[Trauma due to blank cartridges and fireworks. Early and correct treatment prevents tattooing and scarring].

Traumata secondary to blank cartridges and fireworks are not harmless at all. They can cause cosmetic disfigurement due to permanent tattooing and scars. Often the face and hands are injured. Fourteen patients with blast injuries were treated between 1992 and 2002 in our clinic. The average age was 20.4 years (range: 13-41 years, median: 17.5 years). Eight patients were aged under 18 years. Most of the victims were males (11 of 14). According to the extent of the powder tattooing we removed the particles under local or general anesthesia within 24 h. We used sterile tooth and hand brushes. After the operation we treated the wounds with local antibiotics. We describe two cases to illustrate our procedure. Early correct treatment of tattooing caused by fireworks or gun powder explosions within 24 h up to a maximum of 72 h prevents the development of permanent cosmetic disfigurement. The technique is simple, effective, and saves the cost of later removal of traumatic tattoos by laser or dermabrasion.