$Unique_ID{BRK01491} $Pretitle{} $Title{Diabetics and Tattoos} $Subject{tattoo diabetes mellitus social problems special procedures skin subcutaneous tissue tattoos diabetics diabetic healing infection cellulitis blood poisoning tattooing tattooed community problem procedure tissues heal infections} $Volume{Q-20, P-20, L-20} $Log{ Diabetes Mellitus*0009802.scf} Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. Diabetics and Tattoos ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 willingly undergo. ---------------- 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.