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Including Allergic Reactions and Migration
Allergic reactions are a concern to all of us in PC. We rarely heard of them until early 2003 when reports of allergic reactions to Premier Pigments True Color Concentrates began. These allergic reactions were uncommonly severe and frequent and affected brow, eyeliner and lipcolor clients. The problem orange pigment has since been identified and eliminated from the manufacturer's pigments, according to Premier. Do NOT do any retouches over a Premier True Color Concentrate with any pigments as allergic reactions have been associated with using safe pigments over Premier True Colors after such retouches. Do NOT use ANY True Color Concentrates as they have now all been recalled. For a list of colors associated with allergic reactions go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-tat2.html
Many of us do not know how to tell the difference between an allergy to an aftercare product such as Bacitracin, a fever blister breakout, warts (yes, warts) and a true allergic reaction to pigment. What do we do and to whom do we turn in the event of a severe pigment allergic reaction? A team of doctors has evolved and is in place to help guide you and your clients.
A problem within the first week is not a pigment allergic reaction usually. They get better and not worse. Do not create "false alarms" because you or your client has these common signs in the first week following the procedure.
Swelling |
Pain |
Fever Blisters |
Flaking/Peeling |
| Swelling lasts up to 3 days normally on eyeliner and lips. Exessive Swelling may be due to an allergy to Bacitracin or Neosporin, not pigment. |
Discomfort following lipcolor procedures may last up to 2 weeks. Eyelid discomfort may last up to 3 days. Brows are tender but not painful. |
 Blisters of the lips are a sign of either fever blisters (breakout on about Day 3 following the lipcolor procedure) or overworking the lips with the needles. The client needs a prescription for Zovirax or Valtrex. |
The body flakes off the outer layers of skin naturally. A good example is when you have a sunburn and your skin peels off. With permanent makeup, flaking is simply a sign that the body is healing. Prolonged flaking or dryness beyond 1-2 weeks indicate a prolonged healing period. Lips may need moisture balms for a long time. No allergic reaction; Normal lips after micropigmentation; dry and "crinkly" for a period of time in many
Jewelry Allergy: stainless steel needles contain nickel and chromium and have been reported to call transient puffiness of the eyelids. Usually these reactions subside over time without treatment. |
Puffiness |
Bruising |
Impetigo (infection) |
Bacitracin Allergy: Blisters/Swelling eyelids/Brows |
| Puffiness of the eyelids for up to 3 days following the procedure is normal. Are you allergic to jewelry? This may make you puffy longer. |
Bruising is most common on the eyelids and lips. It goes away within 3-5 days. |
Impetigo is a skin bacterial infection characterized by blisters that may itch and which needs treatment by a physician. This is NOT a pigment allergic reaction. Yellow crusting occurs during the healing process. Impetigo is contagious.  |
Aftercare ointments such as Bacitracin cause severe swelling, blistering, itching and discomfort. The treatment is to stop using the ointment and the client will get better. Use only bland aftercare ointments such as Healquick, Aquaphor or Vaseline and you will not have this problem. |
But first things first. Here are the signs of a true allergic reaction which need a doctor's attention:
| Cracking |
Bleeding |
Swelling |
Bumps |
Dry skin |
| Oozing |
Pain |
Itching |
Skin Raised like Puff Paint |
Blisters |
| Scabbing |
Burning |
Won't heal |
Gets worse |
Tender to touch |
Allergic Reaction brow: puff paint appearance; raised
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Granulomas in Lip
Pigment Allergy [Australia 200] |
Eyelid Pigment Allergy
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Granulomas in Lip 11/06
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1) Name and Age of Client
2) See the client and get good pictures
3) Document any prior procedures done before your procedures: List pigments used if known
4) Document dates of each procedure you did, the location and the pigments used
5) Lips: Document if client has history of fever blisters
or if they have used any long lasting lipcolor such as Lip Ink
6) Spot Test: Check your spot test area behind the ear in the hairline. If you have NOT done a spot test, then do one now. If the result is negative then you will rule out a pigment allergic reaction. If it is positive, you can use that site for a punch biopsy.
7)
Contact the manufacturer by phone or email. Send photos to manufacturer. If they do not respond, send a copy of your email via Registered Mail to the manufacturer.
8) Send your client to a dermatologist. Request client and physician visit this "Allergic Reactions" page on the Academy Website: www.micropigmentation.org/allergic_reactions/index.php
9) Tell dermatologist they should NOT inject steroids into the site. Doctors sometimes think they're dealing with hypertrophic scarring in these cases. So they need to get a punch biopsy before any treatment begins. Why? Because local steroids, laser or overtattooing with salt water can affect the tissue. An Academy physician can speak with the doctor if you wish.
10)
Call 888/664-9990 for information. Get a copy of the Academy Spot Test recommendations.
FDA ALERTS see links below
FDA Alerts
Consumers About Adverse Events Associated with "Permanent Makeup"
July 2, 2004
Temporary Tattoos
and Henna/Mehndi and
FDA's
Import Alert on Tattoo Removers
TATTOOS and
PERMANENT MAKEUP
updated July 2 2004
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Form for VOLUNTARY reporting of adverse (migration) or allergic reactions to pigments used in permanent makeup.Click here to download Colorwatch™ Form. This will help alert consumers and professionals against a possible problem pigment.
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