A 26-year-old man who had an asymptomatic tattoo for nine years suffered a minor laceration. Following this, he developed a localized, then a generalized eczematous eruption, apparently due to mercury. It is thought that the laceration was responsible for precipitating this generalized sensitization. Excision of the tattoo resulted in marked improvement. However, patient required a minimal maintenance dose of triamcinolone for approximately three months following surgery.