Hyperalgesia after volar wrist tattoo: a case of complex regional pain syndrome?

Abstract

Hyperalgesia after a volar wrist tattoo with features consistent with complex regional pain syndrome and a brief literature review is presented. This is the first case of disseminated hyperalgesia reported from a tattoo. It could be related to the increased pain associated with wrist tattooing and the proximity to the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve. The response to prednisone was robust. Further cases may appear considering popularization of wrist tattoos by celebrities.