Medical tattoos may pose health risks

Washington, Apr 22 (ANI): A new study has claimed that there's a need for doctors to know about medical tattoos-an increasingly popular trend to let others know about one's medical condition.

One of the most obvious benefits of medical tattooing is for identification purposes in an emergency situation.

And it is especially useful for patients with diabetes, when a patient may be incapacitated-particularly in the case of hypoglycemic coma.

But, the study's primary author, Saleh Aldasouqi, MD, FACE, has said that it could also pose some health concerns, which the medical community might have to handle.

"Like it or not, tattooing for purposes of medical alerts is a phenomenon that is now occurring," said Aldasouqi.

He added: "It's imperative that the medical community take note and that, perhaps, appropriate regulation of the practice be proposed, especially for patients with diabetes."

And if that happens, Aldasouqi hopes that patients and their doctors could sit down, analyse the risks and benefits, and make an informed decision together.

The study will be presented at the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) 18th Annual Meeting and Clinical Congress. (ANI)