$Unique_ID{BRK01491}
$Pretitle{Community and Social Problems, Special Procedures and Laboratory
Tests, Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue}
$Title{Diabetics and Tattoos}
$Subject{tattoo diabetes}
$Volume{Q-20, P-20, L-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Diabetics and Tattoos


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QUESTION:  I have been a diabetic for 5 years.  I am 22 and have been thinking
about getting a tattoo.  I don't really follow my diet and I was told diabetics
shouldn't get tattoos because we have a slow healing process.  I am willing to
take the risk.  Please answer this as soon as possible because I am going to
get it in the next two months.

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ANSWER:  It looks as though you have already made up your mind, and if you're
expecting to get me to approve this foolishness, you had better think it
through again.  I don't want to put all the blame on you, for certainly
society and my profession is a bit at fault for not getting through to you,
but I can't help but wonder what is going on inside your head.  With all the
educational information available about diabetes and the dangers of its
complications when not cared for, you seemed to have been missed.  Perhaps at
22 you feel immortal, but the chronic perils of your untreated disease will
soon chop away at your years, and shorten your time with us here on earth.
Not only do you risk poor healing, but the dangers of infection in an
uncontrolled diabetic are frightening.  Once the protection provided by the
skin against infection has been pierced by that little needle, a local
infection can extend to cellulitis, blood poisoning, and even permanently
effect your kidneys as well.  We are not talking here about an infection that
is easy to treat with antibiotics but one with serious complications, leading
to permanent damage and death.  And don't tell me how your tattoo artist is
careful about keeping his instruments clean.  If he takes you on as a client
(that is if you admit your problem to him), he is submitting you to a risk no
sensible person would be willing undergo.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
