience of removing such a tatto? Can anyone point me to
some good spectra of the inks used in cheap dayglo marker pens?
Thanks
Chris Edwards, PhD, MIPEM
Consultant Medical Physicist
Royal Gwent Hospital
Newport
Tel: 01633 238560 Fax: 01633 215729
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