- Tattoo are the designs imprinted in the skin by multiple small puncture wounds with needles dipped in colouring matter, such as Indian ink, carbon, cinnabar, indigo, cobalt, Prussian blue, etc.
- It is most permanent when dyes are deposited into dermis.
- If the pigment is deposited below the epidermis, it may disappear after ten years.
- Tattoos on hands disappear early due to constant friction.
- A faded tattoo mark becomes visible by use of ultraviolet lamp, infrared photography or rubbing the part.
- In decomposed body, it is seen after removal of epidermis as dye is deposited in nearby lymph nodes.
Medico-Legal Importance-
- Identity
- Religion.
- God of worship.
- Personal Habits
- Sexual Inclination
- Social Status
- Indecent designs point to perversions.
- Designs may indicate a particular country or region.
- Drug addicts tattoo to cover needle puncture marks.